Year: 1871

In beginning the publication of new
Democratic paper at the Capital, it is deemed
proper to state, in general terms, the line Of
conduct that it win pursue


The Democratic Platform, passed at the
State Convention in January last, is the COM
mOn creed of our party in Texas, and in it
were embraced those principles on which
there was a common accord and complete
harmony. Although, prior to the cOnVsn-
ton, there was 3 difference of vieVs among
members of the Democratic pdfty, and to
some extent q strife among the various
journals. claiming attachment to the party,
yet, when met in convention, the present
Platform was adopted without q dissenting
Voice-no one desiring TO add to or take
from it single expression. It embraced all
that was desired by those who were deemed
extremists by some, and was accepted " ith
enthusiasm by the entire party, as being the
common point of union on which all wOulu
unite and support each other against Radi-
caliSm. S '


This paper is established in support of the
principles of Democracy as set forth in that
Platform. As that Platform was the result
of a due delibsration on the part of the dele
gates chosen by the masses of Texas Demo-
Gratis, aud brought harmony and union of
our before divided elements, to it alone
should We loolSa the continuing ground of
harmony and common brotherhood. As that
Platform brought the Democracy of Texas
together as unit and consolidated them
effectively for attack, and defense, it will be
the steady aim of this paper to keep the
principles embodied therein prominently be-
fore the people, and preserve that harmony
which is so essential to success, which is our
Only hope for relief from oppression and
ruin.


1t cannot but be apparent to Democrats,
that onr OnlyihOp for saving this State from
ruin, is through the success of our party.
Withost seme self-sserifce, as regards indi-
vidusl views !, and without that cOnciliatOry
spirit which will keep the Democracy as a
unit, our success is doubtful. 1t is especially
dangerous to endeaIor to engrsft on the
party new principles which are not inevitable
sequences of doctrines in the Platform.


One chief aim of this paper will be, the
preservation of that harmony that pervaded
the party on the rising of the convention
and binding together and rallying for the
contest with our enemies, every Democrat in
Texas.


As regards the views of the Democracy of
other States, there should be no cause for
difference among the Democrats of Texas
The Democracy of each State is unit on
its own platform. When our delegates meet
in National Convention, then there will be
time and place for discussions and concilia-
tons so as to form a common platform, on
which all can make battle in National
political contests. Ifthose compromises can
be made, and there can be common creed
for union purposes, the Democracy of the
United States win again be in the ascen>
dency if otherwise, as a party we cannot
know what will be our fate.


Our aim in Texas should be, to send sound
men to the National conVentiOn-those who
see our great danger, and trust to their wis
dom in their action to do for the best.


We certainly cannot gain any advantage
in Texas by making Texas Democrats enter
into controversy with each other regard
ing the visws of othsr States, thus creating
discord and distrust as to our party. Nor
can we hope to change the views of mea of
other States. The questions now before the
country have been under discussion for six
years, and it is only through our next Ma
tional convention that We can hope for an
entire harmony of State platforms: We
stand as Democrats on our own creed, and
unless the Democracy of Texas in eonven-
ton should change its views, our delegates
to the next convention will urge measures in
accord with our State creed. 1t is on this
creed that we plant ourselves, and a. iAs
advocate, we will seek the perpetual har>
monization of all Democrats. F.


The aim of the convention in the estab-
lishmeRt of q paper at the Capital, which
should be under an editorial corps chosen by
the Executive Committee, has been thought
by some to be injudicious It has been
feared that such paper weuld assume
a dogmatism that would bs obnoxious to the
Democratic. press of the State and create a
discoTd. If there be complaints in advance,
we only ask Democrats to delay judgement
and the press to not plant on a theory that
will be bAselsss, and to their prejudice and
that of the party.


All Democratic organs in this State should
battle from one base alone-that is the State
Platform. Such is our dogmatism, that we
go for its support at all times, without
nlsrgemsnt-without diminution.


As regards the public measures that are
not necessarily of partizan character, we
have much to say, and shall be active in
advocating ancient Democratic, sdministrs.
tions on economy-laboriug for the welfare
and interests of the whole people,


The columns of this paper are not opened
to mere individual advancement, nor to petty
prejudices against certain men in poll tical
matters Without eudeaVoring to frame, as
journal, the action Of conventions, the
paper will be ever ready, as should all
Democrats, to support the nominees of regu-
lar conventions of the party. When the
people act. in convention it will be our aim to
assist that action to success.


As q newspaper, while the effort of Demo-
Gratis is expected on the ground that We will
be sound in politics and true to their interests
and that this paper is An establishment of
the Delegates of the Convention, yet it will
be more. 1t is the aim of the publishers to
make the paper, in point of mechanical exc
cution and miscellaneous news attractiveAess,
unsurpassed by any in the State. Like all
enterprises, this paper must depend for sue