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PAPERS OF 1\'IIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
topics which would require our united consideration. As'yet, I am not prepared to discharge this duty with entire satisfaction to myself,, in consequence of the limited time I have had for that examination and reflection, which are so essential to· a perfect analysis of the varied subjects which the present condition of our country suggests; but as far as my means of information will at this time permit, I beg leave to lay before the Honorable Congress, and through it, to the Nation at large, the result of the hasty deliberations which I have been able to bestow on a few of the more important subjects connected with the general welfare. The achievement of a people's independence from the domination of an unjust and vacillating Government, is an event, which will always attract the warmest sympathies of the friends of human liberty throughout the world. Our efforts in the great emprize have been accompanied by the kindliest feelings of millions, who were alien to our contest, and to anY. direct interest in its issue; and if it were needful to superadd anything to the promptings of self interest, the dictates of honor, and the suggestion of a fervid, and enlightened patriotism, as an incentive on our part to further and continued exertions in the cause of free government, we should find it in that generous and wide spread sympathy which has been expressed in our behalf, and in the exalted hopes of good which have been raised upon our struggle, by the virtuous and the wise of mankind. Let us then gentlemen, endeavor to realize and appreciate the weighty responsibilities which rest upon us; and by a vigorous and persevering discharge of our respective duties, shew that we are worthy of the sympathies bestowed, and can give fruition to the hopes excited.-Let us maintain our sovereignty, preserve concord at home; faithfully observe all national obligations; and transmit to posterity the free institutions we have erected, unimpaired by selfish- ness, and untouched by vain and pernicious ambition. The few days which have elapsed since I have been charged with the Executive duties of the Government, have not enabled me to become familiar with all the matters proper to be presented to your consideration in a formal message. Of the actual c-ondition of our exterior affairs, I can only speak in general terms. Our immediate relations with foreign powers, are necessarily circumscribed. The newness of our political existence will, for some time to come, cause them to be brief and simple, and it will be wise in us to preserve therr simplicity as far as practicable, while we endeavour by all means compatable with national dignity, to extend their limits. The Government of the United States, always foremost in whatever tends to the advancement of liberty, continues to manifest towards us, the same just, and magnanimous spirit which prompted the early recog- nition of our Independence; and I entertain a profound hope, that other leading powers will shortly see the propriety of extending to us, and acquiring for themselves, the advantages of international fellowship. To Great Britain the Independence of Texas cannot be an indifferent event:- The advancement of her great manufactur- ing and commercial interests, is too deeply identified with our future prosperity as a nation, to permit us to believe, that Rhe can view our prese_nt position with other than favorable regard To France also, it
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