REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TEXAS 
 The First 50 Years

GALVESTON, May 10

"The Republican State convention, agreeably to the published call of the State executive committee, met in Galveston. ' ' Fifteen counties were represented by delegates.

Officers: President pro tempore, George T. Ruby; permanent, B. Rush Plumley, of Galveston. Vice-Presidents, J. G. Tracy, of Harris ; Sheppard Mullins, of Bosque ; P. W. Hall, of Robertson; A. Bledsoe, of Dallas; Sanford Mason, of Galveston ; John Keppard, of Harris ; Joseph Fitz-Simmons, of Nueces.

Secretaries, G. W. Honey, of Galveston ; W. H. Mann, of Galveston; Richard Allen, of Harris.

Committee on Platform and Resolutions: G. T. Ruby, John McLane, of Nueces, J. G. Tracy, A. Bledsoe, F. Schlikam, of Cameron, P. W. Hall, S. Mullins. W. A. Taylor, and the President.

TENTATIVE PLATFORM ¹

[This platform was not adopted, but was "referred to the meeting of the 1st Monday in June," to which day the convention adjourned.]

WHEREAS, It is proper and commendable for the people of a republic to come together and consult upon all subjects of a political nature, and give to the world their opinions and wishes upon all matters of public concern; therefore, the loyal Republicans of Texas, sincerely attached to our National government, do resolve:

1. That we most heartily approve of the proposed Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and we will use our best endeavors to cause the adoption of the same by this State. We believe the principle so broadly laid down in the proposed Fifteenth Amendment, that the general government should and of right ought to establish the suffrage throughout the entire limits of the United States upon a uniform basis, is just and right in itself, and we plant our standard upon it.

2. That this Convention heartily joins in the sentiments of the President of the United States, as enunciated in his inaugural address, when he said "let us have peace," and to the end that peace and harmony may prevail in our ranks we are willing to make every reasonable concession to the members of our party who differ from us on minor questions of policy, always maintaining inviolate the fundamental principles as enunciated in the doctrines of the National Republican party.

3. That the thorough organization of the Republican party of Texas is imperative, and that we look with disfavor upon the attempt of men, claiming fealty to that party, to enter the coming momentous contest without holding .conventions and permitting an expression of the voice of the people through them.

4. That it is the duty of all patriotic Republicans to abide by the action of all conventions which may be held for State, county, legislative, or congressional offices.

5. That information from loyal men, colored and white, embracing all portions of the State, convinces us that the loyal men will not l be permitted to cast their ballot as their sentiment may dictate, without submitting them to persecution, violence, and murder; therefore, resolved,

6. That we earnestly ask General Reynolds, commanding this district, to station United States troops at every county seat on the day* of the election, so far as possible.

7. That we look with horror upon the reports from many portions- of the State of the murder of colored men by rebels upon the plea that they are caught in. the act of cattle; skinning and horse stealing, and that these terrible outrages call loudly upon the authorities, to whom we look for protection, for summary and speedy redress.

8. That we urge the President to submit the suffrage clause contained in the proposed constitution separately from the other portions- of the same instrument.

9. That in the opinion of this body those acts of the late Reconstruction Convention, which are known as "Declarations" and generally included in the term "private legislation," form no part of the constitution, and for as much as they have not been printed and are unknown to the mass of the people of the State, we respectfully request the Major General commanding to recommend that the President of the United States do, in his order of the election, declare them to form no part of the question thus submitted and voted upon.

10. That this Convention request the commanding general to ask the President to put off the election till fall.