USA > Texas > A School History of Texas: From Its Discovery in 1685 to 1893. For the Use of Schools, Academies, Convents, Seminaries, and all Institutions of Learning > Part 19
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Pendleton Murrah was inaugurated on the 5th of Novem- ber, 1863, as the successor of Governor Lubbock.
The currency of the Confederacy received at par for taxes, and paid out at the same rate as salaries, was not of sufficient value to purchase the necessaries of life.
In February, 1864, the Legislature authorized the Gov- ernor to raise a reserve corps as State troops, demanded by the situation of the northern and western counties, where the Indians, unrestrained by rangers and United States troops, and instigated by lawless white men among them, were ravaging that portion of the country.
The new conscript law of the Confederacy left little ma- terial of which to form the requisite companies. This state of things brought about a fresh collision of executive author- ity. The Governor wished the State troops to proceed to their brigade encampments at Houston, and there organize, according to the provisions of the State law, and be trans- ferred to the Confederate service in a body if necessary. Magruder declined to accept them as State troops under any organization, but determined to draw his recruits from the Trans-Mississippi department by application of the conscript requisition.
QUESTIONS .- How was the election of President Lincoln regarded in Texas ? What was Governor Houston's wish ? What was done ? Were they recognized by Houston and the Legislature ? Who presided ? When was the ordinance of secession passed ? By what vote ? Was it ratified by the people ? What further was done by the convention ? When did the convention reassemble ? What was the next step ? What ordinance was passed on the 14th of March ? What was hoped ? What of the military posts of the State ? What of the war in Texas ? What was the military age ? Who was elected Governor in 1861 ? What occurred in 1863 ? By whom was he succeeded ? What was
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the number of troops from Texas in the Confederate army ? What was done on the coast of Texas ? What did Magruder determine ? What was the number of his troops ? What was the plan of attack ? Describe the battle. What disaster happened to the Westfield ? What did the Texians do ? What further attempt was made on the Texas harbors ? What noted Texian died July 26, 1863 ? What points did the Federal General Banks take in 1863 ? Did he retain possession ? Who succeeded Governor Lubbock ? What was done in February, 1864 ? What of the conscript law of the Confederacy ?
CHAPTER LXI. BANKS' INVASION.
LATE in 1863 General Tom Green of Texas, with General Mouton of Louisiana, conducted a series of movements against the Federals at Fort Donelson, on the Atchafalaya Bayou. General Majors commanded several regiments on the east side, while Green and Mouton were on the west. Much severe fighting occurred, the Texians losing Major A. D. Burns, Colonel James Reiley, and other valued men.
From New Orleans late in March, 1864, General Banks began his famous advance up Red River. Thereupon Gen- eral E. Kirby Smith, commanding all Confederate troops west of the Mississippi, issued orders for the concentration of all troops then in Louisiana, Southern Arkansas, and Texas, the point of rendezvous being in the region of Mansfield, in Northern Louisiana. By April 7th a fine army had concen- trated in that locality to cooperate with General Richard Taylor, then commanding in Louisiana. Banks began his advance up Red River, General Taylor retreating before him.
Among the Texian generals were Brigadier-Generals H. P. Bell, Wm. P. Hardeman, X. B. DeBray, Major-Generals Tom Green and John A. Wharton. At Mansfield, on the 8th of April, and Pleasant Hill, on the 9th, battles were fought. The result of the two days' fighting was the defeat of General Banks' army, which retreated down Red River, .
seeking wherever practicable the protection of their gun-
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boats. On the 14th of April a battle was fought at Blair's Landing, in which Major-General Tom Green was killed.
The Federals having retreated to Alexandria and Atcha- falaya, another severe battle occurred at Yellow Bayou, the Texians, under General Wharton, losing heavily. While these movements were being made by General Banks, with a view of uniting with him in northwest Louisiana, the Federal General Steele moved south from Little Rock. Then fol- lowed the battle of Poisoned Springs, the Confederates being victorious. The troops north of Red River concentrated under General Magruder as the Federals retreated down Red River. Those on the north from Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, moved against Steele, who retreated towards Little Rock, hotly pursued, with more or less fighting daily. The Saline River being very high and overflown, with wide, timbered bottoms, gave General Steele such an advantage as proved disastrous to the Confederates, whose loss was heavy. Generals Wm. R. Scurry and Horace Randall were killed, besides many other officers and men. This ended the pursuit.
