The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-04-03
Usurnation.

We regret to note the fact that the unjustifable
patton of power by the convention at AUSTIN bids fair
to lead to collision between the legal State authorities
and that revolutionary assembly According to all the
cherished principles of our government Gov Houston
is right and the convention is establishing precedent
for all kinds Of awess proceedings hereafter How can
the convention properly proceed to pass ordinances not
contemplated by the people when they voted for dele
gates? Was there any question before the people except
the question of secession? We refer TO the ordinance
of secession and the of the legislature submitting
it to the people Every act Of the convention, since
the declaration of the secession of the State has been
the fruits Of grossly tYranncal usurpaton Of power
/ 1t is now question of might against right Are the
people of Texas willing to submit tamey to violent
overthrow of the existing constitution and the existing
| State government?
! demonstration provides for amendments The peo-
pie may hereafter elect another convention, but the
present has done its work and should at adjourn
Alas we fear the reign of anarchy and desPotsm has
commenced, and the end is not yet
OF course Texas is free unite with the cotton
confederacy, form any other alliance that may suit
the people bat The question must come before the peo
pie for their approval We are not prepared to oppose
such a movement; want to have full and free dis
cussion Of the subject but until the people have acted
upon the question: action of the present convention
! can annex Texas to the new contederacy.
Ifthe convention see fit to recommend such Union
and drafts ordinance to that effect such ordnance
of force in itself might be submitted to the people
and bind them by their endorsement Of it. in like man
they have decided the question of secession If
however the convention continues its work of usurpa-
ton and brings en- conflict in the State, upon that
body must rest the responsibility. Are the people
willing to SUbmit2 Who are now the submissionsts2
Are the people willing to submit to one hundred
and sevenyhve petty tyrant who ought to have been
home long ago minding their legitimate business than
the constitution and laws of the State administered
by heproper authorities We earnestly urge the people
TO wake up upon this subject.
iii l tbaty
Tending Gen. Houston The people whom he has served
for years. who know him thousand times better than
we do, will Judge him and his motives; but we are de-
termned to do duty in defence of the constitutional
liberties Of the people If majority of the intelligent
people of Texas fit to submit to the dominant of
rebeliious faction that is even now aiming DEATH blow
at the very fundamental principles Of American freedom
we can but sorrowtuly luesce in movement which
we cannot approve and cannot control and enjoy the
reflection that we have done our duty
VIII the people that the republic receives no de-
triment?
If the convention can pass one ordinance unauthor-
sed by the people, they pass thousand; they can
egislate to an indefinite extent Are the people willing
that they should exercise unlimited power?
We have just received copy of an ordinance enti-
tied, Fan ordinance raise money to defray the extra
ordinary expenses arising from the condition of public
affairs and to pay the expenses Of the convention We
have also received the report Of the committee on f.
nance, of which RoLert c. Campbell is chairman. A
CaeIui eruSat OF these documents dlSclOSeS the start
ling fact that the convention at Austin has assumed or
attempted to assume all the power of the sovereign
State OF Texas, and can, upon the principles of the
documents before u.s. pass any law Nhatever-from an
act authorship county road, to making the office
of governor perpetual and hereditary or making it
treason to comment on the action Of the convention
The history of civilization may be searched in vain for
parallel to the despotic usurpaons of this convention
Without any authority whatever, they abrogatiug
the constitution OF TcXas-not only legSlating but
passing organic laws. In the name of liberty we pro
test against their action The people have author
ised them to frame new constitution; and until the
people endorse their enactments, we will not If this
be treason, make the most of it."
The people decided the question Of secession and we
cheeruly submit to their action which has absoyedu us
from all allegiance to any government earth except
the constitutional government, the government esab-
lished by the people of Texas
If the convention can abrogate the constitution of
Texas any part thereof and bind the people of Texas
monarchy, and erect star chamber and an inqusi-
ton. II they in earnest, they may as well select
Jetlrles now and appoint agents to purchase hemp
Among the ordinances reported to the conventionb 10y
the committee finance is IAN ordinance to repeal IN
part section 2 article 10 of the constitution and for
other purposes" They propose to divert the school
fund now loaned to the railroad companies. Divert this
fund and Notwithstanding their substitute the people
OF northern Texas may say farewell to all their hopes
OF seeing the Memphis, FL Paso and Pacific railroad for
years to If the substitute as good fer the rail
roads, 1t is as good for other purposes-herefore let
the school fund alone and let the railroads borrow ii
viii the people, the sovereignty of Texas submit?
TIars CTey1 Press