The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-30
tram ,As \. 8. rieayan.. sep.. %.

FRcn TgiAt.--The brig Hope Howcs," which
arrived here yesterday from Galveston, brought
fuller though not later, flies Of Texan papers. On
course there Is not much news.
The Texan papers have given 10 the public, for
the first time, the secret treaty between Santa Ana
and Texas, by which the former Obtained his re-
lease when prisoner. The Galveston News says
il was found amongst the papers Of Gen. Austin.
by Santa Ana To Gen. Jackson, then President OF
the United States, and the whole accompanied by
another letter, written by Gen. Austin, at Santa
Anas request, to the same distinguished man. soli-
citing his mediation and influence for the settlement
Of difficulties between Mexico and Texas. Gen.
Austin's letter explains fully the grounds upon
which Santa Ana obtained his reeasc---all of then,
having reference to the solemn pledges made by the
latter TO all his exertions to obtain the acknowl
edgment Of Texan independence to the Rio Grande.
The Mexican government never sanctioned this
treaty, although they regained their army by it.
Montgomery county, Texas, was shot dead on the
22d ult, while playing game Of "chcss" with his
wife. The assassin is utterly unknown
Alfred Polk, a relative of the President of the
United States, recently elected chief justice Of
the county Of San Augustine.
TnE Coasrifurios 6r TExAs.-:We glanced at
some of the peculiarities Of the constitution Of
Texas yesterdays to-day, we must conclude the SUBJ
ect by mentioning few other provisions. In its
~
like the constitutions Of the old States to need cluc
dation.
The proposed constitution provides that the ord-
nance passed by the convention on the 4tb OF July
last asserting to the overures for the annexation Of
Texas TO the United States, shall be attached 10 the
constitution, and form a part of tho same. This
must be continually borne in mind as the creation
of new States is therein provided for.
The city Of Austin is assigned as the seat Of gov
eminent until 1850; after which, it is TO be located
by the people, by vote to be taken in March, in d
mode pointed out
The supreme court has appellate jurisdiction only;
the district courts have jurisdiction both in law and
equity; and in all cases in equity, either party may
claim trial by jury.
The pardonng power is vested in the executive,
except in cases.of treason and impeachment. The
governor possesses the veto power--qualifcd, how
ever, as in the United States constitution
In no case can the legislature authorize the issue
of treasury warrants treasury notes, paper OF
any description, TO circulate as money.
The legislature has power TO protect by law, from
forced sale certain portion Of the property Of all
heads Of families. The homestead Of family not
to exceed two hundred acres of land, mot included
in town or city, orany town city lot or lots in
value not 10 exceed SO 900, shall not be subject TO
forced sale for any debts hereafter contracted; nor
shall the owner, il married man, be at liberty TO
ALLEVIATE the same unless by the consent Of the wife,
in such manner as the Legislature may hereafter
point out.
Taxation is to be uniform throughout the State;
the legislature may pass income tax, and il may
exempt from taxation $3.50 worth of the household
furniture or other property belonging to each family
, in III State.
The legislature cannot contract debts To exceed
in the aggregate the sum Of 800 900, except in
OF war, to repcl invasions, or suppress insurrec-
tons; and in no case shall any amount be borrow
ed, except by vote of twothirds Of both houses Of
| the legislature. &
IL, ~ -
the proposed constitution in regard to slaves,
Sec. l. The legislature shall have no power 10
pass laws for the emancipation of slaves, withou,
the consent of their owners, nor without paying
their owners, previous TO such emancipation, full
equivalent in money for the slaves no emancipaied
They shall have no power to prevent emigrants 10
this State from bringing with them such persons az
are deemed slaves by the laws Of any of the United
States so long any person of the same age or de-
scripton shall be continued in slavery by the laws
of this State: Provided That such slave shall be the
bona fde property of such emigrans Provided, also.
That laws shall be passed to prohibit the introduce
ton into this State Of slaves who have committed
high crimes in other States or Territories. They
shall have the right to pass laws to permit the own
ers OF slaves to emancipae them, saving the rights
Of creditors, and preventing them from becoming
public charge. They shall have full power To pass
laws which shall oblige the owners OF slaves 70
treat them with humanity; to provide for them me-
cessary food and clothing; TO abstain from all
injuries TO them extending to life or limb; and, in
case Of their neglect or refusal TO comply with the
directions of such laws have such slave or slave.
taken from such owner, and sold for the benefit Of
such owner oil. owners. They may pass laSs to
prevent slaves from being brought into this State az
merchandise only.
SEC. 2. In the prosecution Of slaves for crimes Of
higher grade than petit larceny, the Legislature
shall have power to deprive them Of an impartial
trial by petit jury.
SEC & Anv nerson who shall nnaIicouslv H.
member or deprive slave Of iis e shall susS as
punishment would be inflicted in case the like
offence had been committed upon free white per
son, and upon like proof except in case Of insur-
rection Of such slaves.