Brownsville, after its abandonment by Banks, was again occupied by Colonel John S. Ford ; later General Slaughter became the ranking officer. So matters stood in Texas till the surrender of General Lee in Virginia to General Grant, on the 9th of April, 1865, followed by that of General Joseph . E. Johnston to General Sherman in North Carolina, includ- ing various commands in adjoining States not with, but under, General Johnston.
Before these events virtually closing the war became known on the Rio Grande, the last battle of the war was fought by Colonel John S. Ford, with troops sent from Brazos, Santiago, and Point Isabel, where there was a large Federal force. On the morning of May 13th Colonel Ford moved from Brownsville, with a small force, down the river to the San Martin Ranche. Here, about two o'clock, P.M., he . found Captain Wm. Robinson with a few men skirmishing
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with an advance of about fifteen hundred Federals from the direction of Brazos Island. Colonel Ford formed his men and charged. Three times the Federals turned to check them, with loss to themselves. General Slaughter arriving, skirmishing was kept up until dark.
The final formal surrender of the Trans-Mississippi department, including Texas, was made on board a United States flagship, off Galveston bar, on the 2d of June, 1865. General E. Kirby Smith, commander of that department, accompanied by General Magruder and other officers, went on board of the vessel for that purpose. On the 19th the Federal General Granger landed and took military possession.
By proclamation General Granger announced the freedom of the slaves and the suspension of all civil and military authority in Texas as a State of the Confederate Government. Governor Murrah died soon after in Mexico.
For the time being, President Johnson appointed provis- ional governors for the different States, and soon afterward had conventions called to form new constitutions adapted to the changed conditions. Hon. Andrew J. Hamilton was made provisional Governor of Texas. In a short time he ordered an election for January 8, 1866, to elect delegates to a convention clothed with power to form a new constitution.
The convention met February 10th, and elected James W. Throckmorton as its president. A constitution was formed, and ratified by a vote of the people June 4, 1866, at which time, also, all State, district, and county officers were elected-James W. Throckmorton, Governor, and George W. Janes, Lieutenant-Governor. The Legislature met and organized August 13, 1866, Nathaniel M. Burford of Dallas being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Governor and Lieutenant-Governor were installed, then the provisional government ceased.
The Legislature enacted such laws as were deemed neces- sary, and adjourned. This action, and President Johnson's
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plan of reconstruction were disapproved by Congress, and Texas was again provisionally put under military control, being, with Louisiana, declared to be Military District No. 5, under General Sheridan, with headquarters in New Orleans ; while under him, General Griffin, with headquarters in Gal- veston, commanded Texas. On July 30, 1867, General Sheridan removed Governor Throckmorton, and appointed ex-Governor Pease instead. A new registration of voters was ordered, and the State divided into fifteen registration districts. General Winfield S. Hancock for a time succeeded General Sheridan ; in a short time he was superseded by General J. J. Reynolds, with headquarters in Austin.
QUESTIONS. . What movement did Generals Green and Mouton conduct in 1863 ? Whom did the Texfans love ? When did General Banks begin his famous advance up Red River ? What move did General Kirby Smith order in consequence ? With whom were they to cooperate ? What officers were among the Texians ? Where and when were bat- tles fought ? What were the results of these two days' fights ? When was the next battle fought ? What Confederate general was killed ? To where had the Federals retreated ? What battle occurred ? What was General Banks' object in making these moves ? What movements did General Steele make ? What battle followed ? Describe the movement of troops under Magruder. What gave General Steele an advantage ? What generals were killed ? Who occupied Brownsville after Banks' abandonment ? When did General Lee surrender ? Where and when was the last battle of the war fought ? Who was in command of the Confederate troops ? Where did Ford go on May 13th ? Give an account of the skirmishes. When and where did the final formal surrender of the Trans-Mississippi department take place ? Who was the commander of that department ? What Federal general took military possession ? What proclamation did he issue ? Where did Governor Murrah die ? Who became provisional Governor of Texas ? What election did he order ? Who was president of the convention ? What was the result of this convention ? What officers were elected at this time ? When did the Legislature meet ? Why was Texas again placed under military rule ? Under whose control ? Who was appointed Governor ? What new method of voting was introduced ? Who succeeded General Sheridan in com- mand ? Who succeeded General Hancock ?
