149
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
in 1832. The same parly is now governing in Mexico, and they say to the people of Texas, in the language of friendship and persuasion-in that of sugar-plums and honey, that in the new Constitution, or .central govern- ment that is organizing in Mexico, guarantees shall be given to the people of Texas, their rights shall be protected and secured, and they are told that the government expects from their "docility" a submission to all the re• forms and alterations that may be agreed to by the majority of the nation. See the official letter of the Minister of Relations, a translation of which is published at the end of this paper, numbered I. But who ·compose, and what is this majority of the nation spoken of by the minister, and how are these reforms to be effected? It is composed of the same military power before spoken of, who have assume<;! the voice of the nation, and have sup• pressed, by military influence, the expression of public opinion; and the reforms are to be effected by unconstitutional means; a sufficient proof of which is, that the present Congress in Mexico, who_wa,s elected with con• stilutional powers alone, have, by their own act, declared themselves to be invested with the powers of a national convention, to frame a new constitu• tion, or reform that of 1824 as they think proper. What is here meant by "reforming" the Constitution of 1824, may be clearly deduced by the "reform" of the militia made by this same general Congress. This "reform" reduced the militia of the States to one militia- man for every five hundred inhabitants, and disarmed all the rest. The people of Zacatecas resisted this iniquitous law, but were unfortunate a~d compelled, for the time being, lo submit to the military power of the re- former: so that, in fact, "reform" means destruction. From this condensed view o( the past let every impartial man judge for himseJf what degree of faith or credit ought to be given to the professions of the present government of Mexico, and ask himself whether a subtle poison may not be con~ealed in the sugar-plums, or a sting in the honey, that is now offered to the "docile," people of Texas. But, in addition to this general view of matters, information of the most positive and unquestionable character is in the possession of this Com- mittee, that every possible effort is making by the government in Mexico to raise troops, money, and resources lo fit out an expedition-an army of invasion against Texas. Infantry, artillery, and cavalry have been ordered from San Luis Potosi, Saltillo, and Tamaulipas; and all the disposable infantry at Campeche has also been ordered on to Texas by water, as it was supposed they would stand the climate better than other troops. Maga- zines of arms and ammunition are forming at Matamoras, Goliad, and Bexar, and the old barracks and fortifications at the latter place are re- pairing to receive a large force, In short, the common talk all o,·er Mexico among the military is the _invasion of Texas.
Powered by FlippingBook