The report being read, Mr. Wharton moved that it be submitted to the house, section by section. The first section being read, :Mr. Parker moved that the word "republican" be inserted before prin- ciples, so as to read "republican principles;" which amendment was con- curred in by the house. The several sections of the report having been separately submitted, they were unanimously adopted, as follows: "DECLARATION OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS IN GENERAL CONVENTION ASSEMBLED." Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and other military chieftains, have, by force of arms, overthrown the federal institutions of Mexico, and dissolved the social compact which existed between Texas al!d the other members of the :Mexican confederacy; now the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights,
SOLK\l:SLY DECL:\HE 1
l~t. Thnt they ha..-c taken up arm:: in defence of their ri~hts and liberties, which were threatened by the encroachments of military despots, and in drfrm·e of the repnblic:an principles of the federal coustitu- tion of Mexico, of eighteen and twenty-four. 2d. That Texas is no longer morally or civilly bound by the compact of union; yet, stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to a free people, they offer their support and assistance to such of the mem- bers of the Mexican confederacy as will take up arms against military des- potism. 3d. That they do not acknowledge that the present authorities of the nominal Mexican republic have the right to govern within the limits of Texas. 4th. That they will not cease to carry on war against the said authori- ties whilst their troops are within the limits of Texas. · 5th. That they hold it to be their right during the disorganization of the federal system, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the union, to establish an independent government, or to adopt such meas- ures as they may deem best calculated to protect their rights and lib- ertiei;. hut that tlwy will coniinue faithful to the :\[cxic-nn go,·ernment so long as that nation is governed by the constitution and laws that were formed for t),e ~oYernmt>nt of thP political association. 6th. That Texas is responsible for the expense of her armies now in the field. 7th. That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the payment of any debts contracted by her agents. 8th. Thai ~he 1rill rewarcl. ln· ,lonation~ in lancl:a. nil who Yolunteer their services in her present struggle, and receive them as citizens. These declarations we solemnly avow to the worlcl, and call God to witness their truth and sincerity, and invoke defeat and disgrace upon our heads. should we prove guilty of duplicity. Mr. :Mitchell, from the committee appointed in pursuance of a resolu-
260
Powered by FlippingBook