990
AMERICAN HISTOillCAL ASSOCIATION
nlso stated that Texas did not, and would not, recognize the principle that it "·as necessa.ry to apply to the other states of the confedera- tion for their approbation. ,ve were now entering upon a natural and imprescriptu.ble right, which belonged to us before the formation of the Constitution, and one· which the provisional union with Coahuila did not, and could not, weaken in any manner whatever, etc. Fourth-The duty arid the interest of Texas to cement and strengthen its union with the :Mexican confederation-the indirect union as an appendage of Coahuila."b' eing very precarious, and liable to be broken at any time. Lastly-The right and the duty of every people to save them- selyes from anarchy and ruin! On this last point I enlarged very much, as I also did on the 4th. I distinctly stated as my opinion that self-preservation would compel the people of Texas to organize u. local government, with or without the approbation of the General GoYermnent-that this measure would not proceed from any hostle views to the permanent union of Texas with :Mexico, but from ab~o- Lute necessity, to save themselves from anarchy and total ruin. How ~uch a measure would affect the union of Texas with :Mexico, or where it would end, were matters worthy of serious reflection. I will give the answer of the two :Ministers, Garcia and Arispe, as nearly verbatim as I can recollect. I do not pledge myself for the accuracy of the words, but I do for that of the substance: This Government ,vm examine the pretensions of Texas to become a State of this Confederation, with the most friendly disposition towards the people of that remote section, and in conformity with the broad and liberal prin- ciples of the federal system, adopted by the Mexican Republic. We wish to see e,ery portion of the confederation governed in nccordnnce with these principles, and of those of the age in which we live. We admit that 'l'exns has just cause to complain of the Legislatm·e of Conbuila. The people of '.rexas mny therefore expect that their application will be considered, and their just requests grnnted, so far as it is within the Constitutional powers of the Government to grant them. The interview was long, and frank. I wns requested to put my ideas in writing. They are pretty much all embraced in the :Memorial, but I thought it would be better to condense them under separate heads or points. So soon as I get the Constitution translated and a new translation of the :Memorial (the first being defective) I will lay the whole matter before the Government. I believe that Texas will be a State of this Confederation with the approbation of this Government before long. I form this opinion from the information of many persons of influence, all of whom confirm the friendly dispos"ition expressed by the :Ministers. Should I be incorrect in this conclusion there will be but one course,
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