THE AUSTIN PAPERS. 1127 Texas, and that authority most positively commanded me to collect them, and my duty as an officer compelled me to obey the order.- As regards the quantity of land to be distributed to individuals, very great discretionary powers were lodged by the Government in . the Commissioner and myself, as will appear by reference to the original concession, which, together with all the documents relative to my authority, are at all times open in my office for inspection, and an extract of which is annexed to this communication.- 'Whether any person who applies to be received as n settler, has a right to dictate to the officers of Govermpent how much land they are to receive, and in what way the discretionary powers vested in those officers are to be exercised-and whether I am bound as the founder of this colony, (Empresario) to receive every foreigner who applies, and satisfy all his desires, or, submit t~ their unreasonable complaints and misreprescntations.-And whether those who, for such causes disturb the public peace of the settlement by their dis- organizing clamours, arc not liable to the. severest punishments of the laws-and whether the colonization Law itself, and the authority granted to the commissioner and myself, as the legal organs of the Government, do not, o:f themselves make a distinction; and contem- plate that a very great one should be made in the distribution of land to the new settlers, according to their respective situtions, are ques- tions, which 1·eason, and the Laws must decide. The ·investigation of my conduct already solicited by me, and which I now invite, will however elucidate these as well as all other points. If, in my official capacity I have done wrong the remedy is in the law-if those who have questioned the legality of the order of the Government of Texas relative to the fees required of them on their lands, and who refuse to obey it, have done wrong, the remedy is also in the ln.w-and an opportunity is now presented to apply this remedy as justice may require. The investigation sought for by me will therefore nt once show the settlers the nature and extent of the authority vested in me. All they have now to do is to support the authority of the Government, discountenance the turbulent, and sepa- rate themselves from them, and quietly wait the result, under the firm assurance, that, the Government will be equally prompt in protecting the rights of every good Citizen as in punishing the refractory.- By doing this, no one implicates himself in any manner, the public order is not disturbed by illegal meetings, and the Government must acquit every peaceable settler of any participation in such disorgan- izing acts-and also by adopting this course, even the discontented will obtain what they profess to seek, which, is, an investigation of my conduct, and obtain it legally without incurring responsibility or blame.-.-Therefore in virtue of the ntithority vested in me by 0 the
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