The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-07

| Monroe commanding at Santa Fe, of the 2sd of
April last, would seem to establish this position
beyond the possibility Of u rational doubt. III,
however this individual has 50 far transcended his
orders (Which cannot be supposedly as TO promulge
this remarkable proclamation, it will be mat
ter for congratulation 10 State and its citizens
generally, as there has always been very great
| luctance to view the United States in the light OF
an adverse claimant
1t is worse than useless, gentlemen, for me to
| trcspass on your time and patience III bringing
| forward proofs TO establish the boundary of Texas
Our delegation in Congress, faithful 10 their trusts
in this respect, and able in the manner of dis
| charging il, have convinced even the reluctant,
and given firmness to the wavering. The right Of
Texas to extend her civil and political organize ton
over every portion of her territory, proclaimed
IN her Law of Limits of 1886. ID considered perfect
| and cannot now be yielded without compromising
| her integrity. She has passed upon her claim,
Looking TO the principle OF right contra dstin-
guished 10 OF force; and that this arbitrament
just, it is only necessary to recur to the opinions
of enlightened nations, who have already, with
great unanimity, rendered judgment in our
favor.
In assuming this position, manfestly just, it
Is With due difference and profound respect for the
Government of the Union and in urging with firm
ness and cunstnncy our claim To the territory in
question, no multiplied clamors or implied threats
10 the Federal Government are intended to be put
forth IL is true, that the powers and resources of
the State must now be employed for extending her
Jurisdiction to her remotest limits, but conflict
with the General Government is desired or intend
cd; and if, in the record Of subsequent events
nccted with this subject, any stain shall be made
thereon, it shall not fall, if possible, on the pages OF
| our States history, but expunging from 1t every
feature not marked by Propriety and justice, we
will endeavor to pass It with pride and pleasure to
| those who have assmaed interests and feelings
with our own.
In any conflict with the Federal Government,
which is not anticipated, and which all would dep
recate, Texas is fully sensible Of its power, dignity
and greatness, and of her own weakness. But this
consideration, it 10 to be hoped, will never iniu-
har hAr
| sovereign attributes, and though conscious of her
physical weakness. with justice her side, she is
led TO believe that her moral strength would be her
| shield.
| In urging the General Government to abstain
from any Entertainments upon her territorial limits,
| Texas cannot be considered importunate. Much
| toll and many sacrifices gained for her ndepend-
cnce as a republic, and when she yielded her ma
| tonahty to the Union, she did not expect that
| Union TO absorb every thing valuable that was
| hers, for she believed it emphatcally union
of the power and resources Of the two republics.
To curtail her of her limits, is to deprive her of a
portion of her wealth. to say nothing of high poit
cal considerations which cannot in these turbulent
/ times be too much guarded. Texas honestly and
truly believes that the Rio Grande, to its whole
tent is her rightiul boundary She carried her flag
10 the lower and middle Rio Grande, and actually
| established 1t there, and, left untrammeled and
| even unaided, was perfectly prepared and would
| soon have conquered her boundary to its whole cx
tent. Texas signs for and really requires tranquil
| lty; but II she loves peace, she hates dishonor
| With the inhabitants OF Santa Fe, consider the
| issue clearly and distinctly made and if in like
! manner with the Federal Government, it is great
y to be regretted, but it will not change 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
Inc my duty too plainly to be misunderstood
shall not be behind it, but will at employ the
! power and resources which they confer to secure
complete jurisdiction that portion of our State,
| which a misguided and refractory population are
cndeayoring to sever.
will not trouble you further, gentlemen, than to
ask from you as the guardians of the honor and in
terest OF the State, ut the capitol, that aid and
hearty cooperation, 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 80 universally felt by the citi
zens of our State, and | that cannot ON
! this subject better convey the public sentiment
than to rcierate the language which had the honor
| publicly to express on a previous occasion, We
| will always endeavor to do duty to the Union.
This is an obligation, and it implies reciprocity"
Too just to invade the rights of others, will be
| too proud to surrender our own "
With the highest esteem and respect, have the
honor to be, gentlemen your most obeoient servant,
(Signed) p II. BELL.