The Texas Democrat (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 5, Ed. 1, Saturday, February 24, 1849 Page: 2 of 4
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THE TEXAS DEMOCRAT.
AUSTIN, SATURDAY, FEB. 24, 1S49.
We are authorised to state that Henry E. Mc-
Culloch has been appointed Notary Public for
Travis County.
The Hon. David Gage has resigned as Senator of
the fourth Senatorial district of the State.
Gen. Harney-arrived in town from San Antonio on
the evening of the IStli inst. We understand he will
make Austin his headquai ters.
A party was to leave "DeWitt county this week, by
the overland route through Texas, for California.
Saluria, it is said, has been selected by the Govern-
ment as a depot for coal.
A private soldier, of Company F. 1st U. S. Infantry,
who was drowned in the Colorado river at this place,
on the 15th December last, was found some three
Smiles below on the 21st inst., very little decayed, hav-
' irig been under water two months and seven days.
The town of New Braunfels is said to be rapidly
improving. It is beautifully situated on the West
bank of the Guadalupe river, at the foot of the moun-
tains, and possesses water power of the greatest value.
Arrangements have been made for the- establishment
of cotton and woollen factories there within the present
year. This will be the first enterprise of the kind
undertaken in Texas, and we have no doubt it will
prove eminently successful. .Already there are two
saw and grist mills in full operation. The surround-
ing country is filling up with industrious and respec-
table settlers, and the recent immigration from Ger-
many is said to be of the best class. We know of no
town in the interior of our State whose, prospects are
more premising.
STATE IMPROVEMENTS.
Much "of the want of enterprise and public spirit
that we hear so often complained of, in every portion
of our country, is the result of the practice so much in
vogue, of overrating the resources and capacities of
States and localities. We have so often been deluded
by available town sites in prospective, navigable
streams which existed only in the fancy, rail-road
routes which look very pretty as draughted on paper,
and mushroom cities without end, that all mention of
such subjects is naturally listened to, as so many
dreams of parties interested, and laid down as- the
scheme of some speculator to fill his pockets by ta-
king advantage of public credulity. Another means
Avhich keeps public spirit from exercising its full
. .sway; can be traced to the suicidal opposition reared
against it by sectional jealousy, naturally called into
action -when our own interests are likely to be thrown
'into the back ground. So prevalent is this feeling,
that many a public measure, truly of great moment,
has laid undeveloped for years, and even generations ;
and a glance of suspicion often has been the only
f-mafk of attention "paidlo many an essay, calling pub-
lic notice to some subject of vital and intrinsic worth.
Without wishing to make out the navigation of the
Colorado a subject on which the destiny of the
State, and much less that of the. world, depends, yet,
to us, our county, and to the citizens of several others,
it is one of no little consequence: and even to the
State at large, it is no small subject of interest, as far
as it tends to develope its resources and natural advan-
tages. All means which facilitate travelling from one point
to another, be it by trail, road or water course, is of
great iuteiest at this time, not only to the immediate
neighborhood, but also to Texas generally, by ex-
tending to immigration, new channels of exploring our
rich soil and extensive domain.
Without taking into consideration all the trade of
the surrounding couMies, and which are more or less
deeply interested, the six counties through which it
passes, from here to its mouth, have within themselves,
sufficient at stake to warrant the necessary outlay of
labor and capital to remove every existing obstruction.
When we remember the very heavy drawback felt by
all, by the hauling system which we are now forced
to resort to ; the vexatious delay consequent on bad
roads, and the damages sustained by rains and expo-
sures, it is not sayings too much to assert that the quo-
ta of each who is identified at all with the work,
would be repaid to him within the year : to the land-
holder, this is particularly demonstrable; for the de-
mand for land on aud contiguous to the river, cannot
fail to be doubled in twelve months after steam-bbating
is established, and a proportionate rise in the price of
lands, of course, must follow.
The present time is very propitious for commencing
the work, on account of the removal of what has been
considered, heretofore, an obstacle of some moment,
namely : the expiration of the charter formerly granted
to a company, for the exclusive navigation of the river,
provided it could be rendered so by them. This char-
ter expired in January last.
Another reason why we should begin the work
now, need only be mentioned, to strike the attention
with much force, and come home to every one who
takes the least interest in the matter. ihe steamers
have commenced plying direct to Indian Point, and
the impetus thus given to a new current for comincice.
should not be lost by our supineness. A little reflec-
tion on this subject will show every mind, more for-
cibly than any words we can use, how very urgent is
the necessity of the friends of the Colorado, to take up
this matter at the earliest practicable period. Again,
if we should, at this time, commence the navigation of
this river, not only will it draw togus a good propor-
tion of the afmy trains destined to the border posts ;
but it will be the very best step we can take, to draw
attention m the veiy practicable route from Indian
Point to California, via the Colorado bottom and di-
viding ridge to ELPaso, across the valle and so on
to California; a route decidedly better than anyone
which can be found elsewhere.
