The Texian Advocate. (Victoria, Tex.), Vol. 6, No. 12, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 24, 1851 Page: 1 of 4
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WECKLY MV JOI1X D- LWOA:v and THOMAS Sl'EIWE, AT 3 I ADVANCE, *4 IN SIX IKONTU , OH «3 AT THE EHtí «r
THE VEAIS.
aa&ss
VICTORIA, TEXAS, THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1851.
TO TUB
PEOPLE OF TEXAS.
-Two yeiira liuve passod
r full
FKIXOW-CITIZENS !'
•lace 1 hail (bo honor, by u cull from my follow
eitiiena, to present a brief exposition of ibo
«lows and principles which wero to govern ine
' íh the event of my being placed, by their par-
tiality, in the Executive chair. The chaioo
having fallen on me by the result of the August
•lection in 1840, it bocamo neeojwury that 1
'Should furnish to the people of the Suite, thro1
tier Legislature, my opinion upon the various
subject of Slute policy, and to. recommend
■ucli, ai in my judgment were best calculated
to meet the wants of the country and promote
the genoral good. In tlie performuiico of this
duty, I liuve ulwuya ondoovored to call to mind
thaa4tauHt*fellgutiou.vf my constitutional oatli,
grateful ru/jjeiiibriiiicu of the distinguished
favors of the people of Texas, and at no tiino
ave I forgottup lier past glories and her future
ope*. My public acts,.ami the measures 1
ave advocated, eocli and singular, aro before
ilio country; and nil- I ask, is a close and "rigid
'«ticn of ibem, in a spirit of candor alHl
—>l iIMiL <■ H t'iii i ii
ir iiiu.-, uíilmg out oi the peculiar natiu •< ol
tome of the questions which Irnvo engaged the
public mind, and acted on the public councils
Within the last eighteen months, will prevont
un impartial judgment on the conduct of the
public servants who have been engaged during
that period. Confiding in the justice and lilnd-
ktess of tny foílow-cltizens, I shall await their
award without fear.
I am again a candidate fur tho distinguished
office with which you have heretofore honored
mej and iirinkthg this position, I havo been
controlled by a desire to serve tho State; to
respond to the solicitations of many personal
and political friends, whose opinion* I did not
ieol myself altogether at liberty lo disregard;
nnd after having passed through the ordeal oi'
the opinion of an intelligent public, E am will-
ing tosubmit my acts, that they may reeoivo the
sealed impress of the people's approbation; and
if a majority cannot accord this to me, l will
cheerfully bu remanded back to the less promi-
nent, but congenial duties, of private lile; with-
out, however, any diminution of gratitude for
past klndllOBs, and possessing tho saino zeal for
tho prosperity of Ti xas.
I request, fellow-citizens, you will remember,
when adverting to any claim which I may have
upon you for your suffrages, that at the time of
my entering on my official duties, the course of
political events was irregular and disturbed, and
uvery thing .unfavorable to tho adjustment "I
questions of even ordinary public interest. At
that period it required tho unceasing cure ami
vigilance uf the best statesman, lo bliii'i about
n peucelul solution ol the various troubles that
nfflictod tho General Government,"and it was
easy to foresee that tho evils and inconveniences
resulting from an irritated ami unhappy cou'li-
tica of affairs at Washington, would bear heavily
ngainst, if it did not entirely defeat, the adjust-
ment of any question arising between the Fede-
ral and State Governments.
This condition of things awakened a lively
svinpalhy here, and was greatly regretted.—
Under ordinary circumstances, any question
pending between the. Stnto anil Federal Gov-
ernments, to which the latter stood adversely,
woald cheerfully have been postponed, until
that Government had r sinned lu-r natural and
prsper channel.* lint there was a high duty to
parform to the State, and delay in i'.s execuiinn
would inevitably have resulted in the defeat of
almeasure of the most vital interest. That duly
Y«u had devolved on me. If 1 had shrunk from
its performance, or failed to accomplish it in a
manner equal to its great importance, I would
tlien indeed have deserved your keenest repro-
bation. Tho question of boundary, nt any time
a delicata and exciting one, was, at the period
and under tho circumstances of its discussion,
calculated to fill tho public mind with appre-
hension for its pacific termination. 1 know and
felt the interest and peril involved in this ques-
tion, and the iron necessities of my position.—
tn bringing it to a speedy nnd decided issue, I
was guided by no other Impulses than such as
sprung legitimately from a fair and honest in-
tarprotation of the law, and a solemn existing
compact between two sovereign powers. 1 have
done no more in guarding with zealous attention
the trust which tho pcuplo of Texas had confid-
ed lo mo, than to maintain a declaration they
had often made, to wit: to preserve inviolate
the Integrity of their State. The mode adopt-
ed, and the manner in which it Was conduct™,
wero most respectful and kind, and with a con-
fessed appreciation of tho relation in which wo
stood to the Government of tho Union. I as-
sumed no position which lias not been fully sus-
tained by results—einployod no language that
even Implied a throat—and with a determina-
tion "to ask nothing that was not clearly right,
und to submit to Mulling that was wrong," the
¡■sua was made and determined. My highest
objcct was attained when the question role-rod
to was brought back (whero I always intended
it should come, if any agency of mino coul J pro-
tail) to tho poo'o of Texas, for final determina-
tion, Acting in thoir sovereign capacity, tlioy
have rendorod their decision, and I trust in Cod
that tho happiest results may flow from it. I
have alluded to this subject, bocausc it has,
more than any other, agitated the public mind.
