IN

ERA IV.

ERA OF REVOLUTION.

(1830-1836.)

NTRODUCTION.-From 1830 to the battle of Goliad, Texas may be compared to a volcano preparing for eruption. Flames of wrath would suddenly burst forth, lighting the skies with an angry blaze, then all would fade, till there seemed naught but the golden clouds of a peaceful sunset. The murmurs of the people often swelled into such a tempest, that the very earth trembled; then all was hushed.

REMOTE CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION.

(1.) Treatment of Americans-While Bustamente was President, laws were passed (1830) forbidding Americans. settling in Texas. Other nations were heartily welcomed, but for the United States, whose inhabitants had changed Texas from a wilderness into a civilized State, Mexico had nothing but fear and hatred. Americans were not permitted to trade in Texas. This gave the Mexicans an opportunity of fixing their own prices on all goods sold. As many of the Texans had friends and relatives in the

United States whom they wished to have with them, the law prohibiting immigration was not obeyed. This caused constant trouble.

(2.) Settlement of Convicts.-Mexico ordered that a certain number of convicts should be sent to Texas to found colonies. Nothing would have more quickly and more certainly destroyed the prosperity of Texas. It is then not to be wondered that our forefathers grew indignant.

(3.) Custom-houses.-The Texans had been free from all taxes. Now custom-houses were established, and enormous duties charged.

(4.) Martial Law.-On the slightest pretext, the Mexican officers declared the country under martial law. Innocent men were arrested and imprisoned without knowing the crime with which they were charged. To obtain a fair trial was impossible. Mexican troops were placed at various points, and the Texans were forced to support them. In spite of the presence of so many soldiers, the Texans suffered much from the Indians. To feed and clothe troops, and then be compelled to do their own fighting, was more than the Texans felt disposed to do.

(5.) Blockade.-When the Texans dared complain of their wrongs, they were punished by having all their ports closed except Anahuac (än ä wäk′). This harbor was so situated that only small vessels could enter, hence this action really amounted to a blockade.

(6.) Union with Coahuila (eō a wee’la).—It was shown in the last era that Texas was no longer a separate State

of the Mexican Republic, but had been joined to Coahuila. The Texans were promised that this union should only last till their State had a certain number of inhabitants. That time had now come, but Mexico paid notice to neither her promise nor the requests of the Texans.

Defense of Mexico.-The students of history must examine both sides of each important question to be able to form an impartial opinion. What caused Mexico to pursue such a course toward Texas? This is a question that must present itself to every thoughtful reader. The following is the most charitable construction to be placed upon her actions: The United States had never been satisfied to see Texas belong to Mexico. She had tried to buy Texas, but Mexico always refused to sell. Mexico being constantly in the throes of revolutions, was conscious of her own weakness; she feared if the Americans continued to settle in Texas, they might rebel, and with the help of their country, throw off the Mexican yoke. Hence she resolved to keep out other Americans, and to thoroughly crush the spirit of those who were already within her boundaries. Looking at the matter as one may, no humane person can find justice in Mexico's rule of Texas. That she was vastly mistaken in the nature of the men she wished to crush is shown by the events of the next few years.

Santa Anna was at this time playing the part of patriot. He took up the cause of the common people, declared himself opposed to the Church party, avowed his unceasing love for the republic, and his willingness

to die in its defense. He conquered all opponents; he won the love of the masses by promising them more liberty. The Texans were deceived by his pledges, and took up arms in his support. In 1833, Santa Anna was elected President of the Mexican Republic. At his inauguration, when the people crowded about, eager to show him all honor, he made many fair promises which he made haste to break.

Convention at San Felipe (fā lee’pā).—The Texans now resolved to make a strong appeal to the government for separation from Coahuila. In March and April, 1833, a convention of delegates from various parts of the State met at San Felipe. Among these were men whose names were soon to be written upon the hearts of their countrymen, such as Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston,* David G. Burnet, Branch T. Archer, and J. B. Miller.

*Sam Houston was born in Virginia, March 2, 1793. In 1810, his father died, and his mother moved her family to Tennessee, which was then on the border of civilization. Here he went to school, and worked on a farm. It happened one day that he found a translation of Homer's Iliad, read it, and became charmed. He asked his teacher to allow him to study Latin, but his request was refused. In a passion, he turned, and exclaiming, "I'll never recite another lesson as long as I live," left the school-room. His older brother put him in a store as clerk. He hated this life, and vowed he would die if forced to remain. He soon disappeared. Search was made, and he was at last found among the Cherokee Indians. In answer to the appeals of his brothers to return home, he replied: "I'd rather measure deer tracks than tape. Here I can have peace to read Homer, Virgil, and Demosthenes; so go off and let me alone." He remained with the savages till his clothes were worn to shreds. Going home, he stayed with his mother some time; but at the least show of tyranny from his brothers, he was off to the Indians. It is said that he could repeat the whole of Pope's translation of the Iliad. After a few years, he surprised every one by announcing his intention of opening a school! Sam Houston as a teacher! the people opened their eyes. However, he made a success of his undertaking, had more pupils

The Constitution.-A committee appointed by this convention drew up a constitution for Texas. This document granted trial by jury, writs of habeas corpus, freedom of the press, the right to petition, and direct suffrage. It said nothing of religious liberty, as the Texan leaders well knew Mexico would grant nothing in that line.

The Memorial.-A second committee, with David G. Burnet as chairman, prepared a memorial to the Mexican government, showing why Texas should be separated from Coahuila. The following reasons were given: 1. Coahuila and Texas differed in soil, climate, productions, interests, and population; hence laws suitable for one would be injurious to the other. 2. The wilderness between the two States kept Texas from receiving prompt aid from the large bands of soldiers who were stationed at the capital; if Texas were a separate State, she could have her own

than he wanted, and raised the tuition from $6 to $8 per year! In a battle fought with the Creek Indians in 1813, he showed such bravery, that he won the lasting friendship of Andrew Jackson. At the age of twenty-four, he began to study law. After holding many minor offices, he was, in 1823 and 1825, elected to Congress. At the close of his second term, he was elected Governor of Tennessee. In January, 1829, he married a lovely and charming young girl; but in April, the bride went to her father's, and returned no more beneath her husband's roof. The people were surprised and amazed, but no explanation was ever given. The cause of the separation is still a mystery. He was abused in the most bitter terms by many of the Tennessee papers. Public feeling was strong on both sides. He resigned, gave up all the charms of civilized life, and sought refuge among the Cherokees, the friends of his boyhood. Years before he had been adopted by the chief of the tribe. On his arrival at the village, he was warmly welcomed, and invited to take part in all their councils. With the ex

ception of some months spent in Washington, where he went to reveal to President Jackson the terrible wrongs of the Indians, Houston remained among the Red Men three years. Fate then directed him to Texas, where he at once took his place among her leaders.