The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-08-04
MANIFESTO OF TEXAS.
Letter from Governor Bell to the Senators
and F epressn from Texas. In the
United states Congress, relative 10 the San
tn Fe Question.
STATE OF TEXAS, EXECUTIVE

II, 4
AUSTIN, juno IL, 1850.
Hon. Senators and Representatives. from
1tTas tH The Congress Of the Untted States;
GENTLEMEN TT is with solicitude and pain, that
announce TO you the efforts at present going for
ward, by deluded men, to sever from the State
large portion of territory situated upon her north
western limits. This intelligence | have just re-
ceived, in a full and satisfactory shape, from the
special commissioner who was appointed by au-
thoriy of the Legislature, at It's last session, leav
ing no doubt upon the mind of the Executive of a
setlled determination, by the people of Santa Fe,
TO form at once a separate State government, in ut
ter disregard of our rightful boundary. And there
is no less doubt, from the statements of the com
missioner (who has executed his trust IN most
worthy maDner) Of the inhabitants OF that district
having received and are stlll receiving, III the full
flment of their plans, aid, instruction aud encour
agement from the United States forces stationed at
Santa Fe, who, for some time past, have exercised
civil and military jurisdiction within that portion OF
the State. Ungracious and harsh as this announce
ment sounds upon our ears, yetit comes with the
full impress of truth, and brings along with IL, |
assure you, all the angry excitement and evil fore
spirit of outraged people 10 redress their wrongs
when and wherever offered. Unpleasant as II Is,
il does not come unanticipated. In my general
message TO the Legislature, of December 70, 1919,
j had the honor TO state in reference 10 that por-
ton of territory embracing Santa Fe, That the
course pursued by the federal government within
the last eighteen months, has been such as TO give
rise to the most serious apprehensions that theya-e
be made TO wrest il from us. The total silence
observed in regard to the resolutions of the 10th
March, lSlS and the law passed at the same ses-
sion OF the Legislature for organizing the county of
Santa Fe-the continuance Of their civil and mill
tary government within the limits OF our territory,
when no longer required for the purpose for which
II was established, and the failure, amounting to
refusal, to give instructions 10 the officers in
mand of that department TO recognise and respect
the authorities of the State in discharge of the
duties assigned them-indicate but too strongly a
careless indifference to rights, if they do not
60 further, and manifest disposition totally to
disregard them"
Recent events, with which you can become well
advised from the information which is herewith
transmitted, endorse the opinions therein expressed
placing beyond the reach of speculation or doubt
the disposition and views entertained the federal
government towards us, and exhi biting clearly the
unfriendy attitude of the people OF santa Fe.
Before entering upon his proper duties, the
special commissioner referred TO received from the
Executive full and ample instructions TO direct him
In extending civil organization TO the counties of
Preside, Ell Paso, Worth and Santa Fe. He was
directed to explain with great care, and in a man.
ner most conciliatory to the inhabitants there, the
causes which had operated TO prevent earlier
extension TO them of the benefits of the constitu-
ton and laws OF the STATE and TO explain, also,
far as opportunity allowed, the particular features
OF each, as applicable to their position and crcum-
stances.
In the county of Eel Paso, his mission was
marked with signal success, and in short period
a complete organization was effected, and there is
every assurance that equal success wsuld have at
tended the efforts OF the commissioner in the
counties of Preside and Worth, with sufficient
military esccrt, which was rendered necessary
from the large number of hostile 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 10 the commissioner, are of quite
different character, worthy Of the gravest consde-
ration, involving as they do living and essential
principles, important not only TO the parties imme-
diately concerned, but all who are interested in
the maintenance in its original meaning and purity
of the integrity of sovereign State.
This unfortunate issue between the State and
portion OF its Inhabitants for several years menaced,
has at length assumed a definite and determined
character, and in my judgment calls for the mme-
date exercise OF the force and efficacy which
constitution and laws were intended TO confer. Ii
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
deposition and kindliest Offices for their adjustment
But in this instance, instead of exercising parental
care and vigilance over the interest of the youngest
member OF the coniederacy, she has stepped for
ward with the confident, supercilious air Of power,
erecting herself into an umpire, claiming privileges
and benefits appertaning TO Texas from the dear
bought sacri1ces which she has made TO obtain
them, and heretofore awarded to her by the NEST
solemn guarantees ls this, allow me TO ask one of
the boosted practical benefits OF Union and is this
a foretaste OF what we may hereafter expect from
common guardian II truly the protection that the
such course once sanctioned, would leave us re-
creant TO the trust conhded 10 US, leading as il
would TO the destruction Of important con-
sututional principle; and assert IL with pride and
confidence that the State of Texas is not now pre-
pared TO acquiesce in doctrine at once absurd
and dangerous. To oppose il by all proper and
legitimate means, becomes her for her own secu-
ritl; and possessing kindred sentiments and in-
teress with many Of her sister States il is alike
due TO their preservation to repudiate il as a wild
eatravagant and unauthorized assumption by the
aaaNHaaH l..n ~ IN
slumbering patriotism of the calm and sober
minded pioneers OF the country has been rekindled
by the wound about to be inflicted upon State
priae, and this manifest attempt at usurpaton Of
State rights.
This effort for supremacy, recently 30 clearly in
dicsied by the Unit. a States authorities at Santa
re, can only have the unhappy effect Of disturbing
the harmony, good feelings, and affection which
ought 10 exist between the confederacy and all of
It's members. IL can exact no true homage or
respect anywhere, and Il will find obedience
here Nor rs Il intended that II shall, in the least
degree, impair or take away the States claim TO
sovereignty and Jurisdiction over the country in
controversy. IL at least becomes us 10 assume a
just, lofty, and honorable attitude before our sis
ter States, whose interests assimilated TO our own
are likely 10 be affected favorably or otherwise
according as the issue may come out Of the i'm.
portant question now to be decided. Il is expected
that the State Of Texas will use the necessary
means to extend her civil jurisdiction co-extensive
with her proper limits Duty and policy point out
this course, her citizens require IL, her honor de-
mands H. Il Is exacted by good faith to her cred-
tors. Those limits have been very clearly, and in
the most expressive manner, defined by the sword
successfully maintained by the same instrument,
and confirmed TO us by by the most enlightened
nations. The solemn compact Of union must now
shield them from all encro &C hments, come from
what quarter they may.
Let IL not be forgotten. that chvalry and daring
gave birth TO the Texas revolution, (which by sacr-
ices and valor has been the means Of adding TO the
United States empire Of territory. Does this en-
title US 10 no consideration and shall Texas now
be forced to the humiliating dilemma Of asking
either gratuities or Blooms She does not ask them
She Will not ask them, nor yet even any abate-
ment Of the severe rgors Of the position in which
she e now placed by the unkind action Of the fe-
de raj government
But she does not withdraw her confidence in the |
justice Of the general government. and reposine |
for moment upon that confidence, she now asks |
OF that government longer to intervene any OBJ |