It la a subject for congratulation tliut our
State is on tho march to wealth and greatness.
A wis# application of tho moans now nt her
command, with her unsurpassed natural resour-
ces, will, ill a few yours, placo hor in advance of
tnnny of the older States of tho Union. The
public mind is filled with anxiety relative to
tho host mode of disposing of the ten millions of
dollars acquired by the relinquishment of a por-
tion of her north-western territory, and as a can-
didato before you, l am not disposed to with-
hold or disguise my opinion upon this important
eubjoct. Tho Auditorial Hoard, constituted by
nn Act to provide for ascertaining the debt of
the lato Republic, approved March 20th, lfi-1'J,
has been laboriously engaged since the passage
•f the law in ascertaining llio amount and char-
I" "gglt iui aver-
age value, equitable, as llioy conceived, both to
tho Government nnd holder. A very large ma-
jority of the creditors, with a full knowledge of
tho principles adopted bv this Board in passing
tipoñ the various descflpfion of claims, presciii-
fyj their original evidenc-sol indebtedness,^aud
received in lieu, certificates for paryalue. J he
action of tho Hoard has been from time. to tune
submitted for Legislative inspection; « hern the
principles adopted in reducing the difieren!
classes of liabilities, if not considered cnuitalilu
ami just, were to be modified or changed. The
Kuccoodiug Legislature has givon Its sanction
to tho modo pursued in the ascertainment ol
tho Government indebtedness, and, ns the M.v-
ocutivo of the State, I have heretofore given it
my concurrenco; and I call now perceive no
reason why tho rule hitherto adopted for ascer-
taining the actual valuo of the doht at the time
it waa created, and of allowing interest thereon,
aiioilld not bo observed. My views upon llio
subject were communicated to the Legislature
nt Its session of 1840 ana '50, as follows ;
"I concur with my predecessor in tho Import-
ance of the subject connected with tho adjust-
ment of tho public debt. Althouglf we may
not hopo to moct with nn entire unanimity "i
Bontiinont as lo tho mode which will commend
itsolf by Its equity and liberal spirit, not only to
ourown citizens, but to tho world nt large; still,
it is believed that one can lie agreed upon that
will glvo goneral satisfaction. The plan pre-
scribed by tho act of March the ¿Oth, I04R, for
tha ascertainment of llio nmount and tho classi-
fication of our liabilities, is probably the best
that could havo been devised; and tho mode of
sealing those liabilities to their actual valuo fl
the period at which they woro incurred, can
not, in my judgment, bo obnoxious to the sliglit-
est imputation of unfairness or injustico. For a
Slate just omcrging from the varied troubles
and difficulties of a protracted revolutionary
tai tied by sonic,
ininds and largo i
cal oconomy, tin
cording to tho
without any regí
at the time it wat
bly concoivo, If
struggle, and Involved III an ¡inmenso amount
of pecuniary obligation, to assume in gaud faith
tho payment of every dollar tho valuo of which
sho received, or that was oxpendod for her ben-
efit, is placing hersolf in a moral uttitudo upon
which her citizena maj^look with prldo and
plousuro. The. ideawhich seems to bo entor-
thoso, too, of enlarged
onoo In matters of politl-
r debt should he paid ne-
is pitsentcd on its fuco,
tbe«aluo of those figures
Mdifciislis origin, I hum-
«if ¡dual giun, at least
in a desire for moral futsWvhieh leaps over the
boundarictfcproscribod by tho cthics of this utili-
tarian age. I havo Md un another occusioti,
that the State Is bountTO pay every dollar which
sho justly owes; but «either good fuith iior the
most fastidious conception of morality, requires
her to do more. Witlyhis declaration of my
opinion on the subject uoforo them, thojiooplo
of Texas have honored nio with their confidence
by placing mo in tho posilion 1 nowoccipy;
nnd I regard it as a concurrence, on their part,
in that opinion."
, '«"lie wily question then ie, the isnortnlnmeni
litre khíulü tíil&s 1I rV'owr j
and this, I presumo will bo satisfactorily arriv-
ed at by the mode which has been pursued, In
carrying it into practical operation, however, I
would earnestly recommend that the most libe-
ral principles be invoked, so that iliero shall be
no pretext for charging that the State has not
dono full justice to her creditors, as far as her
means would permit."
I would adhere to the principle Contended
for, but with this modification, that in each
class of claims where instances ol hardship at e
found to exist, they^lnmid be reported to the
Legislature, in order that such n !i< f might lie
awarded as might, upon investigation, scut just
and proper. In the assignment of tin average
equivalent value to some of the characters of
Government securities, there was much difficul-
ty ill preventing cases of individual hardship,
nnd some no doubt exist; but as a system of
adjustment, 1 believe it is sound ill equity and
in morals. A ma jority of llio creditors" have
mado a voluntary surrender of the original evi-
tic-
those
llenaos, and havo thereby accepted the only
coniinodation that Texas can offer. To tli
who are reluctant, wo may justly say—gentle-
men, we have dono tho best we can for you.
