The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 59, July 1955 - April, 1956 Page: 205
587 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Mirabeau B. Lamar and Texas Nationalism
genius of Democracy, and while guided and controlled by virtue,
the noblest attribute of man.""'97
At times, Lamar appears to have had in mind the benefits the
state would have enjoyed from the establishment of an educa-
tional system. In case of a war, he predicted, an educated popula-
tion would prove a great asset; otherwise, "war would be con-
ducted without the science necessary to secure success."98
Lamar, however, wanted young Texans to be educated only
in certain fields. He felt that it was dangerous for students to go
abroad and study because they might become contaminated with
"ideas that were adverse to the true policy of the nation."99 He
stressed that it was essential that "our youths should not only be
educated at home, but that their education should be a national
one."100 Texans either favored or were converted to Lamar's
educational ideas, and the Congress did approve adequate meas-
ures for the establishment of a system of state education. Thus
nationalism played a part in earning for Lamar the title "Father
of education in Texas."
It would be impossible to determine the full impact that nation-
alism, as used by Lamar, had upon events in Texas history during
and following his administration. A few facts, however, do appear
evident. Negatively, Texas nationalism was not strong enough to
acquire Santa Fe nor was a national bank ever established in
Texas. In some ventures, however, Lamar's appeals to national-
ism may have been successful; the Indian policy, although costly
in lives and money, was considered a success. Lamar's use of
nationalism may be credited with the building up of the military
forces and to some extent with the establishment of a system of
education. It is debatable whether Texas annexation to the United
States was delayed or hastened by Lamar's attitudes. Regardless
of the influence Lamar's use of nationalism may have had upon
Texas history, one thing does appear certain. Had he ignored
nationalism he most probably would never have been character-
ized and numbered among "the purest patriots of the age."
97Ibid., 348. This statement appears on the inside cover of University of Texas
publications.
eslbid.
99M. B. Lamar, Austin (Texas), Second Annual Message to Congress, November
1a, 1838, in ibid., III, 181.
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 59, July 1955 - April, 1956, periodical, 1956; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101162/m1/223/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.