PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR 319 cumstances and at every hazard, to maintain order and subordination within and to repel all agressions from without; if feelings like these shall animate my conduct, as I hope they will, and guide me through the toils, perplexities and responsibilities of my station, beneficial consequences cannot fail to flow to the public, and I shall find in a quiet conscience and the smiles of a prosperous people, abundant remuneration for any sufferings, either of body or mind, which I may be doomed to encounter in the faithful performance of duty. As this is not the occasion for the Executive to offer his recommen- datory councils for the action of congress; I must of course pass by for the present, the development of those measures by which I hope to carry out the cardinal principles of my administration. Neither until the Executive shall be installed into office, can_ he be supposed to possess the information necessary to be presented for the consid- eration of that body. At a period, however, as early as practicable, I [sh] all be pleased in compliance with the requirements of the con- stitution to unfold at length my views of general policy, and to sug- gest such a course for legislative conduct, as may seem to me the most essential to an energetic and successful direction of public affairs. And this I shall do the more cheerfully from the disposition which I see every where manifested, both by the people and the co-ordinate departments of government, not only to sustain the Executive in whatever is just and judicious, but also under all circumstances to adhere with fidelity to the constitution of the country, and to walk in the light of those great principles of national integrity and honor, which constitute the pride and glory of our young republic. '{ There is, however, one question of the highest national concern- ment, on which I feel it a privilege and a duty to address myself to the great body of the people themselves. I mean the annexation of our country to the American union. Notwithstanding the almost un- divided voice of my fellow-citizens at one time in favor of the meas- ure, an [d] notwithstanding the decision of the national congress at its last session, inhibiting the chief magistrate from withdrawing the proposition at the cabinet of Washington, yet still I have never been able myself to perceive the policy of the desired connexion, or dis- cover in it any advantage either c [i] vil, political or commercial, which could possibly result to Texas. But on the contrary a long train of consequences of the most appalling character and magnitude, have never failed to present themselves whenever I have entertained the subject, and forced upon my mind the unwelcome conviction, that the step once taken would produce a lasting regret, and ultimately prove as disastrous to our liberty and hopes, as the triumphant sword of the enemy. And I say this from no irreverence to the character and institutions of my native country, whose welfare I have ever desired, .and do still desire above my individual happiness, but a deep and abiding gratitude to the people of Texas, as well as a fervent devotion to those sacred principles of government, ·whose defence invited me to this country, compel me to say that however strong be my attachment to the parent land, the land of my adoption ~ust daim my highest allegiance and affection: her glory and happmess must be my paramount consideTation, and I cannot allow myself to soeak in any other than the language of freedom .and frankness on .all matters involving her safety, dignity and honor.
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