great public utility. I would_ ther~~ore suggest _the expediency_~ providina by law for the d1spos1hon of pubhc lands to actu settlers ~ow in Texas, or who may emigrate here and settle o_n their locations in accordance with the provisions of the orgamc law, and laws of colonization; and those citizens whose titles are not fully perfected, should be authorized lo receive them un?er such mies and regulations as you in your wisdom may thmk proper. But at the same time, I would doubt the expediency ~f permitting any locations of large claims to, or grants of the publ~c domain, until the meeting of the Convention, when members will come clothed with plenar)' powers from the sovereign people. And until the land offices can be thoroughly systematised by the competent authority hereafter to be appointed; when the policy that is to govern the country in the disposition of the public lands, can be adopted by that honorable body. I would recommend to your attention the propriety of opening and organizing the courts of justice on the basis of the Common Law of England, as being not only the best system of jurisprudence extant, hut as being more extensively known, and better adapted to the wants and customs of the citizen; and as a system, it has withstood the attacks of tyranny in Europe and America, and finally triumphed. The citizens of Texas are a constitutional and law abiding people; they look for safety and protection in the last resort, as regard questions among themselves and next to doing justice, in importance, is, that it should be speedily administered;for it is an important fact, that delay of justice in many cases, is tantamount to a denial of justice; and the organization of the judiciary, is a measure necessary to secure peace and good order in society, and lo protect and secure the property and persons of our fellow-citizens generally. I would ask your attention to the propriety and necessity of passing an ordinance and decree regulating marriages, divorces, and alimony: and also, one in relation to fences and bridges on military and post roads, so as to ensure the regular transportation of the mail, and facilitate the movement of troops in time of war, as well as ammunition and supplies for the army. The defence and protection of the seaboard from the attacks of the enemy's armed vessels, will, I am persuaded, receive your earliest and most deliberate attention. The flourishing towns upon the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, are greatly exposed to the
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