211
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
Another important objection to calling the Legislature is, that they do not really represent the sentiments of the people on this question. They were not elected upon it and besides their whole relationship to the people has been changed by the passage of a new apportionment bill, which went into operation, April 13, 1860. New Representative and Senatorial districts, have been created upon the basis of the last census of the State. It is a matter of grave consideration whether the members of the 8th Legislature did not provide for the expiration of their respective terms of office at that period. Many of the counties would have more weight in the Legislature than that law entitles them to. Many of them would have less. It is the present population that is interested in the course Texas shall take in reference to the momentous question of Union or Disunion; and those who pretend to speak for them should come directly from them. Were the Executive desirous of shifting responsibility from himself at this trying period, he would at once call the Legis- lature; but being satisfied that the public interests do not require it, he will endeavor to perform his duty, being responsible to the people alone. He has already assured those who have petitioned him for a call of the Legislature, that he would not stand in the way of the will of the people, when satisfied that it was their desire that the Legislature should be called; but he cannot regard the expression of a few counties as the will of the people. The question now is, will Texas act a discreet part and unite with the other Southern States, in a Convention, which shall take into consideration the grievances we suffer through the passage of unconstitutional laws in some of the Northern States, calcu- lated to defeat the execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, and all other causes which have disturbed the harmony which should exist between the two sections of the Union? When such a Convention assembles, the sagacious statesmen of the South will be in its counsels. They will look at the questions presented for their consideration like men who owe duties to themselves, their constituents and prosperity; and I trust that through the influence of their deliberations, those States, which prompted by indignant feelings at the triumph of our sectional opponents, have resolved to precipitate the entire South into Revolution, will hesitate to take such a step, but make common cause with all the Southern States in the endeavor "To Preserve the Equal Rights of such States in the Union." The question is now before you, Fellow-citizens. Relying upon your sense and patriotism, I place it in your hands. The people must sustain the
Powered by FlippingBook