sary to speak at this time, in some measure crippled its operations and prevented it from acting with that energy so necessary in cl crisis like the present. Thi8 state of things, we expected, would induce the convention to organize immedjatcly, some temporary authority to meet the present exigencies of the country. We would not suppose that the convention superseded the pro- visional government, without some declaration on their part of such fact; if it. is so deemed by your honorable body, or any au- thority is designated to receive the archives, we are ready to de- liver them, and with pleasure return to our homes and the field. JOHN McMULLEN. Prest. pro tem. of the Gen. Council. The communications were referred to the committee on public documents. Mr. Potter introduced the following preamble and resolution: Whereas, the securing to the people of Texas in the fair and un- disturbed enjoyment of their lands, is an object of paramount con- sideration with this convention; and, whereas, certain designing persons in Texas, combined with others who live in distant parl!!, and are not citizens of Texas, are seeking, under the cover of forgery or fraudulent grants, to cheat the people of Texas out of large and valuable portions of their lands, which, if not put down, . would oppress the individual settlers, and cripple the resources of the counb:y, so as to put it out of the power of the government t,, make suitable provisions in lands and otherwise for our volunteers. now in the field, or who may_ hereafter serve the public cause; Therefore, Resolved, That the committee on the constitution, be instructed to inquire into the propriety of inserting in that in- strument a provision to the following effect, viz: No claim of eleven leagues of land or more shall be valid; and all titles issued to any individual, under any pretence whatsoever, for more than one League and a Labor of Land, (empresarios excepted) shall be null and void and of no effect. All titles which may have been issued to any individual, under any pretence whatsoever, since the act of the late Consultation closing the Land offices, shall be null and void and of no effect; and in the future adjustment of lan,l titles, not previously located by others, in accordance with the principles of this provision, shall enjoy a preference over all other persons. This Convention, or the Congress which may succeed it, will make provisions for carrying this article into effect; and no legislative act, or judicial decision shall ever be made in contra- diction to the foregoing clause. On mot.ion of Mr. Parmer, ALEX. THOMPSON, G. A. PATILLO.
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