The Dawn of a New Era
9
with a general statement on the importance of Christian education in giving the heart and mind proper direction, for they require cultivation "like a young plant." He then offered to discuss the matter of securing the cooperation of Rome in erecting an independent archbishopric. While in Velasco he had more modestly discussed the establishment of only a bishopric. Aware of the interest displayed in this proposal by his friends in Velasco and by Houston when conversing with him, he now asserted that this step "was the sure means of making peace with Mexico through the influence of the Roman court," as it would "break all communication with the bishop of Monterrey," under whose jurisdiction the Catholics of Texas still were. It would, furthermore, "remove all difficulty with other courts in acknowledging the independence of Texas." Having discussed in general terms the details of the selection of the new prelate and the locale of the episcopal residence, he proceeded to the matter nearest his heart, the establishment of a chain of parochial schools in connection with the reorganization of the Church. Five prin- cipal points were incorporated in his plan. He recommended first that Texas set aside in every city and village a convenient site for a church, rectory, and school. He maintained, secondly, that since the adminis- tration of the Church and particularly the schools was not to be a financial burden on the State, Texas should grant all parishes, without distinction, r,280 acres of land. His third proposal was that because the churches, rectories, and schools would be built without cost to the State, the Government should not have the right to use them for any other purpose without the consent of the Holy See. He, furthermore, asserted that the Church should be allowed to carry out all religious functions throughout Texas without interference from the Government. Last, he asked that the Church be given the ·protection of the State. 17 A week passed before Houston made formal reply. Fully cognizant of the significance that the establishment of an independent archbishopric would be to Texas, he unhesitatingly declared, "The snapping of the ties that still bind Texas to Mexico in religious as well as political matters meets with my entire approbation and could haYe none other than a salutary tendency to produce harmony among the Catholic citizens of Texas." He asserted that since the Constitution guaranteed the free exercise of religion, he could see no obstacles to the establish- 17 The summary of the letter and of the plan of Count Farnese is based on the excerpts given in Yoakum, op. cu., II, 224-226. The original documents have since been lost. Yoakum was the last to see and use the original. Note that no reference is made to any colonization scheme.
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