WRITINGS OF SA.M HOUSTON, 1859
390
Whatever may have been the causes which have given rise to the disorders mentioned, it behooves all good Citizens, who love laws and wish to maintain their Supremacy, to unite their endeavors to stop this lawless enterprise. If injuries have been sustained by Individuals, they can find 110 necessity in a free government like ours, to resort to deeds of Violence in order to right their wrongs, but they may rely upon the guarantees afforded them by the Constitution and laws for their protection. In the name of law and Order, I appeal to the Citizens of the Rio Grande Country to Stay the Hand of Violence, that a further resort to retalliatory measures may not be necessary. I ask those who have been deluded into this enterprise to abandon it. The laws are to be executed alike to all our Citizens of whatever tongue, and none need fear prejudice. The Executive cannot judge from the information before him as to the causes of these disturbances. That they exist is apparent, and calls for this interposition in the name of law and order and humanity are imperative. If the disorders are continued after the lawless have been thus warned, we can only resort to such decisive measures as may be necessary to maintain the public peace. Investigation is necessary, and shall be made. If any have been wronged, their cause shall be Heard. Further rebellion against the laws can only tarnish their claims to justice. If, as alleged by those engaged in these disturbances, they rely upon the present Executive to "begin with care to give them the legal protection within the limits of his powers," he can assure them that no Constitutional means shall be left untried to guard the rights of every Citizen from invasion, and that those who return to their duty may rely upon the protection of the laws. Done at the Executive Office, in the City of Austin, this the Twenty-eighth day of December, A. D., 1859. [Seal] Sam Houston. By the Governor The foregoing was also published in the Spanish language. 1 Executive Records, 1859-1861, pp. 3-4, Texas State Library. Practical!Y all the newspapers of Texas published this proclamation some time Ill January, 1860.
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