Our Catliolic Heritage in Texas
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not satisfy either the radicals or the conservatives. Austin felt the statement of causes was ambiguous. Following a brief preamble denouncing the usurpation of power by Santa Anna, the causes for talcing up arms were set forth in eight articles. It was declared that "the good people of Texas" were fighting in defense of their rights threatened by military despotism, and in support of the republican principles of the Constitution of 1824; that although Texans were no longer bound by the "compact of union," they offered their "support and assistance to such of the members of the Mexican confederacy as will talce up arms against military des- potism"; that they would not lay down their arms until Mexican troops were withdrawn from Texas; and that they held it to be their right "to withdraw from the union, to establish an independent government, or to adopt such measures as ... best calculated to protect their rights and liberties," but would continue faithful to the Mexican Government as long as the Constitution and laws were observed. In the last three articles, designed to obtain universal support and inspire confidence in the movement, responsibility for the armies in the field was assumed, the public faith of Texas was pledged for the payment of debts, and land bounties were promised volunteers. In the concluding sentence, they called on God "to witness their truth and sincerity," should they prove guilty of duplicity. 20 The Consultation then turned its attention to organizing a provisional government, consisting of a governor, a lieutenant governor, and a council composed of one member from each district represented. It was agreed that all officers of the new government be chosen from among the members of the Consultation. Henry Smith, former political chief of the Department of the Brazos, was elected governor with James W. Robinson as lieutenant governor. The last act of the Con- sultation was the adoption of a resolution to adjourn on November 14 until March I, 1836. The work of the Consultation during the eleven days of its existence is truly remarkable, particularly if we consider that almost half of that time was consumed in discussing the declaration of causes for armed co~flict. It approved the various measures talcen by the Permanent Council, adopted a plan for the creation of an army, and appointed Sam Houston commander in chief. The Consultation appointed and 2onarker, "The Texan Declaration of Causes for Taking up Arms against Mexico," Tne Quarterly, XV, 173-185; Binkley, op. &it., I, 38-74. Tl,e Journal is printed in Gammel, Laws of Tezas, l, 507-548.
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