CHAPTER LXII.
DAVIS'S ADMINISTRATION-COKE'S ADMINISTRATIONS.
GOVERNOR PEASE resigned as provisional Governor, and from that time till February, 1870, the State was directly under military government. A second convention, elected
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under orders from General Griffin, assembled June 1, 1868, elected Edmund J. Davis as its president, and was officially recognized by Governor Pease. It sat three months, ad- journed, and reassembled December 7th, finally adjourning February 6, 1869. The constitution framed by it was placed in the hands of General E. N. R. Canby, who had it prop- erly enrolled and submitted to the people for ratification or rejection at an election to be held in July, at which time, also, should be elected State and county officers. President Grant changed the date of election to the 30th of November and the first three days of December.
At that time Edmund J. Davis was elected Governor, with a full set of State officers and a new Legislature. A military order declared this election provisional, and ordered the Legislature to meet in provisional session February 5, 1870. It met, ratified the fourteenth and fifteenth amend- ments to the Constitution, elected Messrs. Morgan C. Ham- ilton and James W. Flanagan to the United States Senate, and adjourned to await the action of Congress on the new Constitution. Congress accepted the Constitution March 30, and the United States Senators took their seats. During this delay General Reynolds appointed E. J. Davis* provis- ional Governor. The Legislature, now recognized as regu- lar, reassembled April 26th, and Governor Davis took the oath on the 28th. Thereupon the military powers of the United States ceased to exercise civil power in Texas, and the State, theoretically at least, resumed the rights of self- government. Governor Davis served till January 14, 1874, nearly four years. General Grant was President, and but
* Edmund J. Davis was born in Florida, and came to Galveston in 1848. In 1850 he settled at Laredo, where he served as district attorney ; then, for some years, up to the war, as district judge. During the war he was a colonel and brigadier-general in the Union army. He served in the con- vention of 1866, and presided over that of 1868-69. His term as Governor was from April 28, 1870, to January 14, 1874. He died in Austin during Ireland's administration.
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little uneasiness was felt by Texas in regard to the course of the Federal government. They now had to do only with their own State government. The period covering the ad- ministration of Governor Davis was one of such bitter ani- mosities, involving such a series of events, as to preclude its elaboration in a school history ; the detailed occurrences must be sought in a general history of the State.
The Legislature made grants of six million dollars each to the Texas and Pacific and the International Railroads, to be paid in interest-bearing bonds running thirty years ; one set drawing ten, and the other eight per cent. interest, thus aggregating an interest-bearing debt of twelve million dollars. Laws were passed creating a body of State police, reserved militia, and State guard ; leaving one per cent. school tax for erecting schoolhouses, creating a large number of State, district, and county school officers, and clothing the Governor with the power of appointing these and others, from town officers to judges of the supreme and district courts, numbering over nine thousand official positions. The Governor was clothed with power to suspend the civil, and, in its stead, to proclaim martial law at his discretion. At different times this power was exercised in the counties of Limestone, Marion, Hill, Walker, and others.
In 1871 there assembled in Austin a Tax Payer's State Convention, non-partisan in character, and largely composed of men who had opposed secession and adhered to the Union during the war. Among these was its president, ex-Gov- ernor Pease, ex-Governor Andrew J. Hamilton, and others of the same class.
This body, in an elaborate exposition, recited and con- demned the acts complained of, as tending to inevitable bankruptcy.
The thirteenth Legislature assembled January 14, 1873. It sat till June and did much in correcting the abuses com- plained of in regard to elections, martial law, State police, and
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other matters. It rid the State of the six millions impend- ing bonds to the Texas and Pacific Railroad, by substituting land instead of bonds. In November, 1873, Richard Coke was elected Governor, and Richard B. Hubbard Lieutenant- Governor. One-half the Senate and a full House of Repre- sentatives were also elected.
COKE'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION.
