herself with vast standing armies. The election resulted in the choice of Polk. This decided that Texas would soon become one of the United States, if she so desired.

Condition of Texas.-December, 1844, the close of Houston's administration, found Texas improved in finances; the people rejoiced over fine harvests, and every heart elated with the happiness of being at peace with the world, and of being about to become one of the sisterhood of States. Anson Jones and Kenneth L. Anderson were elected President and Vice-President.

JONES' ADMINISTRATION.*

(1844-1845.)

President's Position.-President Jones' position was a most trying one. Annexation was publicly discussed throughout both Texas and the United States. France and England were making every advance to Texas, and offering her strong inducements to remain independent. To keep all proposals unanswered for several months, and give offense to none of the nations, was the task that confronted the President.

* Anson Jones was born in Massachusetts, in 1798. At the age of twenty-two, he was licensed to practice medicine. He immigrated to Texas in 1833, settling in Brazoria. He was strongly in favor of Texan independence, and did good work on the battle-field and in the hospitals. He was a member of the Texan Congress, Minister to the United States, and Secretary of State before he became President. At the annexation of Texas, he retired to his plantation, where he busied himself with his professional and literary labors until 1858, when, in a fit of despondency, he took his own life. His "Republic of Texas" contains much that is valuable to the student of Texas history.

Annexation Bill.-On February 25, 1845, a bill providing for the annexation of Texas passed the House of

ANSON JONES.

Representatives at Washington: one hundred and twenty voted for the bill, ninety-eight against it. On March 1, the Senate voted twentyseven ayes," twentyfive "noes." One of the last official acts of President Tyler was to sign the bill, and thus make it a law.

Offers from Mexico. -Mexico now made the

strongest effort to keep

Texas from entering the doors of the Union. She offered peace, lasting peace, on the most favorable terms. Texas had at last learned how little Mexico's promises were worth, and hence paid no attention to them.

Texas Accepts Annexation.-After both the Texan Congress and a Convention assembled for the purpose had reported favorably on the Annexation Bill, the matter was submitted to the people. On October 10, they voted almost unanimously to accept the same. The laws of the United States were extended over Texas in December; on February 19, 1846, both the laws and postal service of the United States became those of Texas, and

President Jones gave way to the first Governor of the State of Texas. Thus the Republic of the Lone Star was by her own hand blotted out from the catalogue of nations, but in her place gleams a radiant planet, that revolves in the peaceful firmament of the "Red, White, and Blue."*

*The following is an extract from President Jones' valedictory, when he turned over the government to Governor Henderson: "The great measure of annexation so earnestly discussed, is happily consummated. The present occasion, so full of interest to us and to all the people of this country, is an earnest of that consummation; and I am happy to greet you, their chosen representatives, and to tender to you my cordial congratulations on an event the most extraordinary in the annals of the world-one which makes a bright triumph in the history of republican institutions. A government is changed both in its officers and in its organization-not by violence and disorder, but by the deliberate and free consent of its citizens; and amid perfect and universal peace and tranquillity, the sovereignty of the nation is surrendered, and incorporated with that of another. The Lone Star of Texas, which ten years since arose amid clouds, over fields of carnage, and obscurely seen for awhile, has culminated, and following an inscrutable destiny, has passed on and become fixed forever in that glorious constellation, which all freemen and lovers of freedom in the world must reverence and adore-the American Union. Blending its rays with its sister States, long may it continue to shine, and may generous Heaven smile upon this consummation of the wishes of the two Republics, now joined in one. May the Union be perpetual, and may it be the means of conferring benefits and blessings upon the people of all the States, is my ardent prayer. The first act in the great drama is now performed. The Republic of Texas is no more."

THE REPUBLIC.

(1836-1845.)

I. DAVID BURNET, PRESIDENT AD INTERIM. (See Epoch IV.)

(1. Difficulties..

a. Debts.
b. Mexico.
c. Army.

d. Indians.

e. Judicial System.

II. HOUSTON'S AD

2. How Difficulties were Met.

MINISTRATION
(1836-1838).

III. LAMAR'S AD

MINISTRATION

(1838-1841).

IV. HOUSTON'S AD

MINISTRATION
(1841-1844).

3. Austin's Death.

4. United States Recognizes Texan Independence.
5. United States Refuses to Consider Annexation of

Texas.

1. France, England, Holland, and Belgium Recognize Texan Independence.

ERA V.

ERA VI.

ERA OF THE STATE.

(1846-1888.)

HENDERSON'S ADMINISTRATION.*

TH

HE GOVERNORSHIP.-The Convention that President Jones called to form a State Constitution, provided that the Governor should hold office two years, and that he should have the power of veto.

Opening of the Administration.-Governor Henderson's administration opened with the brightest prospects. Texas, freed from all those cares that the central government assumes, felt as if she had a great burden rolled

* J. Pinckney Henderson was born (1809) in North Carolina. His boyhood was characterized by an intense love for his mother, and great diligence in study. He said that while at college he frequently studied eighteen out of the twentyfour hours. At the age of twenty-one he was admitted to the bar. In 1836, he forsook his profession, raised a company of volunteers, and came to Texas. In a few months he was made Attorney-general. In 1837, he was sent as special Minister to England and France to win from them recognition of Texan Independence. After much skillful labor, he succeeded in his mission and returned home. In 1844, he was sent as Minister to the United States to bring about annexation. At the close of his term as Governor, he refused to become a candidate for re-election. In 1857, he was selected to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate. Before, however, he could become fully installed in his new place of honor, Death claimed him for his own.