It is now satisfactorily ascertained, that the
public debt will not exceed seven millions of
dollars, assuming tho adjustment as mude by
the Auditor and Comptroller to be equitable,
and the settled policy of the Government. I
would promptly discharge the debt at its ml-
jtulitrail d rale. This would leave to the State,
alter paying the entire doht, tho handsome sur-
plus ot throe millions of dollars; am) it is be-
lieved by individuals of largo financial experi-
ence, that the stock (if it is the wish of the
State to place it in market) will command a
premium of from five lo ten per cent. If five
per ci tit. only is realized from the salo, within a
fraction of tliroo and a half millions of dollars
will boat our command. The interest annually
accruing on this sum, will amount to about
$175,000. It is not, in tny judgment, safo or ex-
pedient, until we can be aided by sufficient
lights, drawn from experience, to appropriate
the surplus which may remain after liquidating
our liabilities; but the interest arising there-
from, if judiciously applied with tho aid afford-
ed by individual moans und enterprise, may de-
monstrate, in a satisfactory mnniit r, to what ex-
tent our principal rivers are susceptible of navi-
gation; or otherwise, a portion of it could he
appropriated lo any system of internal Improve-
ments deemed most advantageous.
A fair experiment, lnuiln 1'rnu: i'iiho mrnn.q,
would soon exhibit the propriety or inutility of
using tho principal (or a portion of it) in the at-
tainment of an object of tho vory first import-
ance. While I would throw the proper guard
around this fund, I appreciate too highly the
solid advantages to bo dorlvod from llio oncour-
ngeinent of a prop'or system of education, to
withhold my attention and advocacy from it,—
Intelligence is the strength of our institutions;
and when we possess tho moans, to refuse them
in the extension of tho proper facilities for its
general diffusion, or to divert it to subordinate
purposes, is to neglect or forgot tho teachings o
wisdom and experienco.
Tho constitutional provision requires tho
glslaturo to provide for tho establishment
maintenance of froo public schools. Tho '
bit.lon contained therein to a sale of the pi
land set npart ns a school fund, if reinf
would In a lew yoars creatc a fttn J, which, in
addition to that resulting from the ten percent.
o| the annual reventio arising from taxation, and
added to that, which may with groat propriety
bo drawn from tho surplus above referred to, or
tho interest accruing tfieroon, put it in the pow-
er of tho Legislature to establish freo schools
upon a footing which would confer all the prac-
tical advantages, to tho rising generation, con-
templated, nnd confer honor on tho Government.
I have already eoininiinicnted my views to my
country upon this interesting subject, and it is
sufficient on this occasion that I doclaro my
wllllngnoss lo co-opornto with tho legislative
brunch of the Government, in providing ample
moans from the resources nt our command, for
the adoption and execution of a practicable
system.
1 relation to tho reserved fivo millions, it io to
bo regretted that there dues not exist is tho act
of Congress, something more specific in defining
tho amount of debt for which the 11 vo million
stock is retained. The Federal
surely does not intend to assume the right of
determining tho rule which is to govern Texas
in settling with her creditors for liabilities in-
curred whilst she possessed a national charac-
ter. with respect for her own acknowledgment
of tho extent and validity of their respective
claims. Tho adjustment must bo mado by
Texas; it cannot be dono by any other power.
If the Secretary of tho Treasury still adheres to
the opinion that ho Is not authorized to pay ovor
to the Stato ally portion of the retained live mil-
lions, until releases are filed l-y all the creditors
holding liabilities for Texas, for which impost
revenues Were speccially pledged, it is to be
hoped that Congress, at its next session, will so
modify the law that tho Stato can be put in pos-
session of the llontls as fast as the releases are
signed, lly litis menus, the stock retained in
the Federal Treasury would be applied la the
object for which il was intended, and if a few
reluctant creditors should refuse lo execute re-
leases, it would not interfere with the interest of
the otiier creditors, or (hut of the State, in lin-
stock.
Having, fellow-citizens, in the discharge of
official duly, heretofore expressed my opinions
fully upon many of the most prominent questions
of State policy, ii will bo unnecessary to trouble
you with a repetition of them at this tlino. In
reference to my relative position to the two
great political parties now existing iu the Union,
I will say, that while the general politics of the
country have very little connection with, or
bearing upon, tho duo administration of tho
Stato Govornmont—the chief duly of tho State
seat of Government will only allow a very limit-
ed abscuco.
In conclusion, fellow-citizons: If a constant
and honest zeal in the service of Texas for many
year of great ombuirussuiont and trouble, give
mo any piuco in your esteem, of any claim to
your continued support, I sliull be proud of again
being honored by your choice to assume the
varied and laborious duties which appertain to
tho office of your Chief Executive. Whatever
tny fortuno ináy be, 1 shall always heartily de-
sire for you individually, health, prosperity and
happiness; and for Texas, my adopted Stato, I
shall continue my humble exertions iu her be-
half, with my prayers that "her ways may be
ways of pleasantness,and all her paths be police."
Your obedient servant,
P. II. HELL.
Austin, May 22, 11151 — fl-tL
OUATION,
Delivered by the llun, J. Jl. PASCUAL, at
Sim Antonio, on the 4th July, 1U01.
Fi:ixow-Cmzu.\'8:—What is the occa-
sion of this display ol'drums nnd bnnncrs
—this liniimiiii' of cnntiou.0gift. d1(. distent
nil ? Why this ¿iitTienny together ol* the
multitude without distinction oí npc or sc.\
—of religion or politics—till with hearts
seemingly united in the demonstration of
some common joy ? Jt is tho Annivornry
of our Country's Independence—tho eele-
briition of n Nation of Freemen—tlie Grent
Jubileo of the Sons of Liberty. From the
batiks of the St. Lnwronco to the Hio
(¡runde—from tho rolling waves of tho Af-
lnntic to tho placid shores of the Pacific—
ten thousand hills nnd valleys are this Hay
revcrbertiling the roar of cannon nntl tho
shouts and declamations of more than
twenty millions of Freemen, united in this
great Jubilee.
