The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942 Page: 26
409 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Southwestern Historical Quarterly
of acceptance of the office, Milner stated officially his political
creed.
I believe with Jefferson, the greatest advocate of
popular government, that the will of the majority in
all cases should prevail. But in the same sentence in
which he laid down this wise axiom, he declared that
we should at all times bear in mind the sacred prin-
ciple that that will, to be rightful, must be reason-
able; that the minority possess their equal right, which
equal law must protect, and which to violate is op-
pression.
While we are the exponents of a political majority
that is imperious in numbers, yet with a patriotism
enlightened and invigorated by experience, and with a
magnanimity of soul characteristic of all lovers of
liberty, we should guarantee to every man elected to
this House, of whatever political school, that freedom
of speech for which the blood of our heroes was spilt
and to which the wisdom of our sages was dedicated,
and without which our Democratic institutions would
totter and fall to pieces.
Texas is larger than any partisan majority, and the
patriotism of her masses is not inferior to nor more
selfish than the patriotism of her wisest and noblest
sons. Hence, Texas does not only expect every man
armed with a public trust to perform his duty, but
under our benign institutions she has a very emphatic
way of compelling him to do it or to seek refuge be-
neath a well-sheltered private life. Were it otherwise,
a solicitude for the public weal should prompt us to
a conscientious and faithful performance of our official
duties . . .
Thanking you again, gentlemen, for the partiality
you have shown me, I pledge you my impartiality in
presiding over your deliberations."23
Conflicting opinion over the selection of speaker is exemplified
in the following excerpts from newspaper comment.
Jim Browning did well, and came within two votes
of defeating sectionalism and sentimentalism, the most
potent of political factors.-Fort Worth Gazette.
West Texas didn't get the speakership, but an able
and worthy editor, Mr. Robt. T. Milner of Rusk, did get
it by a majority of three votes. Having known brether
Milner personally for many years, The Times extends
'23House Journal, Twenty-second Legislature, 3.26
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
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 Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942, periodical, 1942; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth146053/m1/32/: accessed April 30, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.