The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-01-03
HE FIRST capital of the
republic of Texas was at
Houston. 1t must not be
a.. - 1"

Hr4SfE republic of Texas was at
HSNMG Houston. It must not be
l&-Ng forgotten that Texas for
almost ten years was a full-fedged
republic, with a complete govern
ment. She maintained diplomatic
representatives in the courts of a
number of European countries and
at Washington. In the capitol at
Austin are preserved a number of
original treaties negotiated between
that republic and other govern
ments.
1t was in the. year 1886 that the
Texas Congress, which was then a
sort of a perambulating body, hav-
ing shifted from place to place ac-
cording to the exigencies of the
occasion, decided to establish the
capital at the newly founded town
of Houston, named after its first
President, until change was Or
dered. After Texas had achieved
her independence. the possession
of the seat of government was a
prize eagerly contended for by
nearly all the actual and proSpec-
tive municipalities. Individuals
and companies which we're promot-
ing town sites extended proffers for
the capital because of the prestige
this would bestow. 1t was obvious
that the capital city, owing to its
political importance, would have
superior advantages over its less
fortunate rivals.
Texas was by this time attract
ing the attention of the whole
world. The heroism of those who
had fallen at the Alamo, the brutal
massacre at Goliad, and accom-
plishments of the Texans in other
skirmishes, which had eliminated
in the remarkable victory of San
Jacinto, just a few miles from
Houston, with resulting freedom
from the yoke of Mexico. suggest
ed to the world the marvellous
deeds of heroes of the past. The
promoters of Houston agreed to
erect the capitol at their own ex-
pense. These men had purchased
more than two square miles of land
for about what one foot front
would now bring in the heart OF
the city. Circulars we're issued
with drawings representing large
city, showing churches, courthouse,
markethouse and other improve
ments, at time when the site was
nothing more than frontier camp.
The first sale of town lots was held
January I9, 1887, and many were
attracted to it as the first perma.
nent capital. Among these were
many men around whom history
has since thrown its aureola. The
promoters fulfilled their contract
and erected frame building fol
the government Offices. In 1887.
the great French naturlist Audobor
came to Texas in search for new
varieties of birds. He writes oi
Houston in his diary as follows:
1--WE landed at Houston, the
capital of Texas, drenched to tht
skin, and were kindly received OF
board the steamer Yellow Stone
Captain West gave us his stateroon
to change our clothes and furnished
us refreshments and dinner. Tht
Buffalo had risen about six feet
and the neighboring prairies were
partly covered with water; there
was a wild and desolate look cas-
on the surrounding scenery. Shan
ties, cargoes of hogsheads, barrels
etc., were spread about the land
ing and Indians drunk and halloo
ing were stumbling about in th'
mud in every direction.
I'VE walked toward the Presi
dents house, accompanied by th'
secretary of the navy. Houses
half finished, and most of then
without roofs, tents. and libert!
pole, with the capitol. were all ex