All countries, in all nges, liuve set npnrl
cortnin days as national eras, which Iliey
have caused to bo celebrated by bonfires
and public rejoicings. Upon theso occa-
sions it is usual nuil proper fo dwell upon
the causes which have lod to the establish-
ment of a particular day us till epoch in it
country's history. Let me, therelore,
claim your attention while 1 briefly reca-
pitúlate tho circumstances attending the es-
tablishment of the Fourth day of July us
our national epoch.
It is now about two centuries nnd a half
since religious intolerance mid persecution
in Europe drove many of our ancestors to
seek tut asylum in the wilds of North A-
tnorica. Ilcre. surrounded by wild beasts,
and the still more wild man of the forest,
they hoped to hnvc enjoyed that freedom
and liberty ofconscicnce denied totliem by
the government and laws of a people boast-
ing eivili'/Aliw# For a time they nourish-
ed und were happy, because they fell not
the oppressor's galling yoke. But at length
their prosperity excited the cupidity and
jealousy of' the English monarch, who
sought by the same stroke of policy to en-
rich his own coffers nnd to strike at the
•very foundation of colonial prosperity. A
ffy tcin of inuiiBure wits rt'tiorlcd ti , (lif)
most prominent of which, was that of taxa-
tion without representation.) all calculated
to rcduco the colonics to a slate of vassal-
age, and utterly to blight and destroy their
prosperity. To tho repeated remonstran-
ces of our ancestors against these flagrant
acts of injustice and oppression, tho Crown
and Parliament of Great Britain turned a
deaf ear. At length these continued agr-
essions and usurpations forced'tho colo-
sts to sever the ties that bound them to n
ovcrnmenl from which tlicy had received
series of io many injuries and wrongs.
It is just three-quarters of ti century this
day since our forefathers declared tho thir-
teen colonics free and independent States,
Executive being that of seeing tho laws exe-
cuted—still, I avow very frniikiy to you, that I
am to be found in the democratic ranks, look-
tlitlg
l¡tibie of self government. The causes and
grievances which impelled our forefathers
lo this dire resort, are perpetuated in the
immortal instrument which has just been
rend in your hearing. These causes will
reach posterity in ail timo to come, not
through the uncertain and flickering light
of traiiilion, but through tho medium of au-
thentic und unerring history.
That one government should be abolish-
ed and a new one created in its stead, or
that a province should have declared itself
independent of the government to which
it was before subject, was nothing new.
Such events had frequently occurred from
times of remotest antiquity. So far, there-
forces our furefat hers proclaiming the thir-
teen colonies independent of the crown of
Grcnt Britain, it forms an era in the histo-
ry of our own country, but so far as they
asserted man's inherent nnd inalienable
right to resist oppression nnd tyranny,
wheresoever and by whomsoever offered,
it forms tin era in the, history of the world.
It is not so much niv purpose to dwell
upon tho causes which led to tho separa-
tion of tho two countries, ns ii is briefly to
trace the progress of the new government
and our froo institutions tu the present day,
nnd to ndvcrl to tho best mode of perpetua-
ting find transmitting them unimpaired to
! posterity.
Let us taken retrospective view <S (he
i (rials, difficulties and hardships that our
i ancestors encountered iu nustuifiing the in-
dependence of the colonics nnd the princi-
ples they had proclaimed. The lliirter n
colonics then contained less than three
millions of inhabitants, scattered over n
country extending from the St. Lawrence
to (lie AlUnmlin, a distance of nearly two
thousand miles. Along the whole western
border numerous warlike tribes (if Indians,
whose murderous tomahawk und scalping
soon torn from her crown the brightest
jewel that adorned it without a violent
struggle in its defence, but the contest in-
volved principles of more consequence than
tho suparato independence of tho colonies.
It struck at the foundation of the right of
kings and rulers to govern without tho con-
sent of tho governed. Enraged nt tho
boldness nnd obstinate resistonco of the
colonies, nnd justly fearing that if thoso
principles should bo established, the di-
vine right of kings would become a mock-
cry, und n by-word in tho mouths of the
people, tho whole energy and power of the
mother country woro exerted to crush the
rebels, ns they woro called. Hordes of
mercenary soldiers, headed by able and ex-
perienced generals, were landed on our
shores, a powerful fleet whitened our seas
und blockaded our ports, a.nd a.Jiloody In-
dian war was lighted up nl>, V our whole
froutinr, -Mf-y« Btont-i.ntii via made
to quail before this demonstration of power,
nnd to tremido nt the roar of tho British
lion. To meet nil this array of power, the
colonista bail to rely upon fhc justice ol
their causo, their own patriotism, and the
assistance of Providence. But they had
read how God had overthrown the mighty
and decided tho buttle in favor of the weak;
thoy believed in the holiness of thoir cause
ami trusted his hand. The standard of
liberty was unfurled and hor votaries tal-
lied in its defence. Tlioy composed a nu-
merous army, wanting, howover, in experi-
ence, disciplino and the muniments of wnt.
