ineffective, for a nation just springing inlo existence, to attempt its practical establishment. When the abundant intrinsic resources of our country, shall be fully developed, then it may be the peculiar glory of Texas, to invite the kindred nations of the earth, to an unembarrassed intercommunion of their diversified products. The effect of such a system, on the peace and happiness of nations, and on the comforts and enjoyments of individu_als, would transcend all that has heretofore been accomplished, by the straightened and selfish spirit of commerce; and that spirit, parsimonious and jealous as it is, has done much to meliorate the condition of man, by dispensing the munificent and various benefactions of Providence, to and from the remotest climes. The institution of a Tariff, is a matter of great delicacy, requiring a minute attention to the smallest concerns of domestic life. An excessive or disproportionate charge, upon one necessary article of merchandize, would violate the grand principle of equalization; and I trust you will be enabled, so lo order the assessments, as to avoid that evil. The experience of the nation, from which we have seceded, affords abundant testimony, of the pernicious consequences of an overcharged tariff. An exorbitant rate of duty, not only defeats itself, by presenting allurements to evasions of the law; by it has a tendency to demoralize a valuable portion of the community. It is one of the most interesting purposes of legislation, to purify and elevate the standard of moral sentiment among the people. The military organization of the country is defective in many respects, and will require your early attention. The law offering a bounty lands, lo volunteers, expired by its own limitation on the first of July, and since that period a number of volunteers have arrived in the country, to aid in its defence. Common justice would seem to require, that the same remuneration be conceded lo them, that is rendered to their predecessors in the chivalrous enterprise, for they were doubtless actuated by similar motives, and stimulated by similar inducements. From the present aspect of our foreign relations, we have every reason to believe, that a further accession of these generous champions of liberty, may be desirable; and arrangements are made, which I trust will be adequate lo all our wants in this respect. But I would recommend lo your consideration, the propriety of withholding all inducements, to enlislments for short periods of lime; for it is very apparent that a volunteer for three or six months, can scarcely be familiarized with the ordinary du ties of a camp, before his term of service expires. The continuation of the land bounty system, is perhaps expedient, but it is also desirable
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