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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
principles are based upon the same inalienable Rights of l\fan. The ability and equity of self Government, asserted afresh on the part of the people. A constitution is formed more perfect in most of its provisions, than that of the U. States - l\'1lany serious defects are ·>a1itted, while other important points not embraced in the other, are incorporated into this of Texas. ·wholesome laws are enacted and executed, & security given to persons and property; And this all arcomplished within so brief a period of time, is proof that man is still capable of self Government and even improved self Government when put to the test, & that the principles upon which we gained our independence, & formed the basis of our constitution, so far from dying, have shown out with renewed and improved splendor1.r, in the organization of a New Republic, that will add its testimony to ours, that man, is capable of self Government, and will by its future success and prosperity, combined with our o,vn experience and his- tory, rapidly facilitate the downfall of superstition, Priestcraft, and tyranny over the world-! ! Texas will soon cease to excite a sneer, or elicit a bye word of reproach among those who, are either blinded by prejudice or biased by ignorance. Her rapid growth· is both a matter of wonder and jealousy, with many of our northern neighbors, & indeed with aboli- tionist over the world. They assert Texas is filled with refugees, and rouges from the U. States and that they have no Government. But, in the face of all this, it is found intelligent, high minded and honorable men are numbered among her citizens. - And that she has enacted and actually enforces wholsome laws. In fact their cant and hypocrisy, cannot much longer avail them. The world will look on and judge for itself. And when in possession of facts, draw rational conclusions. I do not candidly think, the admission of Texas into our complex and hetrogenous Union, is either desirable, or to be wished for, by the T'exians themselves. However, necessary, the existence of so many state sovereignteis may be in our system, where the "lights and shades,'' of so many latitudes & of climate prevail, and where there are such great discrepences of.interest, pursuits, and even in the habits, manners & modes of thinking of the people, over so vast a continnent. However necessary the federation of so many sovereignteis may be, to guard and equalize such a variety of con- flicting interests, and at the same time secure, an equal representa- tfon and equal laws to all; yet, it nevertheless cannot be denied; that the working of such a system, must give rise to the most per- plexing and painful discussions, and often to the most threatening and alarming party schisms - growing out of conflicting views held with regard to the powers exercised, or claimed to be exercised by the National Government, and those claimed to be only constitu- tionally within the control of the states. Among the most bitter and dangerous of all these powers claimed, is that set up on the part of a considerable portion of the Northern people, in favour of the Right of Congress to interfere in the institution of slavery, at least within the district of Columbia and Territories of·the United States - In opposition to which, the Southern 11eople can offer no argu- ment but, that if interposition under state sovereignty, or an uncon-
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