A Washington, a Green, and a Lincoln,
wero found to lead forth their armies to
battle; and a Franklin, n Jefferson, nil Ad
tuns, and a Hancock, tondviso iu tho coun-
cils of their country. Various were tho
hardships, the misfortunes and reverses to
which tho colonists wero exposed during
the first two years of their struggle. But,
armed in the etiuso of liberty for themselves
and their posterity, and inspired by the tru-
est patriotism, they continued tho unequal
contest under all their reverses and misfor-
tunes with no loss firmness and resolution
than at first. Had wo the inclination, the
range of this discourse would not allow us
todwcll upon tho incidents of a seven year's
war, and which are recorded in history.—
Let us therefore, hurry on to those impor-
tant events which led to the crowning of
tho American arms with final success.
This struggle for liberty nnd independ-
ence by the colonist was not unobserved
by the rest ol the world. In every coun-
try there are votaries of liberty, who wor-
ship nt her shrine for the sake of liberty
herself. Such wore the characters of a
Lafayette, n Do K.alb,n Pulaski, a Koscius-
ko, and a host of others, who no sooner
saw her banner unfurled in the New World
(ban they hastened across the Atlantic to
join in its defence. At length the French
monarch, actuated more by Jji.s fears and
jealousies or the growing power óf á rival
nation than regard for the independence of
the colonies, or love for tho liberty of mnn-
kind, sent to their aid powerful fleets, ar-
mies nnd money. From (hat moment tho
American Eagle plumed his wings nnd be-
gan to soar nioft, and tho galaxy of stars
shone with n brighter lustre.
It is thus that Providence, in his myste-
rious ways, often acts. It has nolunfre-
quently boon the case that the hand of the
assassin litis been mado to strike (lie as-
sassin. And in this instance the oppres-
sor of his own people was made instrumen-
tal in overthrowing tho oppressors of our
struggling ancestors.
After the decisive bnldo of York-town
I . . i . • i | • * /Ill'-l lllw UvviMit' I * 111 111; UI I U1 IVtU i* II
nnd at the same tunc they proclaimed to , . . ,
,. ,,,, . ... . ,• . . ..beiween the combined American nnd
tho world the startling truth that munis co,-",. , ■ .. . .. ..,
ing neither to the right or left oblique, but well
laced lo the front. Dili I truit I shall never
find it in my heart to withhold niv approbation
of the measures of the oppnsilu party, or any in-
dividual of it, if I nut satisfied that justice, sa-
sacitv, moderation, and ilite.;riiy, have placed
iheir impress upon them. Those are qualities
which should cliarnc.torizo mensures and men.
It would havo afforded mo pleasure to have
mingled with niv follow-citlzens in a general
canvnss of the .Slatet I could then have culti-
vated thoso social interchanges of personal kind-
ness which lire always agreeable, and while lis-
tening to their suggestions, touching matters of
goneral interest, nn opportunity would be afford-
ed ine of communication my own views, nnd of
explaining my public acts My dutits at the
French itrmios on one side, and tho Brit-
ish army on llio other, victory perched up-
on tho banner of tho former. Tho rnin-
pant Lion Iny crouched in in tho dust, nnd
the American Eagle rose in triumph. How-
ever humiliating it must lmvo been lo tho
King of Great Britain, lie was forced to
sign a treaty acknowledging the thirteen
colonies free und independent States. The
contest was over—llio tyrant's sceptro was
broken nntl nmong tho nations of tho earth
proudly stood forth n nation of free-men.
The mighty hosts which had been so re-
cently arrayed in deadly conflict, disap-
peared—fho warlike fleets spread their
canvnss and sought protection beneath
their respective fortresses on tho opposite
side of the Atlantic—tho plowshare and
the pruning hook took the place of the
sword—and pence nnd quiet and plenty
reigned over tho land once moro.
Thus happily wero nchievedtho liberties
of the American people. But there was
still wanting nn officiant government Inse-
cure the liberties nnd llio rights which they
had won by their valor and their sword.
Etch Slate was sovereign within itself and
independent of the others, but too wenk
nntl sparsely settled to maintain that sov-
ereignty. How to form a government of
thirteen sovereign Stales, unequal in sizes,
in numbers and resources, for tho mutual
defence and protection of nil, was nn ex-
ee'dingly difficult task. Great jealousy
nnd di'trtist existed ngainst any form of
government proiiott.dy adopted, ns nearly
nil hail ended in iiecnciousncss or despot-
ism. The smaller States wero naturally
jealous of the influence and power of the
larger, and the larger States wero not
ready to yield up their superior-advantages
and be placed upon n footing of equality
with the smaller ones. Besides, there
were local interests which liada powerful
influence in raising nn opposition to the
knife woro over ready to leap firth ngainst Union nl the States. For a time (iteso dis-
tilo helpless anil innocent, prompted by re- m nsions threatened to render abortivo the
vengo or mercenary motives. The colo-
nist wero without an nrmv, without a na-
vy, and without resources. On ibo other
hand they hnd to contend with one of tie
most powerful nations on earth—n nation
glorious achievements of the revolutionary
patriots. It was only by a spirit of mutual
conees'iion nnd compromiso that otir pres-
cut Constitution nnd form of government
wero adopted, This constitution has been
which had acquired the appellation of "the justly regarded as the bond of our Union,
mistress of tho seas"—w hoso army was de-
nominated invincible—and whoso resour-
ces were equal to the strength nnd power
of her army and navy. Had the odds been
less in favor of tho mother country than
they wero, nnd had tho contest been for
tho independence of tho colonics alone, it
is not to be presumed that iliu would have
and the cause of our national glory nnd
prosperity, under its provisions our country
lias prospered ns none ever before protpcr-
pored. In tho short space of three-quar-
ters of a century our population has increas-
ed from three millions to more than twenty
three millions. Eighteen new States have
been added lo the bright galaxy Our flag
floats in triumph upon the Atlantic and
the Pacific—upon the banks of the St.