The fourteenth Legislature assembled in January. Gov- ernor Davis assumed that his term should continue to April 28th, four years from his installation. Four years was the general constitutional term ; but a special clause, in order to avoid confusion as to the time of subsequent elections, provided that the first Governor should serve four years from his election. There was much excitement.
President Grant refused Governor Davis's application for troops to maintain his position. Thus admonished, the Gov- ernor retired on the night of January 13-14, 1874. Coke and Hubbard were sworn in, both branches of the Legislature organized, and the last semblance of authority not spring- ing from the voluntary action of the people disappeared.
The promised six millions of bonds pledged by the twelfth Legislature to the International Railroad were sub- stituted by a grant of lands. Under Coke's first administra- tion much was done to further correct evils complained of ; but the most important step taken was the enactment.of a law, March 15, 1875, calling a convention to form a new con- stitution. The delegates were elected August 2, 1875, and assembled in Austin, September 6th. After framing a con- stitution, and submitting it for ratification or rejection by the people at an election to be held February 18, 1876, the convention adjourned November 25, 1875. At the election in February there were one hundred and thirty-six thousand six hundred and six votes cast for the constitution, and fifty-six thousand six hundred and fifty-two against ; thus it
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was ratified by a majority of seventy-nine thousand nine hundred and fifty-four. The new constitution was to take effect April 18, 1876, hence it is known as the constitution of 1876 .*
At the same election in February a new Legislature was chosen and a full set of State officers ; Governor Coke and Lieutenant-Governor Hubbard were reelected.
The Legislature assembled and organized April 18th, Thomas R. Bonner being Speaker of the House. Coket and Hubbard were reinaugurated on the 25th.
On the 5th of May, Governor Coke was elected to the United States Senate, resigned the governorship December 1st, when Lieutenant-Governor Hubbard became Governor, with a little over a full term to serve.
Among the reforms under Governor Coke, the financial condition of the State rapidly improved-State bonds rose from a greatly depreciated value to a little above par ; the enormous State taxes were reduced from two dollars and thirty cents on the hundred dollars valuation to fifty cents ; the public debt was reduced four hundred thousand dollars ; the frontiers were better protected and extended, and the State institutions fostered.
QUESTIONS .- When did a second convention assemble ? Who was president ? How long did it sit ? When did it reassemble ? What of the constitution framed by it ? What officers were elected at the same time ? What change did President Grant make ? Who was elected Governor ? What did the military order declare ? What did they order ? What did they do on meeting ? For what did they adjourn ? Did Congress accept the
* This constitution, as since amended, is yet in force, and is appended in full, as now existing, to this school history.
t Richard Coke was born in Williamsburg, Va., in 1829, came to Waco, Texas, his present home, in 1853; a member of the Secession Convention, and a captain in the Confederate army ; served as a judge after the war ; Governor in January, 1874 ; in the United States Senate since 1876; present term expires March, 1895.
In order to fix all future elections for November, the terms of these first officers were to run from January, 1877, thus making this term two years and nine months.
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. constitution ? Who acted as Governor during this delay ? When did the Legislature re- assemble ? How long did Governor Davis serve ? Who was President at this time ? What of the period during Davis's term ? What was done by the Legislature ? What convention assembled in 1871 ? What did it do ? When did the thirteenth Legislature meet ? When was Coke elected Governor ? Who was Lieutenant-Governor ? When did the fourteenth Legislature meet ? What did Governor Davis claim ? Was he successful ? To whom did he appeal ? What did President Grant reply ? When were Coke and Hub- bard sworn in ? What of the bonds pledged to the International Railroad by the twelfth Legislature ? What was the most important act of Coke's first administration ? When did the convention meet ? When did it adjourn ? By what majority was it adopted ? As what is it known ? Who were Governor and Lieutenant-Governor at this same election ? What were some of the reforms of Coke's administration ?
CHAPTER LXIII. HUBBARD'S ADMINISTRATION,
BEGINNING December 1, 1876, was a continuation of the reforms earnestly advocated by him as Lieutenant-Gov- ernor, during the two terms of Governor Coke. A new penitentiary was established at the iron mines of Rusk, in Cherokee County ; the public debt was reduced a million of dollars ; the cause of education was much advanced.
