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

for they place the foundation Of their proceedings
in the assump tion that We have no right or title to
| the territory In question
The question of our title will not again discuss
as il can result in practical good and indeed il
would be humiliating to do so. after so much has
been said in reference TO 1t. "The argument is ex
| hausted." Those who now deny our claim would
continue 10 do 30, were il placed before them in
characters written with sunbeam II stands in
the way OF the attainment OF their darling object in
respect to slavery, and TO deny II affords the only
pretext which can be found for avoiding the stipu-
lations Of the compact under which Texas became
a member Of the Coniederacy. Public faith is TO
be sacrificed at the shrine of an unhaowed fanati
cism, and in the opinions of some occupying prom
nent positions in the councils of the country, the
Constitution itself should be made to yield TO
bid philanthropy, originating and existing only
| in the heated imaginations of partizan zealots.
| Texas never be guided by such influences She
will never il is hoped, debase herself in the eyes OF
her sister States OF the South by giving her assent to
measures so manifesty intended to strike blow at
their most vital interest; and she regards the at
tempt TO purchase her acquiescence in 80 unholy
scheme an insult offered TO the integrity, com
| mon sense, and honor of her citizens II propo
stion had been made founded upon her acknowledged
rights Of territory to purchase from her that portion
OF 1t lying north OF the thirty fourth degree OF north
| latitude, and accompanied with sufficient guar
antee that the provisions Of the Joint Resolutions
for annexation in respect TO slavery should be oh,
served, the most respectful consideration would
have been given 10 it; and risk but little III saying
that large majority of our fellow citizens would
have met such apropositon in the mostliberal spirit
and with sincere desire to accord every thing rea-
sonable and just that might have been asked in re-
ference TO it.
have deemed it my duty to call your attention
to this subject, because it may not be inappropriate
for you, coming directly from the people, to give
ex preston of the public sentiment in regard to
it. Such an expression may have salutary influ-
ence csewhcre--if not in producing more LIBERAL
and Just action towards U.s. at least in cutting of
discussion which must be fruicss in the attain
If if- Ia frue hat
Objectionable and offensivein its terms TO us has
not, 50 far os informed, obtained the sane
ton of either branch of Congress, and the hope ID
still INDUCED that il may receive such modlca-
tons and changes as will make IL meritorious and
worthy OF our consideration; but while we may
atter ourselves with this reasonable expectation,
you need not be prevented from an expression of
your opinion in reference to 1t, clear and uncquiy
ocal, and it should not, in my humble judgment,
prevent your decided and prompt action III regard
to the course to be pursued in sustaining, in rela
ton to Santa Ee, the integrity character, and in
terest of the Stale.
In my message submitted to you in December
last, used the following language: "rhc State
should unquestionably use the necessary means 10
cause her laws To be obeyed and respected, &c.
therefore recommend that the executive be author
lied TO send Santa Fe if the necessity for doing
should continue to exist, IL military force subi
Gent to enable the civil authorities to execute the
laws of the State in that portion of the territory
without reference 10 any anticipated action of the
Federal Government, or regard to the military
power of the United States stationed at Santa Fe.
| make this recommendation with more freedom,
because cannot conceive that measure of this
character will, ought TO give rise 10 any dis
turbance in our relations with the Federal Govern
ment
The right of Texas to enforce her jurisdiction is
not perfect in the county of Travis than il ID
III the county OF Santa Fe; and If the employment
OF the necessary force TO enable her to exercise that
right over refractory population should produce
collision with the Federal authorities, the fault
will be hers. She will stand CXOnCratCd the
judgment Of just men from all the fearful conse.
quences which may result from such n conflict.
In suggesting TO the Legislature the propriety Of
authorizing the Executive TO send a military force
to Santa Fe, am not unmindiul of the increased
pecuniary burdens which the exercise of the
thority will impose upon our present tax paying
citizens. i trust, however, that the necessity Of
carrying into effect measure OF this sort may yet
be averted IL the diflic utics encountered in our
efforts to extend the jurisdiction of the State
that portion OF her territory have resulted from the
tardiness Of action on the part of the Federal
thorities, rather than from deliberate design to
do wrong, (and IL may be ascribcd 10 that
cause we may still encourage the hope that
sense of mag nanimity and justice may induce her,
upon being advised Of the course have resolved
to pursue, If driven to it, TO adopt such measures
will supersede the necessity Of mourning this
expense; but the indulgence OF this hope should
prevent your action upon the eubcct-such action
may accelerate il cannot reard, the issue and ad-
justment of the question"
] must be permitted 10 express my regret that
the honorable Legislature did not accord in the
propriety OF this recommendation since every cir
cumstancc which has transpired in conncxion with
this matter establishes the fact that by their concur
renee in the views then expressed and by placing
| at the disposal of the Executive a comparatively
small military force, the difficulties and embarrass.
ments now surrounding this subject would have
terminated, our jurisdiction formally established in
that county; the State saved from heavy expense,
and the Executive from the unpleasant necessity Of
assembling you at this unlavorable season Of the
| year. Even the military commander at Santa FG
intmatcd TO our commissioner, that, II Texas at
that period had made suitable military demon
stration at Santa F6, ii would have had the effect
OF keeping in check the rebellious and disorganiz
ing spirit fostercd and kept alive there by design
ing and political demagogues-and il requires
prophetic spirit TO forcsce that, had we then or at
a previous day taken possession Of the country,
under circumstances which would have enabled us
to maintain IL, very different course would have
been adopted in reference to claim from the
which is now brought forward and attempted 70 be
established.
| do not, assure you, gentlemen, advert TO these
things in any spirit OF queruous complaint IL
was my duty 10 submit TO you such recommended
tons ne deemed proper, IL was your privilege 20
take such action thereon as your judgment sane
toned; but they referred 10, that may profit
by the experience Of the past, and not permit ony
deusiye hope TO stop or rctard present and future
action. We have already suffered from n comb
dcncc in others too generous and implicit. Let "
not increase that suffering by aifording additional
advantages 10 those who would seek to despoil us
OF our nights.
have had prepared and herewith lay before you,
copies Of all documents connected with this sub
Jet which may be useful to you in your dcben-
tions. Among them are my instruc tons TO Major
Neighbors, and address to the people of the com
tics Of Prcsidio, III Paso, Worth and Santa re,
marked F.
] might elaborate the subject Of our difficulties
connected with Santa FG, by tracing their origin
and progress more fully, by enumcrating The va
rious e1pedients which have been employed to
ALLEVIATE the population OF that part Of our territory
from us; and strong appeal could be made 70 your
sympsthcs and fcclings of State pride, by refer
ence 20 the blood bought sacrifices which Texas
has made in the acquisition Of the country over
which che claims sovereignty. But il il not ncccs-
sary. ! will remark, Texas cannot with any pro-
prety be charged with being impatient or picciPi
tate ia this matter of disputed boundary; on the
contrary her too patient reliance the justice OF
the General Government has brought her present
evils upon her Humility and patience have char
actcrizcd her course so far; and should occasionally
any feeling Of indignation be betrayed in her coun
ellis by her citizens, let IL be remembered in jus
tce, that the great head of the family OF States
may not claim entire exemption from the iraitics
of nature.
But there should be ordinations or rccrimina-
tons between the federal and State Governments.