Jan 14 1836 to Mar 5 1836 - PTR, Vol. 4

The assumption of power claimed by the ex-Governor in his message of the 10th inst., is of a most extraordinary character, dangerous in its tendency, calculated lo wither the laurels of ~he hero blioht with a fatal mildew the fondest hopes of the patriot, ' 'O and crush forever the heroic efforts of the freemen of Texas, grappling in deadly conflict with the military usurper of M~xico, and is such as, I confidently hope, will meet the just indignallon of an enlightened community: for in times like these, every direct and bold attack and invasion of the rights of the people, ought to be promptly repelled. Let it not with truth be said, that after having beared the main lion in his den, and driven him from it in confusion and dismay, that we tamely suffered the wolf in sheep's clothing to enter the fold and destroy the flock. The encroachment of Executive power and patronage upon the rights and privileges of the co-ordinate branches of the government, in Europe and America, has formed the ground of complaint on the part of the revolutionists in most, if not all cases; and in the incipient stage of our government, we ought to stop the inroad of this hydra monster of political wickedness before it has time or opportunity to establish itself by precedent and immemorial usage, and thereby silently undermine the temple of freedom, dedicated to the people, before the workmen have completed the edifice. But you are told in the message, that it is the duty of the Executive, nay, imperious necessity compels him. The tyrant's plea!!! So said Alexander when he hypocritically declared himself the protector of the liberty of Greece. So said Caesar, when he blotted out forever the splendid sun of Roman freedom. So said the emperor Napoleon, when he wore without a blush, the diadem of the Caesars, cemented with the blood of nations, and nailed the christian relgion to the cross of the Roman pontiff without remorse; and even now, at this moment, Santa Anna declares that, for the preservation of the Mexican nation, and for the happiness of its citizens, he, from necessity, will condescend to play dictator, and save eight millions of freemen from the trouble of governing themselves. And against the principle now promulgated in the message, in its naked deformity, our brethren are in arms; against this principle the gallant heroes of San Antonio fought and bled, and the brave and lamented Millam fell! And your army is now concentrating on the western frontier to roll back the bloody tide of war upon the comman

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