The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, Volume I

448

TEXAS STATE LIBRARY

will present the interesting spectacle of an infant Republic, perfectly organized in all its parts, regulated by a wise constitution, and swayed by rulers distinguished for their ability and patriotism. To an American, whose heart blirns with sympathy for any people, struggling against .oppression, this wm be a scene of deep and thrill- . ing interest; and he must feel a strong solicitude to know what will be the decision of our government in relation to the recognition of their independence. For ourselves, though we believe that the United States should pr.cceed with much caution in a. measure affecting seriously the interests of a nation with whom we entertain the best relations of amity and peace, yet the time has we think arrived, when it becomes our duty to render our acknowledgment. The physical independence of Texas is achieved, and whether sanctioned by the · nations of the earth or not, they have proved themselves worthy of the declaration they made. Nine months have elapsed since they proclaimed themselves a free people and· hurled de,fiance at the armies of their oppressor, and the termination of this period, finds that oppressor a prisoner at their feet, their own resources every way augmented, and the condition of the enemy·powerless and distracted. One of the resolutions adopted by Congress last session-was, "That the independence of Texas ought to be. acknowledged by the United States, whenever satisfactpry information shall be received that it has in su~cessful operation a civil government capable of performing the duties and fulfilling the obligations of an independent power." Two things only are here required that they have in successful operation a civil government, and that they possess the ability to maintain it. The first requisite will certainly exist at the meeting of the new Congress, if it does not already, the only question then can be in relation to the second, and of this there is no longer any doubt. How- ever paradoxical the assertion may appear, when it is said that a province containing a population of only sixty thousand is capable of sustaining itself against a people numbering nine millions, such is nevertheles.s the fact. The miracle results not from the exercise of any superhuman power on the part of the colonists, but from the prostrate and enfeebled condition of their enemy. Against any other power, thei1· attempt would have been madness, but against a people blinded by ignorance and superstition, and incapable of preserving their own freedom, they were destined to succeed. The causes which have favored Texas heretofore are now operating with redoubled force. All accounts from l\fexic.o represent the country in a highly unsettled condition, and a total revolution of affairs, is constantly expected. The national treasury is bankrupt, soldiers are unpaid and constantly deserting; and after the efforts of a whole summ.C'r, the army intended for another invasion numbers little more than 2000 mis- erable recruits-The regular soldiers arc all required at home to pro- . tect the government, and volunteers are unwilling to marcb into n dis- tant province where they anticipate nothing but defeat and denth. So gloomy indeed are' the prospects at present, that the inhabitants of the Northern provinces do not expect another campaign to be com- menced during the next year.-With this view of affairs before them, what more satisfactory evidence of tbe pct·mnuency of the Texian

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