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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
Education and habits• of a portion .of the Mexican people, and that they wish it, this does not and cannot give to them the right to dictate, by un- constitutional means and force, to the other portion who have equal rights and differ in opinion. Had the change been effected by constitutional means or had a national convention been convened and every member of the confederacy been fairly represented, and a majority agreed to the change, it would have placed the matter on different ground, but even then, it would be monstrous lo admit the .principle, that a majority have the right to destroy a minority, for the reason that self preservation is superior to all political obligations. That such a government as is contemplated by the before mentioned de- cree of 3d October, would destroy the people of Texas, must be evident to all, when they consider its geographical situation, so remote from the con• templated centre of legislation and power, populated as it is by a people who are so different in education, habits, customs, language, and local wants from all the rest of the nation, and especially where a portion of the central power, have manifested violent Religious prejudices and jealousies against them. But no national convention was convened and the constitution has been and is violated and disregarded. The Constitutinal authority of the State of Coahuila and Texas solemnly protested against the change of Government for which act they were driven by military force from office and imprisoned. The people of Texas pro- tested against it as they had a right to do for which they have been declared rebels by the Government in Mexico. However necessary then the basis established by the decree of 3d of Octo• br may be to prevent civil wars and anarchy in other parts of Mexico, it is attempted to be effected by force and unconstitutional means. However beneficial it may be to some parts of Mexico, it would be ruinous to Texas. This view of the matter presents the whole subject to the people. If they submit to a forcible and unconstitutional destruction of the social compact, which they have sworn to support, they vi:olate their oaths, if they submit to .be tamely destroyed they disregard-their duty to themselves and violate the first law which God stamped upon the heart of man, civilized or savage, which is the Law, or the right of self preservation,. The decree of the 3d October therefore if carried into effect evidently leaves no remedy for Texas but resistance, secession from Mexico and a direct resort to natural right. Such I believe to be the view which the volunteer army late under my command have taken of this subject, and such in substance the principles they are defending and will defend. That they are sound and just and merit the approbation of impartial men of all nations, I sincerely believe. It may be out of place to speak of myself in such a communication as this, but I deem it to be due to say that I have faithfully labored for years
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