The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 22, July 1918 - April, 1919 Page: 104

The Southwestern Hislorical Quarterly

Prussian militarism which they had tried vainly to overthrow in
1848. They declare that "The Constitution of the United States
is the best of those now in existence," though they demand its
improvement by the direct election of the President and of the
United States senators. They also declare for civil service reform,
and for the recall by majority vote of representatives who have
ceased to represent the views of their constituents. So far as the
reviewer knows this is the earliest recognition in this. country of
the recall in its modern form.
But, perhaps the most interesting plank in the platform of our
German fellow-citizens of 1854, is their declaration for the spread
of republican doctrines throughout the world. "In order," said
they, "that the United States may occupy the position in inter-
national affairs to which they are entitled and to give force to
their influence in the growth of'liberty; we demand the recogni
tion and support through material aid of republican governments
throughout the world. We als6 demand the adequate protection
of American citizens abroad, and the maintenance of the Monroe
Doctrine." (For text of this platform in German, see pages
58-61.)
This sounds a good deal like a mid-nineteeth century demand
that "the world be made safe for democracy." It is safe to say
that few, if any, of the descendants of these refugees of '48 are to
be found among those who are disloyal to this county in the present
crisis.
The Appendix contains the vote for governor from the begin-
ning of statehood until the present time. It also contains the vote
cast for presidential electors since 1848 Other tables give the
vote for governor in the Democratic primaries, the prohibition vote
in 1887 and 1911, the vote for submission in the Democratic pri-
maries, and the poll-tax payments since the poll-tax law became
effective in Texas.
A thirty-page index of names and a carefully prepared subject
index completes the volume, a volume for which all students of
Texas history and politics are under lasting obligation to the
author. C. S. POTTS.

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