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

To THE SENATORS AND REPREsEsTArIvEs FROM
Texas, IN THE UNITED STATES CoNGREss, REL
ALIVE TO THE SANTA FE QUESTION.
STATE OF TEXAS,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
AUsriS, June -, 1850
Hon Senators and Representatives from
Tsrg in the Congress Of the United States:
GEsrLEMEN:-It is with solictude and pain,
that announce to you the efforts at present go
ing forward by deluded men, To sever from the
State large portion Of territory situated upon
her Northwestern limits. This intelligence l
have just received in full and satisfactory shape
from the Special Commissioner, VI no was APP
pointed by authority of the Legislature at its last
session, leaving no doubt upon the mind of the
Executive of settled determination by the people
of Santa Fe to form al once separate State Go-
,yernment in utter disregard Of our rightful boun-
dairy. And there is no less doubt fiom the state
ments of the Commissioner (who has executed
his trust in most worthy manner) OF the M
habitants Of that district having received, and are
still receiving in the fulflmen of their plans, AID,
instruction and encouragement from the United
States forces stationed at Santa Fe, who for some
time past have exercised civil and military juris-
diction within that portion of the State. Ungra-
cious and harsh as this announcement sounds
upon our ears yet 1t comes with the full impress
of truth, and brings along with 1t, assure you,
all the angry excitement and evil forebodings
which always precede the determined spirit of an
outraged people to redress their wrongs when and
wherever offered. Unpleasant as IT is, 1t does not
come uuanticipated. In my general message to
the Legislature of December 26th, lS49, | had the
honor to state in reference to that portion of ter
ritory embracing Santa Fee" That the course
pursued by the Federal Government within the
last eighteen months, has been such to give
rise to the most serious apprehensions that they
are disposed tacitly to yield to any effort which
may be made to wrest it from us. The total 81
lence observed in regard to the Resolutions of the
Goth March, lS4S, and the law passed at the same
session Of the Legislature for organizing the
County of Santa Fe. The continuance of their
civil and military government within the limits of
our territory when longer required for the pur-
pose for which it was established, and the failure
amounting to refusal to give instructions to the
officers in command of that department to recog-
nze and respect the authorities Of the State in dis
charge of the duties assigned them, indicate but
too strongly careless Indifference to our rights,
if they do not go further, and manifest disposi-
ton totally to diregard them"
Recent events with which you can become well
advised from the information which is herewith
transmitted, endorse the opinions therein express
ed placing beyond the reach Depreciation or doubt
the disposition and views entertained by the Fed
eral Government towards us, and exhibiting clear
Fe.
Before entering upon his proper duties, the Spe-
cial Commissioner referred to, received from the
Executive full and and ample instructions to direct
him in extending civil organization to the coun-
ties OF Preside, Ell Paso, Worth and Santa Fe.
He was directed to explain with great care and in
a manner most conciliatory to the inhabitants
there the causes which had operated to prevent
an earlier extension to them Of the benefits of the
Constitution and Laws Of the State, and to ex-
plain also as far as opportunity allowed, the par
cular features of each, as applicable to their po-
sition and circumstances.
In the county Of Ell Passo, his mission was
marked with signal success, and in a short period
a complete organization was effected, and there is
every assurance that equal success would have at
tended the efforts Of the Commissioner in the
counties of Preside and Worth, with sufficient
military escort, which was rendered necessary
from the large number ofhostile Indians who roam
unrestrained through that country.
But the causes in Santa Fe, active and powerful
and adverse to the just claims of our State, which
worked defeat to the Commissioner, are Of quite
different character, worthy of the gravest consl-
deration, involving as they do, living and essential
principles, important not only to the parties lmme-
dately concerned, but to all who interested in
the maintenance in its original meaning and pu-
rity of the integrtyof sovereign State.
This unfortunate issue between the State and a
portion of it's inhabitants for several years menaced
has at length assumed definite and determined
cnQ7uCIef, anu IN my luuSfHeHI Tile
diate exercise Of the force and efficacy which our
Constitution and Laws were intended to confer.
1t was to have been calculated that difficulties arising
within State of the Union, no matter from what
causes, would have been to the General Govern
ment subject interesting enough to claim its in
terposition and kndest offices for their adjustment
But in this instance, instead Of exercising parental
care and vigilance over the interest of the young
est member of the Confederacy, she has stepped
forward with the confident, supercilious air Of
power, erecting herself into an umpire, claiming
privileges and benefits appertaining to Texas from
the dear bought sacrifices which she has made to
obtain them, and heretofore awarded to her by the
most solemn guarantees. Is this allow HE to ask,
one of the boosted practical benefits of the Unions
And is this foretaste of what we may hereaf-
ter expect from common guardian This is
truly the protection that the wolf gives to the lamb
"covering and devouring. Such course once
sanctioned would leave us recreant to the trust
conhded to us, leading as it would to the destruc-
ton Of an important Constitutional principle; and
assert it with pride and confidence that the State
of Texas is not now prepared to acquiesce IN
doctrine at once absurd and dangerous. To OPP
pose it by all proper and legitimate means, be-
comes her for her own security, and possessing
kindred sentiments and interets with many of
her sister States, it is alike due to their preserva
ton to repudiate it, wild, extravagaDt and un-
authorized assumption by the Executive Depart
ment Of the Government. The slumbering pat
riotism of the calm and sober-mnded pioneers of
the country has been rekindled by the wound
about to be inflicted upon State pride, and this
manifest attempt at itsiupation Of STATE rights
This effort for supremacy recently so clearly in
dictated by the United States authorities at Santa
Fe, can only have the unhappy effect Of disturb
ing the harmony, good feelings and affection,
which ought to exist between the confederacy and
all of its members. 1t can exact no true homage
or respect any where, and it will never find obedi
ence here. Nor is it intended that it shall in the
least degree impair or take away the States claim
to sovereignty and jurisdiction over the country
In controversy. Itat least becomes US to assume
just, lofty and honorable attitude before our sis
ter States, whose interests assimilated to own
are likely to be affected favoraby otherwise,
according as the issue may come out of the i'm
portant question now to be decided 1t is ex-
pected that the State of Texas will the neces-
sary means to extend her civil jurisdiction cock
tensive with her proper limits. Duty and policy
point out this course, her citizens require it, her
honor demands it, it is exacted by good faith to
her creditors. Those limits have been very clearly
and in the most expressive manner defined by the
sword, successfully maintained by the same in