746
AlrERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
all their plans have the effect of plunging them .still deeper into difficulties. So much for legislative relief syste~s in time of pecu- niary embarrisment. Feb 5 th [sic] I have just read -in a northern paper accounts from Mexico up to Nov 24 th which state·that the Congress have just re- ported the plan of a constitution in many respects similar to ours here: I hope in Goel that the provinces will adopt it; and immedi- ately proceed to organize a regular govt in compliance with its pro- visions. I was sorry to see that the roman catholic is the estab- lished religion and none other t.olerated. This will have a bad effect upon the minds of many good but weak people in the U. S. and (I am afraid) will verry much discourage emigation to your country. But a poor is better than no constitution ·and I only hope that the good sense of your congress will so amend· that clause as to at least allow other sects freedom of conscience even if they make the catholic the established religion. Do write to me immediately upon the receipt of this and give me all the information I have requested and as· much more as you please; it will all be more than acceptable.
CHAS. DOUGLAS .
Stephen Austin Esqr
AUSTIN TO JAl\lES CUMMINS
(A Copy)
Sm The Political Chief of the province of Texas has informed me by his official letter dated the 14 th of the month that the Sovereign Congress of the Mexican Nation have ·decreed on the 29 th of Sep- tember last that all merchandise of what ever· nation or Country introduced into this Province shall be free ·of all duties for seven· years 1 He has informed me that the government of this Province have seen with the greatest satisfaction that the inhabitants of this Colony have manifesed so liberal a disposition in aiding so far as their situation permitted to -defray the expences of the Deputy in Congre$ and he has particularly directed me to Return the thanks of the govt to those whose names are signed to the· corn subscrip- tion and to assure them that neither their names nor thefr-generosity will be forgotten. He has also directed that you cause copies of the enclosed to be posted up in order that none may ever have.an excuse or a prete:\.-t not to obey the authorities of this Colony and furthermore he has
1 Abo'l"c, September 20, 1828.
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