this, my Proclamation, explaining lo the people, the nature of the government under which they now live, and to which they owe obedience; and the duty that constrains me to resort to all the measures given me by law to sustain the government. The course pursued by Henry Smith and which led to his suspension was not only in violation of the laws of Texas, and in ,folalion of his oath of office, but was calculated to overturn the Republican features of the government, and erect in its stead absolute DESPOTISM. He asserted in his single person the right lo dissolve the council, and to retain in his own hands all powers- the right to convene and dissolve them al pleasure,- to censure or approve their conduct in official communications, and to control & direct the reins of government with their assistance or without, as whim and caprice influence him. His order lo the council to dissolve was not only a despotic usurpation of power, but was the most daring insult on the intelligence and moral virtue of a free people that modern times record. Permitted to pass unpunished for the time, he gathers confidence and daring, and proceeded to the secret organization of a party to sustain him in his traitorous course- and having, as he conceived, perfected his plans, on the 2nd inst., sent lo the general council of Texas the following communication. No doubt any longer existing of the treason of the said Henry Smith- and the fact being manifest that his intention was to appeal lo the military- that the civil authority was to he put down, and military rule established, the general council have caused the said Henry Smith to be served with a copy of charges of treason to be preferred against him and have notified him to answer the same before the next convention. And in as much as the secret opposition which he has effected may assume an imposing appearance and be producti.ve of the most horrid and ruinous consequences I have thought it my duty to make a full exposition of my views, & of the course I shall pursue- persuaded that the people of Texas only require lo be informed of what is their duty, to induce them lo perform it, and anxiously desiring to preserve any from pursuing the course of treason which which has been marked out, and saving them from the consequences which will most certainly befal[I] them should they persist in opposition to the Government. Many persons I am aware have disputed the right of the General Consultation to establish the present form of Government. The purity of their motives I am not disposed to question- that objection has been confined lo no one particular party or set of men. And knowing that when critically examined much truth and
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