Mar 6 1836 to Apr 20 1836 - PTR, Vol. 5

for the evils complained of. A fortunate conjuncture of circmnstances favored the adoption of the projects, and with some variations they were promulgated as laws. The political situation of the country seemed for a moment greatly ameliorated. Its representation in the Legislature was augmented, the long established system of favoritism and tyranny exercised at Bexar was demolished, Lhe English language was legalised; the inhabitants were secured in the free exercise of their religious and political opinions; the trial by jury and a separate judiciary were established, and a system was adopted for the alienation of the public domain, which, if it had been carried into effect, would have tilled the country with population and the treasure wilh wealth. But alas! The favorable changes were of shorl duration, and were only made to lull the people of Texas into security until a more convenient opportunity might enable the state authorities to accomplish their ruin. For every obstacle was thrown in the way to prevent their being carried into effect. The most shameless speculations were entered into by the state authorities who permitted themselves to be bought up by a few individuals, base enough lo make a sacrifice of the country at the shrine of avarice. The Superior Judge who had been the author of the favorable changes, became the object of their hatred and bitter persecution on account of these advantages, which he had wrested from them by seizing upon a favorable conjuncture of circumstances, and of his steady and unyielding opposition to their plans of cormption and cupidity. Moved by these motives and awaiting themselves of a communication which he circulated to warn the people of the impending blow aimed al their liberties, he was impeached before Congress for high treason and was afterwards thrown into prison by the arbitrary dictum of a military authority. The high functionaries of the state were deposed and banished, and a military chief was elevated by military power to the first executive office of the slate, contrary to the express provisions of the constitution. The same thing was effected by a concerted and combined movement under the plan of Cuernavaca in every part of the Republic; the authority of the ·states was every where prostrated and destroyed, and the federal constitution and civil liberty ,vere abolished and annihilated throughout the extinguished Republic of Mexico, by the bayonets of ruthless, ignorant and mercenary soldiery, who bow respect lo no power

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