~HE AUSTIN PAPEBS 827 In answer to the question, what are the causes of the convul- sions in Texas, and why did they declare themselves in favor of the plan of Veracruz, .You may say; that in Texas, there is a mili- tary government, more or less despotic according to the character and disposition of the commanding officers: that there is a civil government more or less strong, according to the disposition and intelligence of the Alcalcles, and Ayuntamientos, and their distance from a military post, and thus there is no government at all in several points, excepting that which originates in a mutual agree- ment on the part of the people to submit to the decisions of some persons elected by them: . But ~t the same time, all aclmowledge the authority and laws of the Nation and State: There -is not throughout Texas, one single "Juez .de Letras," nor one "Licen- ciado." The supreme tribunal ..of Justice is at Saltillo, a distance of 300 leagues.. The legislature understands neither. the, situation nor the wants of Texas, nor .can it understand them.• The military powers .under the anti-republican anti-liberal administration of Guerrero's assassins who have extended their iron. sceptre over the nation, since the blaclc cloud of J alapa appeared, have treat~d the government and constitution of the State of Coahuila and Texas with a complete contempt. If the authorities of the State have borne such insults, there is no reason why the people should do so. In short, you may say that Texas needs a goverwment, and that the best she can have, is to be created a State in the Mexican Fed- eration. ·For which we want more population~ and to obtain it, the Article 11th of the law of April 6th 1830 must be abrogated. • The inhabitants of .Texas have always had _their eyes and hopes fixed on the authority and Ayuntamiento of the Capital of Bexar, they with that City, would take the lead in advocating and defending the interests and rights of Texas. It is the oldest settlement: the fathers and forefathers of its inhabitants, have conquered the wilder- ness and struggled against the Indians. In the years 1820-1821-1822 and 1823, they .were reduced to almost the last stage.of decline and suffering, and the whole of Texas was in danger of returning to its primitive state, to be untrodden by civilized people. The immi- grants did-not, and do not believe that Bexar would shut its eyes to the evils that affect the Country, or would remain contented and silent, without even representing against the measures that prevent emigration, and paralyze the progress of the land of their-ancestors. It is now time for it to meet the expectation of the people. Bexar must speak in a respectful, but firm and decided tone and voice, fearless of :commanding generals, bayonets, ministers, or any body. Let it adhere to the pronounciamento of Vei·acruz, urge the whole of Texas to do the same, and thus unite us under the £lug of the
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