The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-06-25
AUSTIN HISTORICALLY.
A Place of Considerable Interest
from that Standpoint.


Austin, Texas. June 16.--The following
paper was read before the State Historical
association yesterday:
The city of Austin not having been
founded until near score OF years after
Spanish authority in Texas had ceased,
and not until some three years after the
battle OF San Jacinto. which resulted In
the overthrow of Mexican domination, 1t
is devoid Of that historical interest as a
place which appertans TO San Antonio,
Gonzales, Goliad. San Felipe. Naeog-
doches and other localities in Texas which
might be mentioned. No old missions,
partly or wholly In ruins, are found there,
nor even an odd stone fort nor has any
warfare ever been waged on Its cedar Gov
cred hills or in the ue-bonneted valleys
between, so far as known, unless we count
the predatory incursions OF small oanus
of redskins during It's earliest days the
repulsion of which never amounted TO
the dignity of battle, 49,
Perhaps I should not overlook the
| "archive war" which occurred during the
second term OF Sam Houston as presi-
dent OF the Republic OF Texas Austin
then being al the very verge OF the Whlts
| settlements, President Houston ooncludeu
/ that the danger OF a raid on the place by
the Mexicans and their Indian allies, anu
| the capture or destruction OF the pubic
| records were so great that the drculNo'
! should be removed 10 some place less eH-
posed ana he issued orders Accordingly
and sent men with wagons to carry oul
his orders But the citizens rose en-
masse and compelled the abandonment ol
the attempt after much war OF words
and the exhibition Of more dangerous
| weapons. Another conflict came very near
! occurring in Austin in January, 1919, on
the occasion OF the inauguration OF GOV
ernor Coke. 1t was thought for time
that his predecessor, Governor DAVIS
would not vacate the office. and much as
play OF arms was made by both SIDES, pu'
peaceful counsels prevailed, and the new
ly elected democratic administration ac'
dulred possession without the shedding o.
blood.
To return to Inc days OF the Republic
Austin may fairly be considered as th'
starting point of the celebrated santa RI
expedition" during President Lamar's al
ministraton, In 1s41, though the aciua
rendezvous was on Brushy Creek SOM
twenty times distant. One Of the object
Of this expedition was the extension OF TN
jurisdiction OF the republic TO the source
Of the Rio Grande. The command wa
CAPTURED IN what Is now the territory y
|, New Mexico. and made to march, as prls
oners. thousand miles or more south
ward. While in captivity some Of thes
prisoners published a weekly Journal, Wit
columns and otherwise in regular news
paper style. but printed with pen instea
OF tyne. called the True Blue, som
numbers OF which are to be seen in tn
historical rooms OF the State capitol build
; ing.
Austin. besides being the seat OF gov
eminent OF Texas ever since the annexa
ton to the United States, was the capita
OF the Republic OF Texas for several year,
during which time the governments OF IN
. United States. Great Britain and Franc
sent diplomatic Representatives, and IN
French government. at least, maintained
minister there for some time. Treaue
} were negotiated between the Republic
: Texas and the United States. Great Brit
5 ain, France Belgium and the Netherland
} and these treaties. In fair state OF pref
5 eryation. may be seen in the Office OF II
, secretary OF state at Austin. They o.