The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 24, July 1920 - April, 1921 Page: 52
332 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
52 The Southwestern Historical Quarterly
some time to come restrictions should be placed on surveying be-
yond the settlements. He concluded by censuring General Rusk
for alleged encroachments on the Presidential power during the
Cordova rebellion, and claimed that that revolt was brought about
by violation of the rights of the Mexicans and Indians.33
Lamar did not leave the country long in doubt as to his policy
in dealing with the Indians. "It is a cardinal principle in all
political associations," he said in his first message to Congress,
December 21, 1838, "that protection is commensurate with alle-
giance, and the poorest citizen, whose sequestered cabin is reared
on our remotest frontier, holds as sacred a claim upon the govern-
ment for safety and security, as does the man who lives in ease
and wealth in the heart of our most populous city." He was not
anxious to aggravate the ordinary calamities of war by inculcating
the harsh doctrines of lex talionis toward debased and ignorant
savages. War was an evil which all good people ought to strive
to avoid, but when it could not be avoided, it ought to be so met
and pursued as would best secure a speedy and lasting peace. The
moderation hitherto extended to the Indians on the border had
been answered by all the atrocious cruelties that characterize their
mode of warfare. His solicitude for the due protection of the
frontier had partially overruled his habitual repugnance to stand-
ing armies; and in the disturbed state of their foreign and Indian
relations, the proper security of the country at large, especially
the peace and safety of the border settlements, seemed to require
the organization of a regular, permanent, and effective force.
He showed himself in harmony with the popular sentiment in
his remarks concerning the Indians in the East. He referred to
the trouble around Nacogdoches in August, and said that it was
not all clear to him, but that he was far from conceding that the
Indians, either native or immigrant, had any just cause of com-
plaint. He proceeded to discuss the nature of their claims to
lands in East Texas, showing to his satisfaction that they were
worthless. Hle was particularly severe on the Cherokees and
clearly foreshadowed stern measures with them. He suggested
the establishment of a line of military forts, announced that agents
were to be appointed to live in the Indian settlements, and that
Indians were to be required to submit to Texan criminal laws."
"Kennedy, Texas, II, 316.
"'Telegraph and Texas Register, December 26, 1838; Lamar Papers, No.
361.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 24, July 1920 - April, 1921, periodical, 1921; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101078/m1/58/: accessed May 5, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.