102
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
must be a slave country. It is no longer a matter of doubt. The interest of Louisiana requires that it should be, a population of fanatical aboli- tionists in Texas would have a very pernicious and dangerous influence on the overgrown slave population of that state. Texas must, and ought to become an out work on the west, as Alabama and Florida are on the East, to defend the key of the western world-the mouths of the Mississippi. Being fully Americanized under the Mexican flag, would be the same thing in effect, and ultimate result, as coming under the United States Flag. A gentle breeze shakes off a ripe peach. Can it be supposed that the violent political convulsions of Mexico will not shake off Texas so soon as it is ripe enough to fall All that is now wanting is a great immigration of good and efficient families, this fall and winter. Should we get such an emigration, especially from the western states-all is done-the peach will b!' ripe. Under this view: and it is a correct one, every man of influ- ence in the western States, who has the true interests of his country at heart, ought to use every possible exertion to induce such an immigration. They can get lands; now is the accepted time, and none too soon. The door is still open for them to come in legally. The government of Mexico can not complain-it has invited immigration. Gen: Sant[a] Anna told me he should visit Texas next month-as a friend. His visit is uncertain-his friendship much more so. We must rely on our- selves, and prepare for the worst. A large immigration will prepare us, give ~s strength, resources, everything. I do not know what may be the state of public feeling in Texas, but presume they mean to avoid all collision with Mexico if possible to do so, and be also ready to repel attacks should they come. This is my opinion. A great immigration from Kentucky, Tennessee etc, each man with his rifle or musket, would be of great use to us-very: great indeed. If they go by sea, they must take passport from the Mexican Consul, comply with all the requisites of the law, and get legally into the country, so long as the door is legally open. Should it be· closed.it ~ill then be time enough to force it open-if necessary. Prudence, and an observance of appearances must therefore be strictly attended to for the present. Here, I figure to myself, you start, and exclaim, "Dios mio; my cousin Stephen has become a very Mexican politician in hypoc- risy." not so; there is no hypocrisy about it. It is well known that my object has always been to fill up Texas with a north American population; and, besides, it may become a question of to be, or not to be. And in that event, the great law of nature-self preservation-operates, and supersedes all other laws. The cause of philantbrophy and liberty, also, will be promoted by Americanizing Texas. I am morally right, therefore, to do so by all pos- sible, honorable, means.
Powered by FlippingBook