The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 6, July 1902 - April, 1903 Page: 266

266 Texas Historical Association Quarterly.
congress took advantage of the reservation in the last clause of this
article. Lucas 'Alamin, secretary of state, by his iniciativa influ-
enced Congress to pass a decree against colonization from the
United States. He gave a minute account of the policy of
the United States in acquiring foreign territory. He called
especial attention to their method of procedure1-"They com-
menced by introducing themselves into the territory which they
covet" upon various pretenses. Then 'these colonies grow, set up
rights, and bring forward ridiculous pretensions.' "Their machin-
ations in the country they wish to acquire are then brought to light
by the appearance of explorers" who excite by degrees movements
which disturb the political state of the country in dispute. Texas,
he says, has reached this point. Next "the diplomatic management
commences."
The complaint of Alaman indicates the Mexican standpoint so
clearly that it deserves quoting at length. In regard to the affairs
of Texas, he says, "If we now examine the present condition of
Texas, brought about by the policy which I have unveiled at length,
we will find that the majority of the population is composed of
natives of the United States of the North; that they occupy the
frontier posts on the coast and the mouths of rivers; that the
number of Mexicans inhabiting that country is insignificant, when
compared with the North Americans; that they come from all
directions to settle upon the fertile lands, taking notice that most of
them do so without previously complying with the requisites of our
laws, or in violation of existing contracts. The Mexican popula-
tion is, as it were, stationary; while theirs is increasing, particularly
from the number of slaves introduced by them, and whom they
retain, without manumitting them, as they should do, in con-
formity with the 2d article of the law of 13th of July, 1824.
"This numerical superiority, and the legal supremacy which
they will acquire from the act of the Legislature declaring to be
citizens all who have resided five years in the State, (in consequence
of which, nearly all these foreigners will become so next year;)
their having rendered themselves masters of the best points, and
their having had it in their power to execute their policy with
impunity, and without having been compelled to fulfil the con-
'Filisola, Memorias para la Historia de la Guerra de Tejas, II 592-593.
Translation in Executive Documents of 25th Congress, No. 351. pp. 313-316.