CHAPTER IX
THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRICTION, 1820-1835
To understand the development of friction-inevitable under the circumstances, but fortunately postponed for a few years through the tactful efforts of Stephen F. Austin-it is necessary to describe briefly the administrative machinery of Texas during the years of colonization. That the policy was liberal and friendly towards the new settlers there can be no question. "This is the most liberal and magnificent Government on earth to immigrants," Austin wrote his sister in 1829. "After being here one year you will oppose a change even to Uncle Sam." The Law of April 6, 1830, stopping further immigration from and marking the beginning of a hostile policy toward the United States, did not change his opinion. Unfaltering in his loyalty and gratitude to his adopted country, Austin was only voicing the opinion of the old settlers when he stated, "I consider that the liberality and confidence with which this Government treated the emigrants who came here in good faith, and who conducted themselves with anything like ordinary decency or common sense, imposed a moral obligation on them to give in return at least common gratitude." 1 Had all the empresarios shown similar gratitude and moderation, the ultimate conflict might have been avoided. There was little ground and even less opportunity in the early years for differences to arise. This was true in spite of the fact that although the colonists entered Texas with a background in government, religion, customs, and social mores totally different from what they had been accustomed to, their daily life made them completely unaware of the difference. The Mexican population was small and confined to San Antonio, La Bahia, and Nacogdoches; the state and national officials were far removed from their midst; and their dealings with the Government were maintained largely through the empresarios. Contact with Mexicans and their government was infrequent and gen- erally indirect. Left much to themselves, the colonists ran their own affairs and modified the Mexican institutions as far as circumstances permitted to conform to those with which they had been accustomed. 1 Austin to Thomas F. Leaming, July 23, 1832, cited in Barker, T/1e Life of Step!,,,, F. Austi,,, 269.
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