Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-03-20

atory or complimentary, Judging from the
character Of bis reply, which we copy below ;
ExEcurrvE DEPAzTMENr.
Austin, rexas, March 6, 1861.
". P. Roberts, aad ofhers, Committee
In reply TO Four Communication OF the 5th,
/ can say, when the legislature authorized
the Convention to submit the proposition to
the people Of Texas, on the subject Of ssces-
sion from the Federal Government Of the Uni
ted states, II was understood that the perfoFm-
ance Of that act, when done, would terminate
the existence Of the convention. The execu-
tive approved the same, with protest against
the shortness Of the time allowed, owing to
the great limits OF our State. By a subsequent
act OF the-legislsture it was required that the
returns Of the votes should be made at the Of
Zee Of the Secretary Of State, and counted in
the Presence OF the Governor and Attorney
General. The votes were counted; and the
result declared, by proclamation, that a ma
jnrity Of the votes cast was for secession.
By an act Of the legislature, the ConFen-
ton was empowered enly to submit the
question Of secession to a vote Of the peo-
pie The Convention performed the func-
tions assigned it by the legislature, and Ia
the opinion Of The executive, i's poW-
ers were then exhausted. The executive will
recommend to the Legislature, which Is to reas-
semble on the 18th inst, to take into consider
alton the important issues arising out Of the
severance OF our connection with the Unised
States, with such recommendations and sug-
gestions as be may think proper in the dis
charge Of this duty. Il will then be within the
province Of the legislature 10 take such action
on The subject as they may think proper and
also to call convention directly from the
people, who will fairly represent their wishes
and opinions, and who viii have authority to
make such changes ia the constitution OF the
State az Der present and future relations to the
world al large may require.
Uubl then, Il will be the duty Of the execu-
tive, as well az all State officers, to continue
in the lswfnl discharge Of their functions, con
hning their action to the sphere OF Texas only,
The executive tenders bis respects to the
gentlemen Of the convention, and assures you,
gentlemen, individually, Of bis esteem
Very truly, your ohedient servant,
SAM HoUsroE.
The following preamble and resolutions
passed the convention en- Friday:
WHEREAs, a letter bearing date March 9Th
1861, has been read before this convention,
written BY ;he executive Of this State, address
ed to a committee Of this body, calling in
question the power of the convention to do
more than subRit the ordinance Of Secession
to the people Of Texas for their ratification or
rejection and whereas, il is important that
there should be no misunderstanding on this
subject
Resolved, That this convention do now de-
clare that Il not only had the power to pass
and submit the ordinance OF Secession, but
also, that it possesses and will exercise the
right Oh behalf Of the people Of Texas, to do
whatever may be incidental to the same, and
that may be necessary and proper for the pro-
lection Of the rights Of the people and the de-
fense Of the State 10 the present emergency,
and that it viii as speedily as practicable con-
sumnste the connection Of Texas with the
Provisional Government with the Confederate
States Of America, whose Constitution has
already been ratihed By an ordinance Of this
Convention.
ResolUef further, That this resolution be
communicated By the secretary Of this con-
vention to the respective departments Of the
State Government.
A letter, Of the sth, to the Cipilian SAYS:
Gov. Houston's communication to the con
vention yesterday produced much feeling in the
convention
Messrs. Graham, Jennings, and others, IA
Vored reference to the committee OF ten, with
instructions 10 answer the alleged misstate-
ments contained in It.
Mr.. Wiley favored the passing BY Of the
matter in contemptuous silence and to instruct
the committee on Constitution to prepare in
lltALdLbl9 au uIllhdhCt requiring dll otalt euu
county officers to take the cath Of allegiance
to support the new Government aud carry out
in good faith the ordinances Of the eonven-
ton.
It is thought this course will be pursued to-
day. There is a great degree Of feeling here
in reference to this matter. Il is thought by
many that the governor has commissioned sew
eral officers under the militia law, with a view
Of raising men for the purpose Of resisting the
action cf the convention in his behalf.
He opposes 70 the death the confederation
of Texas vi b the Southern States and faVors
Texas setting up for herself.
Gen. Rogers, Of Marion, presented this
morning to the convention a report Of bis com
mission to Louisiana, to obtain arms for the
State OF Texas. He succeeded in obtaining
one thousand stand, FIVE hundred Of which
were shipped 70 Eastern Texas and five hun
dred 70 Galveston.
Hon. J. c. Robertson, chairman Of the COM
mittee on public safety, made a report OF the
actions and doings OF that body from the time
Of its organization 20 the present time.
The report Of the San Antonio commission
ers shows that the value Of the property
seized at that point, formerly belonging to the
United States, amounts to 81, 10000.
An ordnance was introduced for raising
three regiments TO protect the frontier-1000
men in each regiment; the officers to consist
OF one brigsdier-general, a colonel, lieutenant
colonel, aad major to each regiment; one cap
tsiD, two d lieutenan.s to each company. The
pay s to be the same as the officers OF the
United States received.
The vote on secession stasds For secession,
41,600; against Il, I2sl72. Msjority for seees-
sion, q, ,428.