The administrations of both Coke and Hubbard, * by their wise and economic, yet progressive, measures, added greatly to the general prosperity.
ROBERTS'S TWO ADMINISTRATIONS.
Oran M. Roberts, by a large majority, became Governor January, 1879.t
* Richard B. Hubbard was born in Walton County, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Virginia, and from the law department of Harvard ; settled at Tyler, Texas, still his home, in 1852. He served in the Legislature, and was United States District Attorney before the Civil War ; was a colonel in the Confederate army ; Lieutenant-Governor from January, 1874, to Decem- ber, 1876 ; then Governor till January, 1876 ; American Minister to Japan from 1885 to 1889. His speech at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 gave him a national reputation as an orator.
t He was reared in Alabama, came to East Texas in 1840 or '41, had been district judge and a member of the Supreme Court before the Civil War, president of the Secession Convention, a colonel in the Confederate army ;
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He urged upon the Legislature the policy of "paying as you go ; " in other words, reducing the public expenses within the public revenues ; for this emergency recommending a less appropriation for public schools. This caused opposition, but when, after a fair trial, it was shown that twenty-two thousand more children than ever before had been taught for a longer time, by a better grade of teachers, for one hun- dred and ninety-seven thousand dollars less money, the public sustained him. He was reelected and took the oath of office January, 1881. At the close of his first term there remained in the treasury three hundred thousand dollars for current expenses, and fifty thousand dollars to diminish the public debt. A million additional acres of land were set apart to the university, and three hundred and twenty-five leagues were surveyed and reserved as a special school fund for coun- ties yet to be organized. Joseph D. Sayers was the first, and Leonidas J. Story the second Lieutenant-Governor under Roberts.
JOHN IRELAND'S ADMINISTRATIONS
began in 1883, when he succeeded Roberts, and was re-elected two years later. Marion Martin was Lieutenant-Governor during the first term, and Barnett Gibbs during the second.
Some grave questions were wisely met and settled by Gov- ernor Ireland ; * among these was the matter of immense inclosure of land by wire fencing, for stock-raising purposes, chiefly in the northwest and southwest portions of the State.
and, after reconstruction, up to this time, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. After four years as Governor, he became Professor of Law in the State University till his resignation in 1893.
*Governor Ireland was born in Hart County, Kentucky, January, 1, 1827. He settled in Seguin, Texas, in 1853. He served in the Secession Convention, also in that of 1866 ; then in the Senate ; in the House in 1873; next in the Senate ; afterwards in the Supreme Court, from which he resigned ; was major and lieutenant-colonel in the Confederate army.
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This led to the cutting of such fencing by smaller holders, who greatly outnumbered the large proprietors. This diffi- culty, threatening great evils, was quieted by measures doing
STATE UNIVERSITY.
wrong to none. Complications in regard to the penitentiaries were overcome. Under an act for that purpose he purchased for the State the grounds of the Alamo, a spot hallowed in the history of the State. Governor Ireland also took steps which led to the repayment by the United States of about a million dollars previously expended by Texas for frontier protection.
ROSS'S TWO ADMINISTRATIONS. General Ross* succeeded Ireland in January, 1887, and
* Lawrence Sullivan Ross was born in Iowa, in 1838, his parents being recent settlers from Lincoln County, Missouri, who came to Texas in 1840. Educated in an Alabama college, when twenty years old he commanded a large company of friendly Indians under Major Earl Van Dorn in the battle of Antelope Hills in 1858. He commanded as captain, in 1860, in the fight on Pease River, in which Cynthia Ann Parker was rescued. He served in the Confederate army as major, colonel, and brigadier-general from 1861 to 1865 ; afterward sheriff of McLennan County, senator, a member of Constitutional
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was reelected in 1889. Thomas B. Wheeler was Lieutenant- Governor during both terms.
During his terms of office a second insane asylum was located at Terrell, and a third provided for at San Antonio, now in operation ; a State reformatory for boys, located at Gatesville ; the magnificent Capitol, provided for during
NEW STATE CAPITOL.
Roberts's administration, at a cost of three million acres of land, and prosecuted through Governor Ireland's terms, was completed and accepted.
HOGG'S TWO ADMINISTRATIONS.
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