390
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOOIATION
tha.n in the present one, supposing the restriction against emigration to be taken off Texas must be an agricultural country, and the most of its agri- cultural productions will find a much better market in the Me>..-ican ports than in those of any part of the world. The interior trade by land will also be very important. At this time, this trade is prin- cipally carried on through Missouri to New Me:\.-ico and Chihuahua but the geographical situation of the country and the practicability of roads from the harbors of Texas, evidently indicate that the natu- ral channel of that trade, is from those ports, in preference to the circuitous route by Missouri through a foreign country, subjecting merchn.ndise to a double duty which they would be exempt from if taken from the ports of this nation- The manufactures of Texas, abounding as this country does in faciljties for their establishment, would evidently lose by a separation from Mexico. In fact there is not one interest in Texas that would not be injured by a separation not one that would not be materially benefited by the erection of this country into a state of Mexico. This being the case, why drive the people of Texas to desperation by a system of restriction, that is at varience with the inducements nnd well founded hopes first held out to the emigrants, and with the true interests of the country 1 The 11th article of the law of 6 April 1830 totally prohibits the immigration of North Americans, and suspends contracts previously entered into by the government thereby depriving the present settlers of the consolation of settling there relatives and friends along side of them. It also cuts off all hope of future advancements for years to come and condemns this country to a wilderness. The hope of bringing out emigra[n]ts from Europe, is a faint and distant one, and will require many years, and a vast amount of capital to accomplish it. And besides, what security or guarantee have tliey, in coming here, that they will not also be deprived of the privilege of bringing out their relations and friends after they have suffered years of hardships in preparing a home for them, as the settlers from the U. S. have been by the law of April 6, 18301- Under this view of the subjects, it certainly appears evident that that part of the law of 6 April 1830 prohibiting the immigration of north Americans, is unjust and at varience with the faith and pledges of the Govt and with the true and substantial interests of Texas-- That law will not, and cannot prevent the introduction of hundreds and thousand into Texas, who, if they do not receive the sanction of the Govt to remain and acquire real estate, will, as a matter of course, become restive and perhapi, jeopardize the public tranquility But, on the other hand, by opening the door for admission of honest
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