Biv 27 1835 to Jan 13 1835 - PTR, Vol. 3

freemen, as Americans, as Tennesseans, feel indifferent. Even yet we read with glowing feelings the defence of Greece by Leonidas, though ages have elapsed since the deathless Spartan, with his immortal band, braved the counlless hosts of Persia. And in modern times we sympathise still more warmly with the same people, in their revolutionary struggle to force themselves from the galling yoke of Turkish bondage. Who has not felt the interest in the efforts of Bolivar, the Washington of the South-and his countrymen-in behalf of constitutional liberty and independence? And what heart has not bled for the downfall of the gallant Poles in their heroic attempts to escape the iron despotism of Russia? And shall we feel no greater interest and use no greater exertions in behalf of our own countrymen-who have but yesterday left us-and are now engaged, on our very borders, in the most justifiable of contests for all that is near and dear to man? Yes, fellow citizens of Tennessee and of the United States! the very object of the late large and enthusiastic Public Meeting i1 Nashville was to demonstrate the contrary,, and to convince th, world that wherever the rights of man are battled for, against military and religious despotism, Americans can never look on with indifference. But, if the inducements are contemplated in a merely selfish light-solely with a view to personal advancement-still they will be found equally great, and inviting. A young man who volunteers, with nothing but his gun in his hand, will not fail to be received with that enthusiasm always felt by a people towards those who identify themselves with them at a dangerous crisis, and to be promoted and rewarded in proportion to his services and good behaviour. Neither will the people of Texas be without the means to carry on the war, and compensate those who may go to their assistance. Already arrangements are contemplated to negotiate, for money with Eastern or European capitalists-and there is every probability that when the proposition is backed by the requisite legislation-the faith of the Provisional Government, and the guarantee of the public domain-that funds will be procured amply sufficient to carry on the contest- But even if this calculation should fail, Texas will have the richest Public Domain in the world-her fertile sugar and cotton lands-from which millions can be raised, if necessary, lo discharge the debts incurred in achieving her independence.

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