251
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1861
Representing the creative power of law, the high responsibilities upon you demand that you indignantly frown upon any and every attempt to subvert the laws, and substitute in their stead the will of revolutionary leaders. Assembled as you are at the most important epoch in our his- tory as a people, may all the solemnities of such an occasion impress you with a determination to act your part in such a way that the confidence of the people in the stability of our institutions will not be shaken. If appealing to the popular voice, you show your confidence in their patriotism and sense by placing this im- portant question in their hands, all will be well. Be their voice as it may, we shall be united; and whether our future be prosperous or gloomy, a common faith and hope will actuate us. But if, on the contrary, moved by rash and unwise counsels, you yield the powers of government into the hands of those who do not represent the people, and would rise superior to them, the confidence of the masses in the reign of .law and order will be shaken, and gloomy forebodings will fill the hearts of the friends of regulated government, lest the reign of anarchy and confusion come upon us. We have gone through one revolu- tion in Texas a united people. We can be united again; and will be, if the people are intrusted with the control of their destinies. The situation of Texas, her extensive border subject to hostile incursions for seven hundred miles, the vast extent of her terri- tory, and her scattered population, all are subjects to be con- sidered in reference to this question. If our form of government is to be changed, we must have a regard for the future. The millions now spent by the United States for our frontier, the support of our postal service, the defense of our commerce, must all come from the pockets of our people. Providence has with- held from us in the past year the abundance which has formerly rewarded the care of the husbandman. The people in many sections are already calling for relief. We can not afford under these circumstances to plunge madly into revolution. The Executive has not yet lost the hope that our rights can be maintained in the Union, and that it may yet be perpetuated. Between constitutional remedies and anarchy and civil war he can see no middle ground. All the glorious_associa- tions of our past history prove that hitherto we have been capable of self-government. The tyrants of Europe have ever disputed this fact.
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