Lawrence and the Ilio Grande. Our rich
commcrco is protected by tho same flag up-
ou every known sou, and finds a market in
every port. VV# havo passed successively
and triumfihnntly through two wars with
two powerful nations, in which tho world
has been taught that American freemen
with arms in their hauds, aro nut tobe con-
quered. Our country now ranks as one of
the most powerful nations of the earth, und
our friendship and good will aro sought af-
ter by all other nations. When in tho his-
tory of preceding nations, was thorn ever
such an example of power, of growth nnd
glory in so short ti space of timo? Our in-
stitutions havfflhot only rendered us grcnt
and prosperous and glorious, but thoy havo
proved a lamp to the feet of tho oppressed
in other lands and other climes. The
fruiu of tho Aiuot'.Uuiii nnyalnii.«vj .M. «.«>,.
in tho South American Kepublics, nnd iu
the Republic of Franco. They nro also
seen in the strugglos of tho millions for lib-
erty and ngainst tyrany in Germany, in
Hungary, in Italy, in Cuba, and in unhap-
py nnd oppressed Ireland, whonHhough,for
the present trodden beneath tho iron haul
of power, have tho sympathies of every
true son of liberty. Despotism though pow-
erful iu its expiring throes, shall soon cense
in its grasp, nnd the pooplo of these coun-
tries will stand forth as free, ns happy and
as glorious ns our own. Tho right of ru-
lers to govern without tho consent of tho
people, has already, to a groat extent, nnd
will nt no distant day, hccoino nu entirely
exploded doctrine. Whilst our govern-
ment continues a snctunry and tho asylum
of the oppressed of other nations, the prin
ciplcs upon which our institutions ure
based must become more generally known
and more generally adopted.
The sons of Texas, although not of tho
original Thirteen States, are peculiarly en
tilled to join iu the celebration of this grent
national jubilee. Like our patriot fathers,
they too havo poured out their blood and
oflercd their sacrifices upon tho altar of
human liberty nnd human rights. Tho op-
pressor's gulling yoke was attempted to bo
placed upon the neck of this people. The
principles of freedom wore toi> deeply im-
planted in thoir brensts not to otter resist-
once to oppression without counting tho
odds. With a population of twenty thou-
sand, they declnred their independence nnd
maintained it against a nation of eight mil-
lions of people. In that struggle Texas
numbers her heroes, her statesmen nnd her
martyrs to tho causo of liberty, whoso
names will adore tho brightest page ol his-
tory. Your city is consecrated by tho blood
of martyrs. Within its bosom rests the
ashes oi* a Milam, who was ihc first to offer
up his lil'o a sacrifico in behalf of Texas
IVoodnm. You walls «if tho Alimio count i
lute the monument of n Travis, a Bowie, n
Crocket, nnd thoir companions in arms, who
foil in that cause which gavo freedom to
Texas nnd added nn empire to the United
Stntcs of North America. Nonr tons sleep
the remains of two of hor most gallant sons,
Gillespie nnd Walker, companions nnd
brothers in nrms, who fell iu defence of tho
ling of the Union. We weep not for them.
Yon crumbling walls nnd this tomb crowns
the glories of their virtuous lives.
"To tho hoto wlich his sWord,
lias won llio battle for tho froo,
Tho voice of death sounds like a prophet's wind,
Aid in its hollow iones aro hoard,
Tho thanks of millions yot lo bo.
Their names aro freedom's now nnd fame's;
Somo of ilio few, tho immortal names
That wero not born to dio."
Tho Independence of Texas Was finally
achieved upon tho plains of San Jacinto,
and sho assumed her stand among tho lia
tiousof tho earth. She hus since joined
hor sister Stales of tho Union, and is des-
tined to become ono of tho first in wealth
nnd power, us she is already the greatest
in extent of territory, and tho brightest in
chivalrous deeds. Tho Alumu nnd Ban Ja-
cinto will go down to posterity on the same
pago of history willi Lexington, Bunker
Hill nnd Yorktown. Texas has already
shown hor devotion nnd loynlty to tho
Union of these States. The blood of her
most chivalrous sons hits been freely shed
in defence of the flag of the Union. And
when discortl and civil strife threatened to
convulse tills Union to its very centre, Tex-
as appeased tho raging elements by a gen
crous sacrifice of her own interests.
How remarkable has been the history of
the government of the United States. Wh
can review it without a conviction that i
has been destined by Providence as the
means of nccornplisbing the moral and po
lilicul regeneration of lyunkind! At the
time of the revolutionary struggle of our
forefathers for Independence, this was to
them a foreign land, nnd the inhabitants
bowing in submission toan absoluto mon-
arch. Between this plnco nnd tho near-
est soot of thnt contest intervened n royal
government, and a vnst wilderness, inhab-
ited only by tho untutored mnn of llio for-
est. It is doubtful whether those then re-
siding here so much ns heard of a contest
which was destined to give birth ton mighty
nation, nntl be tho moans of imparting free-
dom and liberty to them und their descend-
ants. That roynl government long since
passed nwny nnd wns succeeded by tho
freo States of this Union. The Indian has
retreated before fho approaching footsteps
of oivili/.:ition, nnd llio wilderness has been
converted into fruitful (folds nnd the'smil-
ing nbodes of civilifcod trien, protested by
our Constitution nntl Laws. Thus has tho
tree of liberty, plnnted by our forefathers
nnd matured with their blood, nnd nourish-
ed nnd defended by their sons, silently con-
tinued to extend nnd expand its protecting
hrnnches, not only to tho inhabitants of
this remote and ancient city, but to those
ol the Pacific, shore. The unfortunate nnd
oppressed of nil tho world nre invited to
come nud dwell here in pence nnd security.
