WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1838
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10°•. The War Department will be advised when needful by express, sent by the Chief Justice of each county, of all matters touching the safety or protection of the frontier. 11 th • The greatest prudence and discretion in the execution of these regulations will be necessary, for neither laws nor regula- tions, no matter however salutary they may be in themselves, unless they are administered with wisdom and prudence, can produce either harmony, happiness or safety to a community 12 th • As it is impossible, that every circumstance which may occur, can be known only to those who are present at the scene of action, the best plan will be to apply the rules, so far as pos- sible, and when they do not embrace the particular case, and the laws are not known on the subject.-lt will be the duty of Judges, to do equity, and it is required by law, that the civil authorities of the Republic should be sustained, while it is confidently be- lieved by the President that all good citizens will obey the laws and support the constitution. 13 th • It will be the duty of Chief Justices of the Counties on the frontier, to make known the rules under which the citizens of Texas, from the Rio Grande, can trade to the interior of the Re- public. 14. No persons trading are to be molested, who are ignorant and do not seek to violate the laws or those regulations by de- sign, nor will any parties who deport themselves peaceably be molested, by any citizen or other person further than to conduct them to the Chief Justice of the County who shall take cognizance of their case. 15 th • It will be the duty of the Chief Justices and the civil authorities to prevent all unnecessary annoyance to those who may be engaged in trade and so far as possible to prevent all infractions of the laws of the Republic.- 16. Written translations of these rules shall be sent to the Rio Grande, and made known to the Texian Citizens, who do not read nor understand the English language, and one copy at least will be placed in a conspicuous place, at the seat of Justice in the Counties of Bexar, Goliad, San Patricio and Victoria. 17 These regulations will continue in force until otherwise ordered by the Government, which will be the case in the event of any disturbance growing out of the measure.
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