The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 4, July 1900 - April, 1901 Page: 48
366 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:
48 Texas Historical Association Quarterly.
proper accommodations for the transaction of the business of the
government. I found a situation 7aturally most beautiful, but
requiring much exertion to render it available for the purpose
intended by its location. Building materials and provisions. were to
be procured, when both were scarce; a large number of workmen
were to be 'employed in the lower -country ,and brought up in the heat
of summer, during the season when fever was rife; and when here,
our labors were liable every moment to be interrupted by the hostile
Indians, for whom we were obliged to be constantly -on the watch;
many-tongued rumor was busy with tales of Indian depredations,
which seemed to increase in geometrical progression to her progress
through the country. Many who. were on the eve of immigrating
were deterred by these rumors from doing so.. Interested, and
malicious persons were busy in detracting from the actual merits of
the place, and every engine of falsehoo-d has been called into action
to prevent its occupation for governmental purposes. Beauty of
scenery, -centrality of location and purity of atmosphere have been
nothing in the vision of those whose views were governed by their
purses, and whose ideas of fitness were entirely ,subservient to- their
desire for profit. Under all these disadvantageous circumstances,
and more which I cannot now detail, a capitol, a house for the chief
magistrate of the republic, and a large number of public offices were
-to be erected and in readiness for use in the short period of four
~nonths. Not discouraged at the unpromising aspect of affairs, I
dheerfully undertook to obey your behests. 'Numbers of the present
citizens of Austin immigrated hither, 'and with an 'alacrity and spirit
of accommodation, for which they have my grateful remembrance,
rendered us ,every assistance in 'their power.
"To the utmost extent .of my abilities I have exerted myself and
have succeeded in preparing such .accommodations 'as I sincerely hope
will prove satisfactory to your excellency and my fellow citizens 'of
Texas.
"In the name 'of the citizens of Austin, I cordially welcome you
and your cabinet to the new metropolis. Under your fostering care
may it flourish, and aided by its salubrity of climate and its beauty
of situation, become famous among the cities of the New World.
'Judge Waller, after building the ,city, was elected the first mayor
thereof and guided the municipal helm with as much credit as he
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 4, July 1900 - April, 1901, periodical, 1901; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101018/m1/54/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.