An Emmet wns sheltered by the bfrinches
of this our freo of liberty, nnd a Kossuth
nnd his compnnions iu nrms will yet repose
beneath its shade. Then accursed be tli
hand that shall over attempt lo root it u¡
or to lop its branches.
If under our Uniou nnd institutions such
mighty results hnvo already been realized,
what may wo not reasonably nnlicipntc
from a continuance of that Union? Tho
present ccnlury will net havo passed bo-
liirethis government will contain ono hun-
dred million inhabitants, nnd tho person is
now living who will see two hundred mil-
lions of freemen living under, and protect-
ed by, the sumo government and the same
laws—a picture of greatness nnd power
unknown to nny nation that ever existed
upon oarth. A net-work of railroads will
bind together tho rcmotost parts of this
mighty confederacy and bring into conti-
guity and identify in ipterpst, the different
sections of llio whole. Tho different points
will be drawn nearer to tho centro of tho
.wbu. .1
of our government, t
Si, «II
heart. Thus wai
the vestal firea kind
our patriot ful hers,
warning voice ag
lightly trample up
us well as against t
rcduco to ruitt the
Union. To the I
ware how you
upon your broth
piircnzy and d6
would say be <
the flames of Civ
perish In tho genera
in. Do not mist) ~
gonts of govArnn
portion of tho
icy and wi|j
Whenever
nies tit the beginning
Not only shall wo have tho facility of this
rapid traveling nnd intercommunication bo-
tween tho various portions of this great U-
nion, but wo shall bo able to transmit to
and receive from, ottr distant friends iu ev-,
•ry part of it intelligence upon tho wings
uf the lightning. There aro thoso within
tho sound of my voice who will live to roud
in the daily papers of this city tho nn-
nounncement of occurrcnccft of tho same
day in fifty sovereign States of this Union,
and also of llio arrival and departure oi'
railroad cars from anil to fho Pacific coast,
tho Atlantic and the Mississippi valley.
This is n bright picture of the 1'uluro desti-
ny of our Republic. Nor is it the indul-
gence of mere idle fancy—nor the attempt-
ed prophecy of un uncertain future, but so
bcr conclusions, drawn from the experienco
and history of tho past.
It may lie nslted why wo should nnlici-
pnto physical developments, so dispropor
tinned to those heretofore experienced in
tho history of tho world. I answer, that
tho results hero anticipated would nut be
commensurate with the progress wo have
mado for ibo last fifty years tint] arc now
daily making. But tuthe philosophic mind
theso astounding ndvanccs in every thing
tending to the improvement nnd embellish-
ing of our country nnd to tho rapid develop
monis of its resources have their origin in
natural causes.
The first great cause is the nature of our
free, institutions which leave the human will
unfettered nnd free to net, nnd which make
every man a constituent part of the govern
mcnt, uud deeply interested in its pro.spori
ly nud glory. But the proximate causo is
found in the substitution of capital nnd In
bor-suving machinery, for manual labor.
The labor thus superceded; naturally seeks
employment iu other channels. Within ill
Inst fifty yc§rs more than four-fifths of the
laborers in till fho mechanic and miiuufrtc-
tiiringurts lmvo been displaced'!)>' "(lié' efíf-
ploymcnt of enpitnl und machinery. Wit-
ness llio Dumber of carriers, singe-drivers
nnd singe proprietors, nmiunlly superced-
ed, or forced to seek employment in other
pluccs by llio construction of railroads.—
Until very recently but little has been
dono iu tho way of saving Ibo labor and
drudgery of tho great mass of the people—
I mean of|hoso employed iu agriculture.—
But lubor-suring machines in this depart-
ment are now rapidly increasing, and
scarcely a day passes in which we do not
hear of the invention of mucbinory calcu-
lated to perform tho labor of many persons
employed in agricultural pursuits. Indeed
thoso inventions now begin to keep even
puco with thoso in tho mechanic und man-
ufacturing nrts.
When one half of tho laborers now en-
gaged iu agriculture shall havo been super-
ceded by machinery snbslitiited iu their
stead, what results may wo not anticipate
in llio construction of railroads uud all the
other improvements calculated to raise to
tho higlicBt (litch, our national prosperity,
and embellish and adorn our country.—
Theso nro tho true causes of our astound-
ing progress in nil the useful improvements
of-the present day*-pauses which nro like-
ly to continue willi the duration of our go-
vernment, nnd tho results of which no man
enn possibly calculate. Wo nro proceed-
ing, ns it were, in n geometrical progres-
sion, each result becoming a now element
in our prosperity nnd increasing the results.
Wo have not timo to contémplalo one en-
terprise, befure its Consequence gives birth
to new enterprises still inoro wonderful,—
This is what we hnvo grown to bo under
our present institutions, mid wh wu may
reasonably nnticlpnU; if they be porpetunt
ed nuil the Union of these Slates should be
continued.
