The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-08-09

| Inc readers ateItlOn Is Calleu 10 tNc idCt Nidt
upon the most important positions assumed in this
sketch the Hon. HENRY CLAY is the principal
witness; and that not single statement of impor-
tance is made, without being corroberated by the
evidence Of one or more writers on the same sub
iect The histories from which extracts have been
borrowed, are Kenmedy's, Holley's and Ed,oards'.
Kennedy is an Englishman. In 1888, he was
appointed commissioner TO inquire into the NUM-
cipal institutions of Lower Canada, by the Earl Of
Durham, late Governor General of Canada. He
crossed the Atlantic to perform the duties Of this
office; and, upon leaving Canada In 1889, he paid
visit TO Texas, which resulted in his writing
book upon the country.
Holley is citizen of the United States, and
blood relation of Stephen f. .qusti, the father of
Texas. This history was published in 1886
Edwards is Scotchman, and resided in Texas
prior to the revolution, having been professor in
the Gonzales Academy.
1t is known that towards the close of the late
Congress, treaty was entered into between Pre-
sident Tyler's Cabinet and commissioners from
Texas, for the annexation of that republic TO the
United States, which the Senate refused to ratify
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riedly acquiesce in the designs of Great Britain,
but patiently await the action of Congress when
the measure may be again presented, stripped of
its Objectionable features, and in shape TO secure
the sanction of vast majority of the American
people. No patriot desires to effect this object
| except in just and honorable manner, with due
regard to the rights of all concerned, and no SOON
er than may be consistent with the integrity of the
nation, and the welfare Of its citizens 1t should
not be advocated with view to the effect it may
have upon any particular section of our confedera-
cy, but Tor the sole purpose of establishing in the
language Of ANDREW JACKSON, ga strong
iron hoop around our Union, and bulwark against
all foreign invasion or aggression"
The writer wishes it to be distinctly understood.
that he alone is to be held responsible for the sem
timents contained in this hastily prepared view of
Texas aud the annexation question.
THE GOVERNMENT OF TEXAS.
The Texian government is the offspring of rev.
outon. The territory of which it is composed
was originally discovered by La Sale, for France,
in 1886. 1t was ceded to Spain in 1868, restored
to France in 1900, and from her was purchased by
the United States in 1903, and by our government
transferred TO Spain in 1919. Mexico wrested the
country from Spain by her successful revolt in 1921
The soil with the exception of few unimportant
settlements) remained in the exclusive possession
of the Indians until about the year 1922. Before
Spain lost this colony, she held out inducements
to an enterprizing citizen of the United States,
John .austin, to settle Texas with emigrants. The
hazardous undertaking about to be attempted, was
suspended by the Mexican revolution, and the
death of the illustrious man who had projected it.
Stephen F. .austin, in obedience to the death bed
injunctions of his father, proceeded to accomplish,
under the auspices of the Mexican government,
what had originated under the protection of Spain.
Other enterprisng men soon succeeded in obtain
ing permission similar to that granted to the Aus
tins, and the country gave promise of rapid settle
ment. Mexico guaranteed to the emigrants pro-
lection under the federative constitution of 1924.
That government soon oppressed the colonists with
almost every species of hardship. She exacted
from them unjust fines and imposts, and finally
annulled the constitution of "a and erected on
its ruins central despotism. Texas despatched
ambassadors to Mexico to demonstrate against her
many grievances. These ambassadors were thrown
into dungeons and large bodies troops were sent
to Texas to subjugete the hardy pioneers at the
point Of the bayonet. These accumulated injuries
kindIed the spark of &c, and in 1885, the people
Of Texas met in convention, and published their
Declaration of Indepenence. fierce and san
culinary contest ensued. Savage cruelty and per-
fdy kept pace with the march of the Mexicans,
whilst the TEXANS exhibited throughout the no.
blest heroism. The blood of hundreds of martyr
in a slaughter pen, still cries from the earth
for vengeance The battle upon the field of
San Jacnto terminated the conflict. A Mexican
army Of more than fourteen hundred men, led on
by Santa d,nla, was on that day the 2lst of April,
1885, almost annihilated by half their number of
Texans. Six hundred and thirty Mexicans were
left dead upon the field, and seven hundred and
thirty taken prisoners while but two Texans were
killed, and six mortaly wounded. That day de-
termined the fate of Texas; and upon that day
Mexico lost the brightest jewel in her crown.
The constitution of Texas bears a striking analo-
gy to that of the United States. It is democratic
throughout. No life officers are recognized. A
President Vice President, and Congress are elect
ed directly by the people Religion is upon the
same platform established in the United States.
Foreigners may enjoy the elective franchise after
'x months residence by swearing allegiance upon
heir arrival.
POPULATION OF TEXAS.
The population of Texas proper is estimated at
wo hundred thousand persons, vast majority of
whom were once citizens of the United States.
Seldom has the character OF people been more
raduced than that of the citizens OF Texas 1t is
lot uncommon, particularly in the North, to hear
hem pronounced "reckless desperadoes" s"--"refu-
ees from iustice,'' and "contenptible adyen-