Lions as lo the policy that I. am lo observe in dealing with the colonies after order has been restored. ] believe, therefore, that it is necessary for Lhe executive, together with Lhc legislative body, to give its attention Lo the reorganization of Lhe goVf~rnment of those colonies without delay; and that the instructions sent lo me ought lo be definite, clear and ample in order that when the Lime comes I may act. in the most convenient manner for our national interests. Otherwise we will have gained but lillle by Lhe painful march which our army has undertaken; and Lhe large sums that have been spent, and musl be spent, will go for nothing if we fail to take this splendid opportunity presented lo us lo insure the integrity of the territory of the republic, unfortunately neglected for such a lollg time that Lo-day its conservation is costing us ten times more than if we had looked after it more opportunely. With these considerations in view and moved by Lhc deepest concern for the propriety of the measures that may he adopted I will proceed to explain briefly the points J believe ought to be kept in mind in view of the experience I have acquired concerning this country. The campaign being over, it is but natural that the causes that gave rise lo it be analyzed. As it is evident from these that it was the colonists who unjustly provoked il, and it is a known fact, on the other hand, that in war the aggressor is responsible for the consequences, it seems certain that Lhe rebels of Texas will have to pay the expenses incurred by the march of the army to the frontier. How, then, must the payment of this debt due necessarily to the nation, be met? Upon this point it is necessary that I be given a definite answer. The next question that arises is what ~hall be done with the prisoners, ~kxicans or Texans, who are taken either in action or by capitulation or by unconditional surrender? What shall be done with the properly of these a!ld that of their families? Whal shall be the fate of those colonists, Anglo- Americans or Europeans, who have not taken an active part in the revolution? Will they be left 011 the frontier and on the coast, or will their property he appraised and other vacant lands or mo11cy given them as compensation? There arc also many foreigners who have introduced themselves without passports or permission from the constituted authorities of the republic, and these, in my opinion, should be treated as invaders, or al least, they should be immediately expelled from 1'lexica11 territory.
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