Is ibero might, then, that enn endanger
the integrity of this Union, nnd prevent the
fulfilment •(' l hese glorious result:-1 Settled
hostilities nnd jenlousies of one portion ol
tho Union towurds thoso of another, nnd tha
wanton disregurd of the constitutional rights
of tho minority, ou the part of tho majori-
ty, will inevitably lead to its dissolution.—
When the majority of the people of tho sev-
eral States, iu whom llio sovereignty of
this nation is lodged, deliberately trample
upon nnd disregard the constitutional rights
of their brethren, the net is no less oppres-
sive nnd tymn|cnl than if tho powers wero
exercised by a monarch. But tho wrong
is foil far more keenly because the blow is
inflicted by llio hands of brethren with
whom tho oppressed nro equal nnd co-heirs
to tho same rich inheritance. Such ng-
grosHiuns will not only justify nnd provoke
resistnnce, but they will fill tho hearts of
tho oppressed with eternal enmity nud un-
dying hatred towurds thoir oppressors.
These sectionnl jealousies nud nnimostiirs
which render men blind to tho rights of
others, it is found by experience constitute
llio grent dnngers to tho perpetuity of tho
Union, so justly npprohended by the
Father of his Country. How cautious,
therefore, should every true patriot bo ta
preserve the constitution in its original pur-
ify. It is this nlone which enn perpetuate
this glorious Union.
Let no mun enntvfe this glorious Union.
Let no man «titer the temples of his couti-
ment an
power—to
crnl States c.i
und if that «¡II
usurpation, wrong
theory of our gove
fiilsn, nnd there will
but submission or resii
on may avert a culainlty so t
tho prnyer of every ttuo po
of his cotmiíjíj,
Upon tho perp^tui
ponds tho hnppiuc
lions yet unborn, añi
lor delivcronco froi
tion would fill tho I
crty throughout the wo
mourning. The oppre
would point the finger of
having thrown nWay «
for having destroyed I
and fefugo on onrlh '
and oppressod sous
would Intigh in trhim
lion of man's inabilii
1 appeal to nil in j
mon ling and common coutlti
lo you in the names of yóur sii
children. I appeal to you in behalf of" the
countless millions yet uhhorh, and in be-
half of the oppressed end unfortunate of
oilier lunds, to rully id support of the con-
stitution of your couhtry, aftd to preserve it
from dcsccratiori. Let not the stars end
stripes bencuth which our fathers
and conquered, which have since triump
anil y Waved over so thnny battle-fl
bo rent asunder und-trniled In tho dust by
lunatics, demagogues and maddened jiolitl-
cinns. When discord,, strlfo and civil war
shall reign nm.ong tho several States of this
Union, if tlioy ever should, wo may tjicn
regard the Union of tha States, aud the'
happiness, tho prosperity,*mid the liberties
of tho pooplo as being tit nn endi
kpt Ibp wall'
lire constitution in our country as u ir, i
rights, ¿ltd justice to oil. If these princi-
ples be faithfully mffioied to not only will
our Union continuo lo grow and prosper as
it linn heretofore done, but our stnrs nnd
stripes shall yet wave in triumph over, ev-
ery valley nnd mountain top, from Green-
land's Ice-bound shores to Patagonia's t
Southern point.
Mothers nnd dnughters of Columbia—to
you litis boon committed a sacred trust,'
which may have no little influence in the
preservation of our institptiolis, anid ill
transmitting them unimpaired tn posterity.
The first lossons of thte youth of our coun-
try nro drnwn from your llpsj nnd theso
early impressions ore generally, the most
lasting. Tho Spartan inothor offered up
her son for her country1s good and you ni
least should teach yours love aMd affection
for their country. TelPtlléttí their liber-
ties wero purchased with ibo blood of their
father?, and that this government was erect-
ed by their hands, nnd bequeathed to thoir
children as it priceless legacv which they
should pf-escrve, protect aha defend with
their lives, Toncli them to reverence the
constitution and luws ol their country ai
tlioy would tho hbly precepts of their reli-
gion. Tell them thai tho damning fate <
tho traitor a waits him who Shall otter
trample upon (he Constitution of this Unions
or to drag down yon stars nnd stripes whicti
have so long waved in triumph ovet this
freo and happy lund.
f
\
'Mm'
td á tor
A Witty Explanation.—Wo Have hoard
a very pretty anecdote of a lady In Bur-
lington, Vt.. At a tftoctingof two or thred
neighbors, a few days ago, tho conversa-
tion linppi-nod to turn upon the unplensatii
porpinijuity of a slaughter
tain quarter of the town
I ho Indies pres
of a butcher Was cer
and thnt it seemed.strafigo I
could pufsuo a cfilling that must be so of-
fensive to tho olfactories. "O," said the
willy Mrs. C., "I suppose they care mofa
for the dollars than they do ibr the teentt/"
f—
Land Sales in Arkantat.—'Land satos
will take place in Anknnsas, at Bitesville
on tho 1st of September nett, atC
nolle on tho 15th of September, at
on tho 18th of August* and at 1
ol llio 1st of September.
Tho Grand Lodge oi
District of Columbia I
vitut ion of the Pri
propriale ceremonies
corner stono of (lie i
tul, nnd tho Mas
neighboring States i
with litem. Grand Ms
lito samo regalía, and
which Washington in
ly of Grand Mnster,
corner stone of llio
iii
A female slave of Capt. Beck was drown
ed in San Antonio on the £th inst. 1
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The Texian Advocate. (Victoria, Tex.), Vol. 6, No. 12, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 24, 1851, newspaper, July 24, 1851; Victoria, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth180367/m1/1/: accessed May 21, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.