Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-03-22
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

AUSTIN, TEXAS, March g. 1861.
" W. p. Roberts aud others, COMMITTEES
Gentlemen: Ia reply to your communication Of d Q
5h, say, when the Legislature authorized the Con-
venton to submit the proposition TO the people of Tex
a the subject of secession from the federal govern
meat of TIE United States il understood that the
performance OF that act when done would terminate the
existence Of the Convention. The Executive approved
n. same, with protest against the shortness OF the
ZINE allowed owing to the great limits OF State BY
subsequent Of the Legislature it required thai,
he of the should be made at the office Of
the Secretary OF State and counted in the presence Of
the Governor and Attorney General. The votes were
counted aud the result declared by proclamation. that
oity Of the votes cast was for secession. By an
act OF the legislature the Convention empowered
only submit the question of secession 10 vote OF the
rcCple. TIE Convention performed the functions as
gued il by the Legislature, snd in the opinion OF the
Executive its pOweIs were then exhausted
The Executive will recommend TO the Leg stature, which
vii reassembe on the 18th inst take into considera
ion the important issues arising Of the Of
our connection with the United States with such recon-
menda'ious and suggestions as be may think proper in
the discharge of this duty. Il will tnen be within the
province of the Legislature to take such action en- the
subject they may think proper and also to call Con-
venion directly from the people, who will fairly repre-
their wishes and opinions and who will have author
i'y make such changes in the Constitution OF the
State her present and future relations TO the world at
large may require.
well as all state officers to continue in the lawful dis
charge Of their functions confling their action TO the
sphere of Texas only
1.-The Executive tenders bis respects to the gentlemen
Of the Convention, and assures YOU gentlemen, ndv!d-
ually. of his esteem.
every truly your obedient servant,
'SAx HousroS"
The threatening reply Of the Convention this letter
was couched in the following language:
"Whereas letter bearing date March 6th 1861. has
been read before this Convention, written by the E1ecu-
tive OF this State addressed committee Of this body
calling in question the power of the Convention to do
more than submit the ordinance of secession to the peo
ple Of Texas for their ratification election; and
whereas ia important that there should be msun
Outstanding this subject:
hesoiDed That this Convention do declare that il
not only had the power pass and submit the ordinance
OF secession but also that possesses and will exercise
the right behalf of the people Of Texas to do what
may be incidental to the same and that may be me-
cesary and proper for the protection of the rights OF
the people aud the defence of the State in the present
emergency and that it will speedily practicable,
ccnsumm,te the connection OF Texas with the PrOvi-
sonal Government OF the Confederate States of AmeI
o. whose constitution has already been ratified by
ordnance OF this Convention.
"Resolred further That this resolution be communicl-
tel by the Secretary OF this Convention to the respective
Departments of the State Government
The effect of Housons letter upon the Convention is
thus described by correspondent of the Galveston
lygilian, writing from Austin on the Sth instant:
Governor IIoustons communication to the Conven-
ten yesterday produced much feeling in the Convention.
Messrs. Graham Jennings and Others favored a ref
9rence to the Committee OF Ten with instructions to
sv r the alleged missatemens contained in it.
Mr.. Wiley favored the passing by OF the matter in
coutemptuous silence aad to instruct the Committee
tie CONSTITUTIONAL prepare Immediately ordinance re
qqug all state and county officers to take the oath OF
allegiance to support the government and to carry
orr in good faith the ordinances of the Convention.
ut is thought this vii! be pursued to-day
There is great degree Of feeling here in reference tC
tbs matter 1t il thought by many that the Governor
IA. commissioned several officer under the militia law
With view of laising men for the purpose of resisting
the action of the Convention in hs behalf He Opposes
to the death the confederation Of Texas with the othe
southern states and layOrs Texas setting up for herself