The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-04-03
THE GExAs CONTEST HOUsTON's
LETTER.

THE 1EXAs CONTEST =. HOCsTON'>
| LETTER.
We have already called attention to the pc
sitIon assumed by Governor Houston, OF Texa'
In opposition to the secession movement in that
State. Texas papers received to-day briggs u
further details Of Hous,on's contest with the
State Convention. The following is the Cover
no, 5 letter:
"ExEcUrIvE DEPARTMENT.
dustin, 1tras, -Uarch Is, 1861.
d" W. p. Roberts and others, Comnsjttee:
Gentlemen: IL reply to your communication
of the 5th, ! say, when the Legis allure auth
orized the Convention TO submit the proposition
to the people OF Texas. on the subject # seces-
sion from the Fedei al Government of the United
states, il understood that the perfOTm nance
If that act when done, would terminate the ex
isIence Of the Convention. The executive ap
pro.,d the same, with protest against the
shOrtue-s of time allowed, owing to the great
limits If our State. Bv a subsequent act OF the
Legislature IL was required that the returns Of
the votes should be made at the off &c of the
secretary Of State ana counted in the presence
Of the Governor and Attorney General The
votes we're counted and the result declared by
proclamation, that a majority of the votes cast
.as iU secession. BY ali act OF the Legislature,
The Convention was empowered only 10 submit
The question of secession 10 a vote OF the people
fhc Conv, ntion periormei. the functions assigned
u by the Legislature, anI, III the opinion OF the
Elective, is powers were then exhausted. The
Executive will recommend to the Legislature,
which will reiss"ube on the 18th Instant, 10
take into Consideration tie important issues arts
ing out Of the -evercuce OF connection With
the United States with such recommend alton,
and suggestions "a he NAV think proper ia the
discharge OF this dLty. IL viii then be within
the province Of the Legislature To take such ac-
Iiou OF the suit ct they NAV Ihiuk proper
aud also TO call a Convention Directly from the
people, who Will fairly represent tt,ir wishes
ani opinions, ard VINO wall have authority 10
make such changes in the Constitution OF the
State her presei,t su'i future .el.liUis 10 the
world at large may require
Until then, il viii toe the duty Of the Execu-
i've as vel as all State officers 10 continue IN
the lawful d.,charg. OF their functions c,Iiiii.-
.ug their actoHs To ;he sphere o! Texas ouly.
.'The Ex, cutive tenders his ects 10 the
gentlemen oi the Conveit,on. ani assures YOU,
5r,iieiucu, i dividualiy, OF his AigE esteem.
VERY truly, YOUR oordien; sefvt
SAM HOUSTON"
The threatening reply OF the Convention 10
his letter was corched in the following Ian
guag-;
Whereas, q letter bearing date March 9th,
Sol, has been read hctor- thGs Convention wait
ten by the Executive OF this State, addressed To
committee II this Goiy, calling in question the
power of tie Convention u do mote than sun
alil the ordnance of secession To the peopie of
Texas for their ratification or II, ction; aud, I
whereas, il i. important that there should he 10
this sui, ct:
,.I, * t',tt.y In do.
.lare III At u not oaly had the power 10 pa.s and
"a bmit Ih.. ordinance OF SECESSION but Also that
il possesses and will exercise the right, Oh be- /
halt Of the cople Of Texas, To do whatever NAV
be incidental To the sauir and that Ray he nec- |
-sSdrv and proper for the protection OF the |
i.hIs OF the people and for the defence OF the |
State in the present emergency; and that 1t will,
~ speedily a. practicable, cousumate the con |
aeciion OF Texas With the provisional govern /
nent Of the Confederate SIa'es OF America, |
= hose Constitution has already been ratified b, |
an ordnance of this Convention.
"Resolred further, That this resolution be /
by the Secretary OF this Conven- /
ion TO the respective departments of the State
The ,facl OF Hous'on's letter upon the Con- /
yentiou Is thus described 10y "a correspondent OF
The Galveston Civilian, writing ilOm Austin on
the Sth Instant.
Governor HoustOn's communication TO the |
yesterday, produced much feeling |
in the Convention.
"Messrs. Graham. Jennings and Others, ia. |
vored reference 10 the Committee of Ten, with !
u answer the alleged Measurements
contained in il.
"Mr. Wiley favored the passing By of the
matter in coiten.ptuons slence, and 10 instruct
the Committee on Constitution TO prepare i'm.
an ordinance requiring all State and
county officers TO take The oath OF allegiance 10
support tue new Government, and carry out In
good faith the ordinances of the Convention.
:" IL is thought this course will be pursued to-
day. There Is great degree o! feeling here in
r. terence 10 this matter. IL Ia thought by
many that the Governor has commissioned scve
raj officers under the militia law, with a view of
raising men for the purpose OF resisting the &C
ton of the Convention III his behalf He oppo-
SEES 10 the death the confederation Of Texas with
The other Southern States, and iavors Texas set
&, IL