The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1898-01-13

ton of Abraham Lincoln against Stephen
A. Douglass, more than forty years ago,
by the people of Illinois in state con-
vention and that of Marcus A. Hanna by
the republicans of Ohio in state conven-
ton of 1897, there has absolutely not
been one member of the legislature, be
it said to the glory of our common
country, who has refused to ratify
nomination so made by the people.
"A member of the Ohio legislature,
elected as republican, who this week
casts his vote against Mr.. Hanna Gf
there be one), will have the distinction of
making the first example of such perfdy
in his party's and, we blieve, in his coun-
try's history. The infamy of such
breach of trust, should it occur, would
thus first stain the name of our beloved
state. We feel justified in appealing to
all the people and to all in public au-
thority, without regard to past or pres
! ent party affiliations or sympathies to
stay this threatened blow. 1t would be the
severest blow ever administered in civil
affairs against our governmental system.
! 1t would constitute plain violation of
/ the spirit, if not the letter, of the Ohio
| constitution, which members of the gen
| eral assembly have taken a solemn oath
| to support. The bill of rights (constitu-
| ton, Art. /, Sec b provides: The peo-
| Il peaceable manner to consult for their
| common good and to instruct their rep
resentatives.'
"1'he people of Ohio sending republi-
can representatives to the general as
sembly have instructed them to vote for
Senator Hanna, not only in the state
| convention but in the district and coun-
| ty conventions, by common understand
! ings ard instructions accordingly given,
and the violation of these instructions is
crime against our institutions and sub
ject to constitutional limitations, and
should be made felony. We are loath
to believe that present hate, actual or
fancied grievances, or other motive can
| thus induce members to violate the
fundamental law. 1t is not alone for
Senator Hanna, nor for or against any
other individual that we make this appeal
to the republican members of the general
assembly. 1t is not a question of per-
sons. 1t is not even a question of
parties. 1t rises high above both and in
olives the preservation Of our republican
system of government. The simple ques-
ton is: Shall the people rule as the
founders of our government intendedT
When the peoples agents can not be
trusted to execute their expressed will
that moment marks the decadence and
fall of the republic.
"We. appeal to Governor Bushnell to
exert his influence now to stay this
threatened assault upon the federal gov
eminent. We, as his constituents, cling
to the hope that he will not fail to heed
the voice of the party which twice elected
him governor, the voice of the mighty
people of the state of Ohio, and the obi
cations of good citizenship and good gov
eminent, all representations to the con.
trary Notwithstanding; and that he will
withdraw the line of his opposition to
| Mr. Honno nv uS dpaply rpprpftpd and
unforeseen, and this threatened breach
of his public trust. Our faith in his re-
publican sm and integrity of purpose
hitherto entertained, and not now aban-
dOned, is such as to Justify the hope that
he will, in unmistakable terms, advise
and use his influence in every proper
form against the violation of the instruc-
lions as given by the people to their rep
resentatives. 1t is true he has no vote
in the election of senator. He has no
vote on any other matter subject to leg
islative cognizance. Because of that are
we to be told that he can not properly
express his view on so vital a matter us
is now involved?
| 1--WE must reject the reports that any
supposed or actual present grievances OF
other considerations will swerve him
from this manifest path of duty, there
fore, be it
II Resolved, That we condemn without
\ reserve this most unhOly conspiracy, and
protest in the name of the people of the
1 state of Ohio against it's further progress
/ and further success.
Resolved. further, That we call or
every republican member of the general
assembly to be present in his seat or
next Tuesday, and by voice, by act and
by vote to carry into execution the full
fillment of the obligation assumed by
him when elected as such member, and
! Resolved, finally That we will wei
come most cordially to full cooperation
with us the republican members of said
general assembly, however they may have
voted or acted thus far in relation to the
subject matter of this declaration
Congressman Burton of Cleveland
made one of the most vigorous speeches
of the afternoon, and presented nam.
moth petition with over 1000 signatures
from the home of Senator Hanna in favor
of his election. Other prominent Ohioans
made vigorous speeches, after which the
meeting closed with three cheers for the
republican party, followed by three
I CHEERS Tor Hanna.
After the meeting Hanna was sere-
naded at the Neil House. Mr. Hanna
was compelled to make many speeches
during the day and evening" and in all
his responses expressed the fullest con-
tdence in the final outcome of the pend
| ing contest.