Indian Wars and Pioneers of Texas Page: 768 of 894
762 p., [172] leaves of plates : ill., ports. ; 30 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
INDIAN WARS AND PIONEERS OF TEXAS.
661
He had an abiding faith and a lofty pride in the
great destiny of his State, and as Governor, he
fought to harmonize the varied and often conflicting
interests of the great commonwealth over which he
presided. Governor Ireland was a life-long Democrat
of,the.Jeffersonian school.
"He was a man who cared little for external appearances,
show, or ceremonious effect, and at his
-second'inauguration, his address, which he read
from a small'sheet of paper, was in dignified and
modest contrast with the vain display which modern
usage 'has introduced into inaugural exercises.
Texas had no statesman of sounder judgment, or
of more approved fidelity in the promotion and protection
of its interests and rights.
"As a public speaker, Gov. Ireland was forcible
and argumentative rather than fluent and eloquent.
His illustrations were plain and practical, his figures
of speech, apt and striking. In manner he was quiet
and rather reserved, but genial to those who knew
him intimately. As a citizen, he was ever temperate
in his habits of life, moral in his convictions,
just in his judgments and liberal in his views."
Governor Ireland's policy in the matter of the
great railroad strike of 1887 and the manner of its
prompt and vigorous suppression, was characteristic
of the man, and at the time attracted wide attention
and received the highest commendation and indorsement
of the press and the people throughout the
country. This great strike, owing to the heavy
railroad interests at Fort Worth, seemed to have
established its base of operations in this State at
that point, and all lines running in and out of that
city were tied up. The strikers were belligerent,
business paralyzed, and life and property were in
jeopardy. The status of affairs was wired to the
Governor at Austin, soliciting the protection of the
State government, and the dispatch found him temporarily
at Seguin. He returned immediately to
Austin, and with a detachment of State troops proceeded
forthwith to the scene of the difficulty. In
the Governor's arrival the strike leaders found
cause for reflection, which speedily resulted in
overtures to him for a settlement. They were, in
unmistakable terms, advised that all disorderly
strikers must promptly disperse, return to work, or
peaceably allow others to take their places, and
that traffic must resume before any terms of settlement
could be discussed; that unless they immediately
complied and ceased to unlawfully block the
wheels of business and avenues of trade, he would
open fire on them and that no blank cartridges
would be used. The Governor's action had the
desired effect; order was restored; in three hours'
time the strike was at an end and trains were running.
It was but a short time later that Governor
Rusk, of Wisconsin, emulated Governor Ireland's
example in subduing the strikers and mobs, in Milwaukee,
in precisely the same way. In November,
1885, another difficulty of almost a precise nature
arose at Galveston, and the Governor's intervention
was solicited. He responded with a characteristic
disapproval of the policy pursued, and a
proposition to defend the laws and maintain the
peace and dignity of the State even by force of
arms. The following communication in this connection
is significant: "
GALVESTON, TEXAS, Nov. 8th, 1885.
" HON. JOHN IRELAND,
" Governor of Texas.
"DEAR SIR: Your telegram of last night received.
I beg to state that the vessels with cargoes, wharves
and other property of this company (Galveston
Direct Navigation Co.), were voluntarily abandoned
at noon to-day, by those who had forcibly held
them until that time. The result, I believe, is attributable
to the prompt and emphatic assurances
given by you, that the law should be vindicated and
the rights of property maintained in this State. I
respectfully tender you, in behalf of this Company,
its thanks for the protection thus afforded it, and
through it, the commerce of Texas.
"Respectfully yours,
"J. J. ATKINSON,
" Supt."
In other matters, notably that of the selection of
stone for the exterior walls of the new State capitol,
Governor Ireland's discriminating sense of justice,
pride of State and excellent backbone did his people
of the Commonwealth a lasting and invaluable
service. It was in 1885 the foundation for the
structure had been laid, according to terms of the
contract, of Texas limestone. The contractors were
under bond to furnish, at their own expense, the very
best material for the entire structure. A sentiment
had been created, in certain circles, strongly favoring
granite in lieu of limestone as the best material.
The Governor, hearing rumors of a change of the
material decided upon, called a meeting of the
capitol board. The contractors here affirmed that
the crying demand for granite would be gratified,
if the commission desired it and the State would pay
for it. This, the Governor saw, contemplated an
extra appropriation of one million dollars, whereas
if granite was the best material, the contractors
were under bond to furnish it at their own expense.
The controversy shaped itself into a demand
for Indiana limestone, and in this the alert
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Related Items
Other items on this site that are directly related to the current book.
Indian Wars and Pioneers of Texas (Book)
A history of pioneers in Texas and their confrontations with local American Indians.
Relationship to this item: (Has Format)
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
Brown, John Henry. Indian Wars and Pioneers of Texas, book, 1880~; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth6725/m1/768/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.