The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-14
Affairs OF New Mexico.

SANTA FE, OCTOBER 81, 1850.
TO the Editors of The Republic
GErTLEMEN: In your paper, OF the 9th Scptein-
ber we notice a Geographic despatch to the Presi-
dent of the United States from r. H. Weightman,
which seems also to have been published in the ST.
Louis Union That communication, being utterly
incorrect in all its statements, may possibly mis-
lead the public mind aud therefore demands slight
notice.
That Colonel Munroe is invading the rights of
the people OF New Mexico is not true; the con-
trary in every step taken he has acted in accord
to the expressed will of the people. In calling
Convention to frame a State constitution, he is
sued his proclamation, after being fully satisfied
by the proceedings ofpublic meetings held in every
part of the Territory, that large majority of the
people desired it. When that Convention assem-
bled no such idea entertained among its mem
bers that the constitution then framed, could go into
effect but by the sanction of Congress, or until
New Mexico should be admitted a State;
was any such idea mooted among the people,
either at the preceding or subsequent election.
The proclamation Of the 25th May, authorizing the
election for Governor, Representative 20 Congress
members OF Legislature, &c, issued by Col.
Munroe, in accordance with a request. contained in
the 10th section of the schedule OF the constitution
and the restrictions therein contained in regard TO
the operation Of the State Government, met with
the appreciation Of the Convention, and the people
generally; indeed, heard not dissenting voice
Under the authority Of that proclamation, and by
the regulations laid down in IL, the people voted,
and doubtless did not entertain the slightest cxpec-
tation that the persons elected would attempt TO
disregard those restrictions. would attempt TO
transgress what they acknowledged a law and
right, or that they would attemptto assume powers
which could only be conferred by the Congress Of
the United States. The people voted for State
constitution under the apprehension that they could
not obtain Territorial Government, not because
| they believed it beat adapted TO their wants and
condition.; but. when that constitution had received
the sanction Of their votes, they were willing 10
abide the decision Of Congress, and, If approved,
TO sustain il. 7 carry that constitution into CT
feet, and to establish a State government indepen-
dent of the action Of Congress, never their
thought or intention In the restriction Of the
ton Of the State Government TO this limit there
| fore, Col Munroo had with him not only the opin-
ions and feelings Of large majority Of the people
| Of New Mexico, but his course has been decided Ia
have been constitutionally and legally right by
very high authority; in his declaration that be
would maintain the Government dc facto Of New
| Mexico till such time az the action Of Con.
| grcss should substitute another, or tho Exc
| cutive Of the United States should otherwise di-
rect. Where, then, is there any invasion Of the
peoples rights by the commander Of the ninth mil
| itary department? No violence has occurred-no
resistance 10 the constituted authorities has been Of
fered. All this hue and cry, every one knows
who lie capable Of judging impartally, arises from
few dcmagogues banded for vile and selfish pur.
poscs.