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to the collection of duties imposed on foreign wares, goods ancl merchan<lize, and being: desirous to put a speedy period Lo these disscntions: We, therefore, in conformity to the l S5lh ariclc of !he Stale Constitulion, thou~hl proper of every JurisdicLion, thaL a prompt obedience to the Laws is the firsL duly of every good citizens: that every Nation enjoys lhe umloubted right, Lo establish ils own system of revenue: thal the revenue laws, like all other political laws, are to be respected by !hose who come within the lcg:itimaLe sphere of their action. And although these laws may be unwise, yet lo resist them by force is more unwise and illtimed than the laws themsrlves-bcsides it would be criminal! If a few individuals forcibly oppose the collection of the customs, what will be its tendency? will not others fall in their train? which if continued will unlimately produce a slate of things, the injurious consequences of which are incalculable. We are willing lo admit, thal these duties, when applied to the peculiar condition of these Colonist, are disproportionate in some particulars and oppressive in others, and stand in great need of medification. But this modification is only lo be effected by the National Congress. Our murmuring al home, or wrangling with the Collector who only does his binding duty, serves only lo fan the flame, and augment the difficulties in obtaining the much desired modification of the tariff. The l\lexican Congress, can have no motive, in oppressing the Mexican Citizens with imposts; nor do we helieve they desire it; but on the contrary, if the General Congress were memorializeo on this subject, in a proper and respectful manner, we have no reason to doubt that they would apply the proper remedy. In such a measure we would with pleasure tender our hearty co-operation. We are well aware, that the great body of the people of Texas are loo sensible of their duty to themselves and allegiance lo the Republic of Mexico, lo he precipitately drawn into collision with its constitutional authorities. 13ut perfect subordination extends lo something more than lo the upright conduct of its citizens: the respectful deportment of strangers, who are not citizens, and their ollt'dic111:e lo the laws are included. This is the only condition upon which they are permitted lo enter our territory, or lo remain within its limits. The suhjccl of having duties or prohibiting ~1at11tes, is a muller about which they have no right lo interfere.
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