poverty, and toil, and war, and taxes. Even now, backed as we are by the liberals, it has been thought necessary to establish a regular army, with upwards of one hundred officers; the expense of which will be about fifty thousand dollars per month, or six hundred thousand dollars annually; and taking all other expenses in consideration, with probable loss, will double the amount. To pay this amount, if we estimate the families in Texas at seven thousand, would be a tax on each family of about one hundred and seventy dollars per annum; and considering the other necessary expenses, would make the direct tax at least two hundred dollars to each family, under the present arrangement. Under a declaration of independence, the tax would be one thousand dollars to each family; but under a state government properly organized, the expenses might be estimated al about forty thousand dollars annually; or about six dollars to each family. Thus, fellow-citizens, I have endeavored plainly and candidly to lay my views before you, and I would conjure every friend of Texas to rouse from his slumbers, to put forth his strength, or he may awake and behold a system fixed on the country, leading to ruin and to chains. Should Texas sustain the doctrine of independence, we cannot but consider her recreant to those principles so often put forth in her primary meetings, and public addresses; recreant to those principles under which the volunteer army of Texas marched to the field of battle and of glory. JAMES KERR. San Felipe de Austin, January 4, 1836. [1703) [NACOGDOCHES RESOLUTION] [Committee of Vigilance and Safety, Nacogdoches, January 4, 1836, resolution instructing Charles S. Taylor to finance the forwarding of troops.]
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