WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184-0
356
[He read from the 7th page, 9th article of the law of Coahuila and Texas.] This, he said, was an invitation to native Indians. The Indians here alluded to were the Cherokees and their united associate bands. The Mexicans preferred them as occupants of the country to the native Montezuma Indians, as the Comanches and Apaches pretended to be. They were put in possession of their lands by the political chief of Bexar, with the approbation of the Mexican government. Mexico had become jealous of the North Americans, and was doing what she could to retard their settlement in the country, but she invited the settlement of the Indians, and took means to protect them and guarantee their rights. Mexico and the American colonists at least came to an open rupture; and what would then have been the situation of Texas if the Chero- kees and the associate bands had turned against them? Some- .thing was to be done to arrest so dire a calamity; the consultation was then in session, and the matter was brought before them, and a full discussion, a pledge was made to the Indians guarantee- ing them their rights to the land in question. The consultation consisted of 25 members, and there was not a dissenting voice. Does this look like they were intruders? The consultation thought they were saving the country. They knew the perilous condition of Texas at that time-it was known to members of this house and to the world. But he would say, that if in addition to our Mexican difficulties, we had had an Indian war upon our northern frontier, Texas would have been depopulated. But he would read the decree. It was not a lamp placed under a bushel, but it stood as a beacon light to the whole world, guaranteeing to the Indians their rights. But the Indians were intruded upon by Empressarios and surveyors, who came begging and pleading for a little land. The Indians came by invitation of the nation. He would touch this subject, and see how it would tally with the present times and present professions. A retro- spective view of that portion of our history would bring many rare things to light-villainy would shudder and hide its head from the scrutinizing touch of the impartial historian. An army was before Bexar, under .the command of Gen. Austin; he had sent letters apprising us of our condition and pointed out our dangers in glowing colors. He was a patriot, who would be remembered while there was a liberal heart in Texas. He saw the necessity and approved of the measure. Had not the policy
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