The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-08-05

itary Government al Santa Fe, any other portion
of the State, and to demand that all instructions
heretofore existing for the maintenance of such
Government be revoked; and further, that the
troops in the service OF the United States occupy
ing that portion Of the frontier of Texas be re-
CURED 10 employ themselves strictly in the dis
charge of their appropriate military duties.
Ifit is the policy of the Government not to aid
sovereign State with her troops in its efforts to
bring under subsection 70 its laws refractory pop
ulation she is at least required to observe strict
non-interference This State will endeavor proper
ly to look 20 the movements of her citizens occu-
pying the quarter alluded to, but she would will
lingly be saved the trouble of combating the open
and the secret influences exerted there, brought
about mainly, as it is understood, by the policy
and directions of the Executive branch Of the
General Government.
The Proclamation Of Col. Monroe, commanding
at Santa Fe, of the Odd of April last, would seem
to establish this position beyond the possibility of
rational doubt. IT, however, this individual has
so far transcribed his orders (which cannot be
supposedly as to promulge this most remarkable
Proclamation, it viii be a matter for congratula-
ton to our State and Its citizens generally, as there
has always been very great reluctance TO view
the United States in the light of an adverse claim
ant.
1t is worse than usees, gentlemen, for me to
trespass ON your time and patience in bringing
forward proofs to establish the boundary of Texas.
Our delegation in Congress- faithful to their trusts
IN this respect, and able in the manner of dis
charging 1t, have convinced even the reluctant,
and given frmness TO the wavering. The right
of Texas to extend her civil and political orgni-
cation over every portion of her territory pro-
claimed in her Law of Limits of 1885, is consider
ed perfect, and cannot now be yielded without
compromising her integrity. She has passed upon
her claim, looking to the principle of right
tra-distnguished to one Of forces and that this ar
blrament is just, ii is only necessary to recur to
the opinions of enlightened nations, who have
already, with great unanimity, rendered judg-
ment in our favor.
In assuming this position, so manifestly just,
1t IS with due Difference and profound respect for
the Government of the Union, and 10 urging with
hrmness and consistency our claim to the territory
IN question, no multiplied clamors or implied
threats to the Federal Government are intended
to be put forth. 1t is true that the powers and
resources of the State must now be employed for
extending her jurisdiction to her remotest limits,
but no conflict with the General Government is
desired or intended, and if in the record Of subse
quent events connected with this subject any stain
shall be made thereon, it shall not fall, if possible,
on the pages of our States history, but expung
ing from 1t every feature not marked by propri-
ETY. and justice, we will endeavor to pass il with
pride and pleasure to those who have assimilated
interests and feelings with our own.
In any conflict with the Federal Government,
which is not anticipated, and which all would
deprecate, Texas is fully sensible OF its power,
dignity, and greatness, and Of her own weakness
Butthis consideration it is to be hoped will never
influence her counsels or her people to surrender
her sovereign attributes; and though conscious of
her physical weakness, with justice on her side,
she is led to believe that her moral strength would
be her shield.
In urging the General Government to abstain
from any encroachments upon her territorial linz
its, Texas cannot be considered importunate.-
Much toll and many sacrifices gained for her In
dependence a Republic, and when she yielded
her nationality to the Union, she did not expect
that Union to absorb every thing valuable that
was hers, for she believed it was emphatically, a
Union of the power and resources Of the two Re-
publcs.
To curtail her limits, is to deprive her Of por-
ton Of her wealth, to say nothing Of high poti-
cal considerations which cannot in these turbulent
times be too much guarded Texas honestly and
truly believes that the Rio Grande to its whole
extent is her rightfu boundary She carried her
flag to the lower and middle Rio Grande, and ac-
tuay established it there, and, left untrammelled
and even unaided, was perfectly prepared and
would soon have conquered her boundary to its
whole extent Texas signs for, and really requires
tranquility but if she loves peace, she hates dis
honor. With the inhabitants Of Sante Fe, /
consider the issue is clearly and distinctly made,
and if in like manner with the Federal Govern
nent, it is greatyto be regretted, but it will not
change our course. Texas knows her rights and
will maintain them with all the means which God
and nature have given her.
The Constitution and laws of the State indicate
to me my duty too plainly to be misunderstood
shall not be behind it, but will at once employ
the power and resources which they confer to Sc
cure complete jurisdiction over that portion of our
State, which misguided and refractory popua-
ton are endeavoring to sever.
will not trouble you further, gentlemen, than to
ask from you, as the..guardians Of the honor and
-. Al Al - A.
hearty cooperation, now so necessary to secure
her against the evils and sinister influences which
assail her.
cannot conclude, however, without expressing
that deep feeling of profound love and devotion
for the Union which is so universally felt by the
citizens of our State, and am sure that l cannot
on this subject better convey the public sentiment
than to reterafe the language which | had the
honor publicly to express on previous occasion.
"We will always endeavor to do our duty to the
Union. This is an obligation and it implies rect
prociy." 'Too just to invade the rights Of others,
we will be too proud to surrender our own"
With the highest esteem and +, spect, have the
honor to be. gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
P. II. BELL.
The Athens (Ga.) Banner, in Speaker Cobb's
town, whose moderation has given offence to some
OF its contemporaries, insists upon an amendment
to the Senate bill, fixing the Southern boundary of
California at $50 30, or some natural boundary
not far from it. The admission of California,
with her present boundaries, it is satisfied, will
9 re-organize parties, and will probably lead to
some connection, perhaps blood-shed in the
South. We implore our Democratic friends in
Congress to preserve the integrity Of the party,
and the peace of the Union, by adopting the pro-
posed boundary for California. If the Clay Com
promise bill should be defeated, and California
admitted with her assumed boundaries, we warn
Congress, most solemnly, that there will be