The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-03

spirit with which we yielded many Of the most i'm
portant attributes Of sovereignty for a connexion
with it-renders US ayerse " the adoption OF mea-
.as. which seem By possibility to e0nem
lies; while, the other hand. just sense of what
10 due TO ourselves will not permit us to submit to
outrsges and wrong from any quarter So long
as permitted 10 cherish the hope that there
existed no liked or premeditated design to deprive
Of our acknow lodged and essential rights, our
language was that Of entreaty and supple atom
our course that OF forbearance and moderation but
with the undeniable evidence before of a
settled determination 10 despoi Us, regardless Of
compacts and constitutional guarantees, Of ut least
one-third OF our territory-a continuance OF such
language and such course would be degradation
aud shame
Difficult and embarrassing. then, as the question
undoubtedly 10, and however fraught its contem
paton with painful solicitude, we have left us no
choice but 10 meet it, IL must be met boldly, and
fearlessly and determinedly. Not by further sup
plication or discussion with Federal authorities;
not by renewed appeals to their generosity and
sympathy; not by longer reliance on the dclu-
sive hope that justice will yet be extended to U.S.
our part, by prompt assertion OF our rights and
practical maintenance of them with all the means
we command, "at all hazards and TO The last
sptrtmity."
After deeply, and trust maturely rejecting on
this subject, with a mind guided by the most anx-
ious desire to take no step in it which would not
command the appreciation OF my fellow citizens
and the rejecting portion Of those of sister States
whose interest III this matter strongly asslmilat
ed TO ours, it is my deliberate and firm conviction
that there is now left US but consistent
with honor and just sense OF what Is due to our
selves as a sovereign community and that Is, the
immediate adoption by your honorable body, with
perfect Immunity, OF such measures as are neces-
sary Tor the occupation OF Santa Re, with force
ample to quell the arrogant and rebellious spirit
now prevailing there, and to enable us to extend
and firmly establish the jurisdiction and laws OF the
State over it.
Should the adoption and answering enforce
mcnt of these measures lead to a conflict with
those who, by executive authority, unlawful
ly exercising the powers of a government adverse
10 our interests within defined and acknowl
edged limits, there are none who would regret
that conflict, and the consequences Which would
most probably flow from it, more than myself; but
! should be consoled in the contemplation of Its
fearful results by the reflection that it not
difficulty OF cur seeking-that every effort on our
part, that of craven submission to lawess out
rage and insult, had been employed to avert il; and
coniding in the justice OF our cause, should fear
lessy meet it, trusting and feeling assured that
Texas would stand exonerated before the world,
should that conflict shake, to the very centre,
the most glorious contcderacy upon which the sun
has ever shone.
am of the number of those who have at
tempted to estimate the value OF the Union. re-
gard its benefits, when they administered in
conformity with the spirit and principles of its con
sttution as unaPPreclable by those who are left i'll
their undisturbed enjoyment. But, when the guar
antecs Of that sacred instrument set at naught
when force shall be resorted to the legitimate
mode OF their Interpretation, it will then cease to
be a Union entitled to reverence, because II
will have ceased to possess the power of extending
equal and mutual benefits to all of its members.
In view, then, of the unpleasant and extraordi
nary position In which we are placed, and Of the
absolute necessity of immediate and decisive
ton on part, l recommend that your honora-
bic body authorize the Executive to raise, with
little delay possible, ruth poiDer 10 supply al least
two regiments of mounted volunteers tor the con-
templaicd move TO and occupancy Of Santa Fe.
In making this recommendation, am not I'M
mindful OF the heavy expenses which will involve,
and the embarrassing difficulties which will be pre-
sented IN raising the necessary funds to meet them:
but rely with great confidence on the wisdom OF
the Legislature IN devlsing some effective means
to meet the emergcncy-re that Texas in
much darker and more embarrassed period Of
her pccunary resources, prepared TO encounter,
and did successfully encounter, appalling
conflict.
1t may not be improper, in connexion with this
subject, TO remind your honorable body that there
IL now lying idle and unprohtaby in the treasury
the sum OF S34 ,443 20 which has been set apart
accordance with provision of the constitution as a
school fund IL is true that this fund cannot be APP
propriated 10 any other object than that for which
1t was originally designed. But may not its pres
eDt shape be changed by converting il into one Of
different and more profitable character for the uti
mate attainment oil the ends contemplated, with
out violating any constitutional provision?
! suggested the plan of converting it by loan
otherwise into some profitable stock bearing inter
est, until IL shall be sufficient authorize its
fui employment in the way designed; being then
convinced as l am now, "that il would be totally
lost If distributed amongst the various counties,
whilst the amount too uncomfortable TO effect
any beneficial purpose" IL is true that, at that
time, was, from the imperfect reflection / had
been able 10 give to the subject, of the opinion that
such - conversion not authorized from the
terms OF the constitution, but upon further considc
ration, and Il more critical examination OF the
phrascology employed, am led TO doubt somewhat
the entire correctness of the view then entertained
The expression that ''no law shall ever be made
dlvertlng said fund TO any other use than the sup
port OF Tree public schools" would probably be con-
srued TO mean that the value the essential proper
ty of the fund, shall never be applied TO any other
purpose, and not that the evidences of that value
shall not be changed converted into other evil
denccs, equally available and more beneficial to the
objects intended to be promoted by it.
submit the subject, however, Tor your consider
alton, remarking that should be amongst the last
TO weaken the guards which were maniIestly in
tended 10 be placed around the fund alluded to-
and, If IL could be prohtably employed,
would not make the suggestion which have DONE
though the object 10 when it is desired 10 apply IL
Is second in importance to none other II you shall
concur with ME that the change proposed Is admis-
sibc, suggest that you make provision for issu-
ing stock by the STATE, bearing interest at eight
per cent, 10 the extent Of that fund, pa yabe any
time hereafter when in the Judgment Oi the Legis
ample security be provided for its redemption in a
pledge OF the public domain, and much of the
proceeds arising from the sale of any portion Of Il
as may be necessary, strengthening these pledges
with any further securities that you may deem
proper.
The money, now lying idle and proitcss in the
treasury, might thus be made auxiliary TO the other
resources of the State in preparing and fitting out
military expedition, and at the same time the
fund would be increased by its employment in this
most worthy manner.
The State has at this time about six hundred
stand OF arms which could be used If actually ne
oessary 10 supply any unavoidable deficiency, but
IT should be required, ia my judgment, that any
troops mustered for the Indicated should be
required 10 mount, arm and equip themselves; and
II Is believed that our citizens patriotic enough
10 enrol themselves under the banner of their State
upon an occasion like the present without expect
ing any advance Of pay Tor their services; but
would recommend that the Legislature make as
ample provision the resources TO be derived from
our public lands will permit, to secure thcnLa just
and liberal compensation covering their pay pro-
per, and likewise satisfactory reimbursement fJr
all actual unavoidable losses which they may incur
while in the service OF the State.
statement Of the present and prospective con
diton and resources OF the treasury, together WIN