321
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1839
government. But it was a fruitless effort; and the government could make nothing of it-neither in this city, nor at Pass Cavio. Individual enterprise might do it, but governments could not. He saw no objection to the removal of government from this place, not at this time; but previous to the next session, the peo- ple could make a suitable location, and the necessary buildings for the accommodation of the officers of the government would be erected. If a removal from this place would produce a loss to individuals, it had been the same thing at Houston. The seat of government had been located at that place for a certain period, and previous to the expiration of that time it had been removed. Was not that a breach of faith? The removal at this time could certainly be no worse. The question will never be settled, until it is fixed by the peo- ple, and the quicker it was done, the better for the country. No location that could be made by congress, would be permanent. Even members of Congi·ess were liable to change their minds; as a proof of this, he would mention that when the seat of gov- ernment was located at the Eblin league, fourteen members of congress came to the executive, and requested him to veto the bill. He was always opposed to Houston, and opposed to this place; but if the people should even place it here he would acquiesce in their decision. 1 Harriet Smither (ed.), Jo1wnals of the Fourtk Congi·ess of the Republic of Texas, 1839-1840, 93-95, 110-112. Texas Sentinel, June 20, and August 1, 1840. The journals of the Fourth Congress were not published by the govern- ment. See Preface, Volume I, of Jom"'lwls of the Fourth Congress, as com- piled and edited by Harriet Smither, Archivist of the Texas State L:brary. Miss Smither gives throughout the three volumes of the Joun1als of the Fourth Congress, many footnote references to her sources. ~The brackets are in the newspaper report. 8 For descriptions of Austin in 1839 and 18•10, and for living conditions there, see Telegravh and Texas Registc1·, December 4, and 11, 1839; also, Brazos Cozwier, December 3, 1839; and Colorado Gazette and Advei·tiser, January 11, 1840. Another sketch of Austin appeared in the Texas Senti11cl, January 15, 1840. It was written by J. B. R[ansom] who was reporter of the Senate during the Fourth Congress. ~see Houston to the House· of Representatives, May 22, 1838. DSee Citizens of Bastrop to the Editor of the Austin City Gazette, March 16, 1840; Teulon to Citizens of Bastrop, April 2, 1840, in Austin City Gazette, April 8, 1840; and The Journal of the House of RcprescntatiL•es, Republic of Texas, 2d Cong., 3rd Sess., 162, 163. 0 Election returns for 1837-1839 show thnt three votes of the depopulated county of San Patricio were· cast in Houston in the election of 1839; and
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