The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-04-05
DOMESTIC TROUBLE IN TEXAS.
GOVERNOR HoUsToN's PROTEST AGAINST THE
ACTS OF THE STATE CONVENTION.

General Houston has issued a lengthy
address to the people of Texas, reviewing
the proceedings Of the State Convention,
which passed the ordinance of secession,
and declared his seat vacant. He refuses
to take the oath of allegiance to the new
government, or recognize it, because he be-
lieves it has derived none of the powers it
has assumed, either from the people or the
Legislature. The address concludes as fol-
lows:
Fellow citizens In the name of your
RICH and liberties, which, I believe, have
been trampled upon, refuse to take this
oath. In the name of the nationality of
Texas, which has been betrayed by this
Convention, I refuse to take this oath. In
the name of the Constitution of Texas,
which has been trampled upon, refuse to
take this oath. In the name of my own
conscience and manhood, which this Con-
vention would degrade by dragging before
it to pander to the malice OF my enemies,
when by the constitution the privilege is
accorded me, which belongs to the humb-
lest officer, to take my oath of Office before
any competent authority, l refuse to take
this oath.
am ready to be ostracised sooner than
submit to usurpation. Office has no charms
for me, that it must be purchased at the
sacrifice of my conscience, and the loss of
my self.respect.
1 love Texas too we'll to bring civil strife
and bloodshed upon her. To avert this
calamity l shall make no endeavor to main.
tain my authority as Chief Executive of this
State, except the peaceful exercise of my
functions. When can no longer do this,
l shall calmly withdraw from the scene,
leaving the government in the hands OF those
who have usurped its authority, but still
claiming that am its Chief Executive.
1 expect the consequences Of my refusal
to take this oath. My Office will be de-
clared vacated. If those who ostracise me
will be but as true to the interests OF Texas
as have endeavored to be, my prayers will
attend them.
Fellow citizens, think not that complain
at the lot which Providence has cow as
signed me. 1t is perhaps but meet that my
career should close thus. l have seen the
patriots and statesmen of my youth, one by
| one, gathered to their Fathers, and the Gov
ernment which they had reared, rent in
twain and none like them are left to unite
it once again. stand the last almost of
| the race who learned from their lips the les
son of human freedom. am stricken down
now because will not yield those principles
which have fought for and struggled to
maintain. The severest pang is that the
blow comes in the name of the State Of
Texas. have received blows for her sake,
and am willing to do so again.
1 PROTEST IN THE NAME OF
TIE PEOPLE OF TEXAS AGAINST
ALL THE ACTS AND DOINGS OF
THIS CONVENTION, AND DE-
CLARE THEN NULL AND VOID!
solemnly protest against the act OF its
members, who are bound by no oath them
selves, in declaring my Office vacant, because
I refuse to appear before it and take the
oath prescribed.
| It has accomplished its mission, and its
chief object has been fulfilled. If to drive
me from Office and defeat the will of the
people, is an honor, it may wear it. To
prevent my having an opportunity to send
q message to the Legislature, which meets
on Monday, March 10, l am required to
appear at it's bar to day and take the test
oath. Even Sbylock granted the full three
days ere he claimed his pound of flesh. The