1032
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
and economic relations of that remote section of the Republic with the other states by direct representation in Congress, by improved roads, and by interior and coasting trude. • Taking a general and impartial view of the matter, with the government settled, it is very evident that it is not to the interest of Texas to separate from :Mexico even if she were free to do so. But on the other ha.nd it is well lmown that men are influenced more by petty local annoyances or grievances in the present, even though temporary, than by the hope of great benefits in the future. One may call the grievances ·of Texas temporary, but they are not petty; they are very serious. And it is from this that opinions arise that there is a conflict between the union of that country with Mexico and its progress and happiness. This opinion is erroneous, for nothing is easier than to remove that conflict and remedy the present local evils in Texas by an organization of its local government in conformity with the experience and particular needs of that coun- try-that is, to erect it into a state of the 11e:x:ican Federation. Doing this will fulfill, moreover, the object and the principles of the federal system, and will carry forward the important work of reforming the ancient customs of the people which conflict with the system, because there are none of these. customs in Texas, and it is not possible to conceive that there will ever be any such. ~1en of large conceptions are always exposed to attack as vision- aries, ambitious and selfish schemers, deserving of suspicion, or something else, particularly if their plans look to general and philan- thropic improvements, because there are few who labor for anything but their personal interest. In the colonization of Texas I have wanted to make a personal provision for myself and for my family, and if he who sows is entitled also to reap the harvest, I deserve it; but at the same time I have wanted to confer upon my adopted country a general benefit by peopling and redeeming from its savage state an important part of its territory. I have labored in good faith, exposing myself to all sorts of bur- dens and responsibilities for the good of my country; but at the same time I have duties to the settlers who have emigrated to the wilderness through my influence; and they owe a duty to themselves and to their families-the duty and the right of self-preservation. And if there were no other way to fulfil i't but to separate from Mexico and join the United.States of the North, or maintain inde- pendence, it is very clear that it would then be their most sacred duty to attempt it. . All that has been said by rumor and prejudiced· reports nbout projects in Texas for separation from :Mexico is false. There bare not been and are not now any such projects. What is wanted there
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