The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1880-12-30
TENAS HISTORY.

Up 10 forty-fve years ago Texas was n
province of Mexico. Subsequently and
up TO tbirty-fve years ago it was u free
aud independent republic, when 1t be-
came one of the states of the American
Union.
In 1855 Robert de LaSalle, with small
colony of Frencbmen, sailed into the
Gulf of Mexico seeking the mouth OF the
Mississippi river, and was driven to the
westward and landed on the coast of
Texas in Mstsgorda Bay, near what is
known the town ofLavaca. He called the
fortified settlement which he established
st. Louis. The colony was soon extermi-
mated by disease and hostility OF the Indi-
ans; aud LaSalle was killed by one of his
own mutipous followers. Spain next at
tempted the occupation OF Texas, and in
1853 u colony was landed, aud mission
was built near the spot where four years
previously LaSalle bad landed. This col
ony was soon broken up by the same
causes as the former one. Between the
years 1000 and 1870 the Spanish Roman
Catholics established many missions aud
fortresses within the border Of Texas.
Three missions were built and occupidby
monks and friars, and by soldiers who
were sent TO defend them. After many
Yiccissitudes the Spanish mausionswere,
within a century from their establish
ment, one after another, abandoned, .leav-
ing throughout the state crumbling ruins
of massive buildings which TO this day
attest the self-sacrifcing devotion and la
bors of those Christian ambassadors from
the Old World. The fate of the inmates
Of the Mission of San Saba was one of the
most deplorable recorded in history.
This mission was established iu 1874. and
for while the Indians proved friendly;
In 1852 silver mine was discovered
there which drew co the place number oil
adventurers. Trouble soon arose be-
10 nd q
rasv made an onslaught on the fortress
and slew all who were there. Thus the
efforts of France and Spain to effect per-
manent occupation of Texas failed.
France formally abandoned her claims
In 1893, and In 1871 Mexico threw OF the
Spanish yoke, and Spain thereafter ceased
to press her claims for IL. Texas thus be-
came 4 tributary OF Mexico In 1921. At
that time. despite the blood and treasure
which had been expended by the gov ern-
mcnts of the Old World TO hold Texas,
nothing had been accomplished. II was
practically as much a wilderness in 1891
as when LaSalle set foot upon its shores
IN 1885.
THE ASGLo-AMERIcANs APPEAR.
But the time had now come when the
Anglo-AmericsD turned his steps hlther,
and history has Yet TO record where be
ever failed of his undertaking. The
permanent colonization of Texas by
citizens of the United etAtes began
in 1871. At that time Stephen F.
Austin ,sto whom justly belongs the title
Father of Texas, introduced large num-
ber of colonists, and furnished them
bones. Brave and gentle, amiabie and
cheerful, he was beloved by every child
in the colony, ana was weleoms guest
IN every household. Austin had many Of
the qualities of statesman and leader
He was wise, bold and prudent, born OF
an excellent Virginia family. and the
coioI.f>,a ~ common consent put him ioT-
wal ~ look after their interests. Then
the, = uss:ent Of Mexico became alsT.ned
Al t.fe Taris!iy increasing strength and IL
l.l-ne4. ~ The young colony. and took
Sfea. iolsrrVcut its further growth. The
Dictator rf Mexico, BustsmeBie. issued a
deer.ze susrcncing all existing colony
cOntr trzrg>. aud forbiddiBg under severe
penslity any citizen Of the United states
IRON settling 10 Texas. Ibis did moi hzta-
the desired eject, snd emigration couti1-
ued 10 POUR into the couofrT.
In ISIS the citizens OF Texas called :
council at ST. Felipe. OF thIs council,
". n. Wharton was presidsuf- 4 me-
mortal and pitltioD was prepared setting
forfh in calm and f0rcible language. the
wants and gTietznces Of the coIonists.
and PRAYING the Central Power a. Mexico
FOR a separate state organization. This
memorial was eeDtto Mexico BY the hands
OF stephen + Austin 80 dfnntIe re-
spouse was given tothe petition and Aus-
RI, vas thrown into prison. where he re-
mained many months Thus matters re-
rnnined until isSS. when the roionisfe be-
coming nrlly sadsfed that prompt action
could alone protect their Interests, hsid