The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 2, July 1898 - April, 1899 Page: 41
[335] p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Development of the Texas Judicial System. 41
traditions, sympathies, and prejudices were all in favor 'of the Com-
mon law. One of the grievances of the people 'against the Mexican
government, as set forth in this Declaration -of Independence, is
in these words:
"It has failed and refused to secure on a firm basis the right of
trial by jury, that palladium of civil liberty, and that 'only safe
guarantee for the life, liberty and prosperity of the citizen."
It was necessary to form a constitution as a basis of permanent
national existence, and as no vote of the people could be taken on
it then, or in the near future, and as the provisional State govern-
ment had been superseded, it was necessary to make provision for
a temporary National government. The Convention addressed it-
self vigorously to these several tasks, and on March 16th adopted an
executive ordinance providing for a Government ad interim, and
on March 17 passed unanimously, and signed the constitution of
the Republic of Texas; and, having elected officers for the templor-
ary government, adjourned without day. As men who could
bring things to pass, the members of that Convention stand with-
out peers. The swiftness of their work is equaled ,only by its
quality and effectiveness.
The executive ordinance thus adopted, is as follows:
"WHEREAS, We, the people of Texas, through our delegates, in
General Convention assembled, for the purpose of framing a con-
stitution, and ,organizing a government under that constitution,
free, sovereign, and independent; and finding from the extreme
emergency of the case, and our critical situation, that it is a duty
that we owe to our fellow citizens and ourselves, to look upon our
present danger with a calmness unruffled and a ,determination un-
subdued; and ,at the same time to pursue a prompt and energetic
course for the support -of our liberty, and the protection of our
property, and our lives; therefore,
"1st. Resolved, That we deem it ,of vital importance to forthwith
form, organize, and establish a government 'ad interim,' for the
protection of Texas, which shall have full, ample, and plenary
powers to 'do everything which is contemplated to be done by the
General Congress of the people, under the powers granted to them
by the Constitution, saving and excepting all legislative and judi-
cial acts.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 2, July 1898 - April, 1899, periodical, 1898/1899; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101011/m1/45/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.