deprive Texas of them wilhoul the consent of this people. There arc my opinions. An imporlanl question now presents ilsclf to the people of this country. The federal conslilulion of 1824 is about lo he destroyed, the system of government changed, and a central or consolidated one established. Will this act annihilate all the rights of Texas, and subject this country lo the uncontrolled and unlimited dictation of the new government? This is a subjecl of Lhe most vilal importance. I have no doubts the federal conslilulion ,_viii be destroyed, and a cenlral governmenl established, and lhal the people will soon be called upon lo say whether they agree to this change or not. This mailer requires the most calm discussion, the most mature deliberation, and the most perfect union. How is this to be had? I see but one . way, and that is by a general consullion of the people by means of delegates elected for that purpose, wilh full powers lo give such an answer, in the name _of Texas, to this queslion, as they may deem best, and lo adopt such measures as Lhe tranquility and salvation of the country may require. It is ·my duty lo stale that general Santa Anna verbally and expressly authorized me lo say Lo the people of Texas, that he was their friend, that he wished for their prosperity, and would do all he could to promote it; and that, in the new costitution, he would use his influence to give to the people of Texas a special organization, suited lo their education, habits, and situation. Several of the most intelligent and influential men in Mexico, and especially the Ministers of Relations and War, expressed themselves in the same manner. These declarations afford another and more urgent necessity for a general consultation of all Texas, in order to inform the general government, and especia-Uy general Santa Anna, what kind of organization will suit the education, habits, and situation of this people. It is also proper for me lo stale that, in all my conversation with the president and ministers and men of influence, I advised that rio troops should be sent to Texas, and no cruisers along the coast. 1 gave it as my decided opinion, that the inevilahle consequence of sending an armed force lo this country would be war. I stated that there was a sound and correct moral principle in the people of Texas, that was al,undanlly sufficient lo restrain or
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