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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
In all countries, one way or another, a few men rule society. If those few were convinced of the great benefits that would result to the western world by Americanizing Texas, they would exert their influence to promote that object, and in so doing use such arguments as would best effect it, without letting anything transpire in the public prints to alarm the Mexican Government, or place that of the United States in the awkward necessity · of taking any steps, as a friend of Mexico, under the treaty etc. If there was any way of getting at it, I should like to know what the wise men of the United States think the people of Texas ought to do. The fact is, we must, and ought to become a part of the United States. Money should be no consideration. The political importance of Texas to the great Western world, from the influence it may one day have on Louisiana, is so great, that it can not fail to have due weight on all reflecting men, and on Gen Jackson and the Senate, in particular. The more the American population of Texas is increased, the more readily will the Mexican Gov- ernment give it up, also, the more the people of Texas seem to oppose a separation from Mexico, the less tenacious will they be to hold it. This seems paradoxical, but will cease to appear so when you consider that strange compound the Mexican character. If Texas insisted on separating, and it should be given up in consequence, it would appear as if they yielded to force, or fear, and their national pride would be roused. They are a strange people, and must be studied to be managed. They have high ideas of National dignity should it be openly attacked, but will sacrifice national dignity, and national interest too if it can be done in a still way, or so as not to arrest public attention. "Dios Castiga el escandolo mas que el crimen," (God punishes the exposure more than the crime) is their motto. This maxim influences their morals and their politics. I learned it when I was there in 1822, and I now believe that if I had not always kept it in view, and known the power which appearances have on them, even when they kno," they are deceived, I should never have succeeded, to the extent I have done in Americanizing Texas. To conclude-I wish a great immigration this fall and winter froni Kentucky, Tennessee, every where, passports, or no passports, any how. For fourteen years I have had a hard time of it, but nothing shall daunt my courage or abate my exertions to complete the main object of my labors--to Americanize Texas. This fall, and winter, will fix our fate-a great immigration will settle the question. s F AUSTIN.
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