The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-10-18
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
Urses Baker for ConEress.

the democratic nOsts were tn'e"eVneN "~
split In the party. when in the historical
carshed OF Houston, the plain people by
their representatives were casting about
for some one to lead them against this
new foe which had appeared, there arose
Moses in the Texas Israel who under
took--not. willingly--the task OF leading
the wanderers. He was put In charge, or
the head Of the committee, he made the
march, and under his guidance the true
democrats saw light ahead and soon VIC
tory from their enemies-in fact, all foes
were vanqushed, although they went
against hybrid army.
Who was this leader? Whence did he
come?
His home was the same as that Of War
wick" Clark Within about ten blocks Of
this Don Quixote of modern politics dwelt
the new leader, and his fame spreading
abroad turned anxious eyes to Waco.
Waller S. Baker, reared In McLennan
county, educated at Baylor university, ad-
mitted to the practice OF law by the Waco
bar, reared a Texan with democratic prin-
ciples as his guiding star, he accepted the
commission of the people and went TO battle
for the cause.
In the Turner hall convention OF 1892,
before the nomination OF Clark, the orators
OF the occasion all said From now until
the sth of November | shall be found where
the fight Is thickest. with my breast
barred to the bullets OF the enemy, battling
for the cause of pure democracy" Now.
TO their way OF thinking, pure democracy
was the kind that had Warwick blown
in the bottle They went out for the battle
and the eaden hail of the organized forces
OF the party perforated those barred breasts
SO that when the 9Th of November came
the cause Of pure democracy" had few
followers. The general without an army
sat within his carpeted halls and heard
the thunder sounds OF dropping ballots,
which brought on temporary attack of
deafness. Now the majority OF these mis-
guided voters who had been attracted BY
the deluslve tones OF this attorney for all
the railroads in Texas but two" have re-
turned to the faith Of their fathers and
are voting and talking for democracy
l was in that fight. l was one of the
perpetrators OF the Turner hall conyen
ton and was secretary. John Lane, the
chairman has returned to the party, ana
but admire the man who led the opposl-
TONS hght-Waller Baker. He sought to
hold together the democratic forces and
preserve to Texas that good government
so long her lot. AS chairman OF the demo-
cratic executive committee OF Texas. Mr..
Baker made fight that won for him the
encomums Of his fellow citizens.
Since the campaign in which Mr.. Baker
figured so prominently, he has been urged
each recurring two years to allow his
name TO be submitted to the people OF
the Seventh congressional district. Pendle
ton fell heir to the plum in 1892 by an
accident because the Gerald forces would
not allow tho opponents OF Big Sandy to be
nominated. In 1894 Pendleton was given
the courteous second term. In 1896
Robert l.. Henry, who IN 1894 failed to
be elevated to the office of attorney gen.
eral. after a service OF assistant to the
attorney general, was given the position.
Mr.. Henry had resided but short time
In Waco, but he was young and ambitious,
with many friends, and he secured the
nomination He made n strong fight for
the position. and II was the result of his
ability that defeated the republican
populist combination.
But with all this, the democrats OF the
district at this time naturally turn 10
Mr. Baker. when they cast about for
candidate to hold aloft the party colors,
when next they go to congressional bat
tie. He is suitable timber and to him
they desire to delegate the leadership.
have often thought that this continual urg-
Ing OF this man was useless; that he would
never accept. He told me four years ago
that he loved his practice and preferred to
remain at home among those he has
known from childhoods hours; that res
idence in the suburbs OF this quiet little
city, situated in grove of trees, lulled
to sleep by balmy breezes and awakened
by singing birds. was a happier lot TO
him than seat in the halls Of congress;
to appear In Texas courts and argue be-
FORE Texas Judge than 20 ascend in
lights Of oratSry in the representatives
hall believed that persuasion would fail |
to make him reconsider.
But at last the time has come. Mr..
Baker is again being urged TO make the |
race. From all parts OF the district they
ar. are turning to him and saying: Now is |
the accepted time Mr.. Baker has con- |
sidered the question md he will make |
the race He has not made the announce |
ment, but there is no doubt but the inHu- |
ence brought to bear Is OF slch wight |
tnat ne VIII agree to run for the seat now |
held by r. L. Henry. Mr.. Baker has |
me assurance Of strong support in Milan,
raiis and McLennan counties. Bell is the
'hiy other large county in the district,
ann smaller counties will give the Baker
ticket support, He can be nominated |
and. II so. "all Ii can't beat him."
hhere has been mentioned in this race
rom Henderson Of Cameron | saw Judge
henderson few DAYS ago, and from what
ne said | am satisfied he will not oppose
nr. Baker. II Baker were not I. candi-
late, Henderson would he Yantis. now
state senator from McLennan county. Is
llso mentioned but yantis is running
'.neuy on an anti-Henry ticket and will
not be in 1t.
The district will be Baker IS my onin-
on now, and have seen and heard ex-
SESSIONS from the people 1t was Mr.
saker who planned and arranged the ..har.
nony meeting at Dallas and The COM
mont OF the late Senator Coke ON # was.
~ was the most felicltous nrr,ngemen,
I'M could have been made; there was M
acrihee o. principle by either side"
J.H.Q.
who Is the nemocr.t,