Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-05-10
PRES. HOUSTON'S ADDRESS.

Texas is compelled to make war:
a war, not of aggression, but one which
the civilized world will justify-one
that's due 10 ourselves-one to which
Mexico has provoked our exertions-
one 10 be conducted upon the most ex-
allied principles, not directe against the
nationality of Mexico not opposed TO
its religion--but war upon its despots
and oppressors. Our nation will be
united in its prosecution, the husband
man will not be disturbed in the cult
valion Of his farm. The resources
of Texas will be developing, whilst
her arms will be employed in avenging
the wrongs which she has sustained.
She has opened her doors to emigra-
ton, and thousands are removing TO
Texas for the purpose of enjoying the
benefits of hel soil and her institutions.
In their origin they are Of various ma
tions, but on their arrival in Texas and
being invested with the rights of citi-
zenship, they will form one commune
ty. The same incentives will be
COMMON to all. The cause, as it is
that Of humanity and justice.
Althoug h our country at this moment
suffers from the universal depression
in the financial condition of the world
yet Texas possesses boundless wealth.
Her hundred and fifty millions ofacres
yet vacant and unappropriated, lying
in region the most delightful, blessed
by the influences Of a genial cline,
and the redundancy and variety of its
productions-all unite to render it the
most inviting portion of the globe.-
Watered by beautiful rivulets and nav
igable streams, soil unequalled in fer
tiity; Texas, with these advantages,
and when her lands are brought into
market, will possess the means TO COM
pensate those who may participate in
her wars and recompense those who
may render aid in her present circum-
stances.
In the prosecution Of the measure
we have been driven to adopt, TO rem
der them effectual it will be necessary
TO maintain order-establish union
and preserve harmony. Patriotism
will be powerful incentive TO their &C
complishment. Subnrdination to tn,
constitutional authorities Of the country
and officers of the law, is the founda
ton Of all good government. In on
armies, discipline must be established
--subordination must be regarded, ant
troops must consider themselves indie
pendent ofthe constituted authorities O
:. the land. Without subOrdination ant
discipline, an army is as ino<~s sion
against an enemy and as lrightiul to thu
citizens, as a mob governed alone b,
impulse Of feeling, where all commanC
: and none are willing to obey. 1t wa
obedience to rule and discipline tina
enabled Greece to triumph over he
enemies, and Rome to subjugate tn
world. Order will always trump
over confusion. Similar conduct O
the part of Texas will insure to he
arms victory and independence. A
g her past misfortunes can be traced 1
the fatal influence OF discord and In
r subordination.
$ We are now called upon TO act
e unison, and to permit no diversion (
d our energies. Our armies must /
: organized according to law. Our con
e panies, battalions ard regiments mu
Il be formed agreeably to its strtctest lettt
1t and in the field they must be governe
: by the Army Regulations 1t is d.
n sired that volunteer companies-eac
t consisting Of fifty men, rank and fl
: should be Immediately formed through
l. out the republic, composed Of such
portion of our citizens as can best leq'
their homes, and whose absence W
l. not injuriously affect the agricultur
interests of the country. They W
+ elect their own officers, and forthwi
IN report to the Secretary Of war mu
G. ter roll Of the company, showing Il
lie names of the men, and character
,, their arms. The Executive has pc,
ID er TO accept the tender.of their service
y and they will be permitted to remain
er their homes until the emergencies
IN the country shall require call up,
E. them, when compliance on their p'
NJ will be expected, consonant with II
le promptitdde and chivalry with viii
!" Texans are always ready TO meet t
&c enemy in the field. In the meantir
III it is Lelieved that no citizen will he
{ tate to contribute in giving facilities
az the formation Of such companies
ay with such other aid as we commar
ne will enable the country 10 maintain
es war withou. materially burdening
ms mass Of the population. Means v
en- unfairly contributed might render
I'D sential service without being Cypress
all to the donors.
"n The President. has taken every P
1T. caution in his power TO prevent
"! further alarms. He has directed
ne two companies, under experienced I
les Il. &c., ooOoh1a ofcnvinr{ .