The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-05-30

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Congress to "maintain the indepen-
dence of the States among themselves,
| in all that relates TO their interior gov
ernment, in conformity TO the consti-
tutional act and this Constitution."-
We presume it will not now be con-
tended that Texas had not the right
either to enter or stand aloof from the
confederation thus formed. In 1897
the State of Texas acceeded to the form
of government, thus established, by
adopting State Constitution. Among
the provisions of this Constitution is
found the following declaration: that
the State sis free and Independent of the
other United Mexican States, and Of
every other foreign power and domin-
ion," that, Sin all matters relating to the
Mexican federation, the State delegates
its faculties and powers 10 the general
Congress Of the same; but, in all that
properly relates to the administration
and entire government Of the State, it
retains its liberty, independence and sou-
ereignty." The constitution also re-
served the right to the State to estab-
llsh its fundamental laws. Ifit is true.
then, that Texas was independent be-
fore she entered the confederation, and
had the right 10 attach herself to what
soever power she thought proper, is it
not also true that she had the same
rights and powers after that constitu-
ton or confederation was broken down
and trodden under foot by military des-
pots? Most undoubtedly.
General Santa Anna with others OF
the military, in 1884 and 1885, sat the
head of an army overthrow the exist
ing government, elected the general
and State legislatures from their halls,
and established central military des-
potism on the ruins Of the constitution"
Against all this unlawful proceeding,
Texas objected. She continued true
to the Constitution, declaring in mani.
iesto of ofNovembcr 1885, "that they will
continue faithful to the Mexican gov
eminent, SO long as that nation is gov
erned by the Constitution and laws that
were framed for the government of the
political association" Notwithstand-
ing Texas had thus expressed her will
ingness and desire 70 continue true to
the original complct between the Uni
ted Mexican States, yet this did not
satisfy such ambitious tyrants as Santa
Anna. He desired to bring her under
subsection to the new form of govern
ment without her consent. Texas OBJ
ljected. and in March, 1885, adopted a
Declaration of independence, in which
they say "that the Federal Republican
Constitution Of their country, which
they had sworn to support, hasno long
er substantial existence; and the whole
nature of their government has been
forcibly changed, without their consent,
from restrictive, federative republic
composed of sovereign States, to con-
solidated, central, and military despot-
ISM" To declare herself free and in
dependent, Texas had the undoubted
hight. Santa Anna, however deter
mined 10 wage war against hei, and
accordingly sent large armies into that
territory, but failed IN his attempts to
subdue it. The battle of San Jacinto
will ever be remembered as having CIV
en- birth to the Republic Of Texas.
About this time the government of
the United States, and various govern
ments in Europe, acknowledged the
independence Of Texas; by which, and
by having maintained her independence
by the force of her arms, she was as
free and independent nation as these
United States. An nowledgement
Of her independence by Mexico, would
not have made her more so.
After maintaining her independence
for eight years, the people of Texas
chose to make application to the gov.
ernment of the United States for ad.
mission into the Union. Their request
was granted, and they now form part
| r.l Il r.