Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/297

 will be shown to your honorable body by documents, which will be referred for your consideration.

The land law, which was passed by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas, and which was designed to take effect on the first day of October next, could not go into operation without conflicting with subjects too important to be disregarded, inasmuch as some of the land districts would necessarily fall within that section of country over which the United States have for some years exercised civil jurisdiction, but over which there is no doubt that the Government of Texas, so soon as the limits of each country are defined, will be manifestly entitled to the civil as well as the political jurisdiction thereof. It is to be deplored that so soon as measures had been adopted by the Government of the United States on this subject, that the Government of Texas was not apprised of the fact, or its agents near the Government, until the 17th of June last, when a communication was made to our agent by the honorable Secretary of State, for the first time, of the desires of that Government.

Although authority was given to the Executive of Texas to appoint a Commission for the purpose of running the line, in accordance with stipulations long since existing, yet no appointment has been made, for the reason that no satisfactory intelligence had reached this Government in relation to the course which the Government of the United States might wish to pursue. No time had been lost in communicating to our Minister at Washington city, the course which had been adopted at the last session of Congress. As early as the 4th of August last, a special communication was made upon that subject by our Minister. We are advised that he had received no response to his communication. It is to be hoped, as the Congress of the United States is now in session, that the subject of the boundary line will claim the prompt action of that Government, and that such measures will be adopted by its functionaries as will lead to a speedy termination of the subject, and obviate all such embarrassments as might result from its further procrastination. Nothing, I feel confident, on the part of this Government will be omitted which can conduce to the amicable adjustment of a matter desirable and important to the two countries. As the land law which has been referred to is necessarily connected with this subject, it will be for the honorable Congress to determine what modifications or revisions may be proper for adoption.

The period at which the annual session of Congress will take place being so near at hand, it is presumed that the present session will not adjourn previous to that time; therefore I have abstained from submitting any other subjects for the present other than those which induced the call of the present session. At the commencement of the next session the Executive will have it in his power to present to Congress the situation of the country generally, and to submit subjects connected immediately with the defense of the nation, and its financial resources for their action.

Whilst we invoke the continuance of favors which have been conferred upon us by an Almighty Being, and render to Him our grateful homage, let us remember that the important trusts in which we are placed demand of us unceasing exertions to defend and preserve our independence, by our united efforts to promote the happiness of our constituents, and the prosperity and glory of our country.

(Signed), Sam HOUSTON.

, September 25, 1837.