That the Colorado can be rendered navigable, is a
" fixed fact :: the only question in the matter is how
shall we act in the premises? and many plans have
been suggested, of which the following seems to have
commanded the greatest share of public favor:
Let each county interested, in the first place, hold
a county meeting and appoint a corresponding secre-
tary : he will thus become the recipient of all the in-
formation, statistics, and general features which relate
to the river, so far as the immediate county in which it
is held is able Jo furnish the data. -
Secondly, after time has been allowed to gather in
all that can be learned, then it would be well to have
held, a river convention, to be composed of one or
more delegates from each of the counties which held
primary meetings on the subject ; by whose meeting
the whole matter will be condensed, and some system
adopted for carrying out the object under consideration,
It would be well for each county to furnish the
.amount of population, the quantity of land improved,
the 'distance traversed by the river ; its shoals, obstruc-
tions, and soundings, at different stages of water, and
the probable amount of individual subscription which
could be obtained ; and with these statistics as a
ground-work, the river convention cannot fail to de-
vise the most expeditious method of making it naviga-
ble. Let us put our shoulder to the work all together,
and before long, steam, which is the great power of
advancement, will diffuse its advantages around us,
and repay us amply for our exertions. Let us see
which county will be the first in the matter, and
which on.e will do the most towards the end desired
by all. When shall Travis commence 1
A Ball came off at the Capitol, in this city, on the
evening of the 22d. The weather beiug delight-
ful, many ladies honored it with their presence, and
made one forget by their grace aud beauty, and more
by their good taste and numbers, that we were on the
frontiers of T-oxas. It has never fallen to our lot to
mingle with a more agreeable assemblage than were
collected there, to celebrate the birth-day of the "Fa-
ther of his country," half-way between the Sabine and
Rio Grande, on a hill where, a few years since, the
Camanche ventured to "prowl as a part of his Cima-
rone heritage, in the hall where republicanism reared
her lone-star banner amidst the chaos of Mexican an-
archy, and where the representatives of the people
framed a constitution which bears the impress of the
enlightened century in which we live.
The military of the post were present, and. in add-
ing interest to the gay scene, gave rise to many a proud
reflection in the bosom of the patriot, when he associ-
ated the history and results of the late war with the
American army. General Harney, "the guest," was
introduced to the company by Judge Webb, in a very
proper and happy manner, and aided much in the gai-
ety and enjoyment of the occasroji. Civilians, many
of the most distinguished,, were also there, with his
Excellency, the Governor ; and after a full indulgence
in the exercise of the "light fantastic toe," the entire
company partook of a most excellent-set supper. The
entertainments-ntinued to a late hour, and ended in
the greatest harmony.
The room was ornamented in most excellent good
taste : it was decorated by several star-spangled ban-
ners, and three of the Mexican flags which were sur-
rendered at the battle of San Jacinto the whole scene
relieved by wreaths and festoons of cedar, with "honor
to the brave," clearly lettered in cedar twiggs, as a
motto.
It is said that Bullitt, one of the editors of the Isew
Orleans Picayune, and Prentice of the Louisville Jour-
nal, will establish a new partisan paper at Washing-
ton, to be called the "National Press." It is expected.
to be the organ of Gen. Taylors administration.
i
Paper Making. We were informed a few days
since( by a large paper dealer in this city, that it was
not at all uncommon for him to have in his warehouse,
and sell at 9 o'clock in the morning paper which was
in rags a. hundred and fifty miles from New York at
9 o'clock on the previous morning. A better illustra-
tion of the power of steam could not be given, or of
the progress of the age. The rags are placed in the
duster, thence conveyed to the troughs or vats, where
(in some kinds of paper) the sizing is mixed with the
pulp, and from these vats the paper passes over heated
rollers, aud finally between two immensely heavy
iron rollers, which give it the glazed surface, and it is
then cut, folded, packed and sent to the Rajlroad : all
in the course of a few hours. The telegraph enables
New York mei chants to order paper in Massachusetts
at any moment, and receive the returns, manufactured,
and even ruled, by the next steamer. N. Y. Jour.
Cmn.
At a meeting of the citizens of Austin and vicinity,
hel(J at the Capitol on the 11th inst., on motion his
excellency Gov. Wood was called to the chair, and
Capt. Swisher appointed secretary.
The object of the meeting having been explained
by Dr. J. Sf1 Ford, on motion a committee was ap-
prxited to draw up resolutions explanatory of the ob-
jects of the meeting, consisting of Dr. Jno. S. Ford,
Capt. J. M. W. Hall, Capt. J. G. Swisher, lion. W. D.
Miller, J. F. Minter and Geo. Hancock, Esqrs., who.
having retired for a fe-v minutes, reported the follow-
ing preamble and resolutions, viz :
Whereas, the appointment of Major General WM. J.
WORTH, to the command of the Texas frontier, has
been viewed with satisfaction by the citizens there-
of; and whereas, the many deeds of gallantry in the
battlefield, the consummate skill in council, the un-
flinching firmness in the hour of danger, and the
brilliant accomplishments of the soldier, combined
in his person, afford tons the most gratifying assur-
ance, that in the hands of such a commander, the
protection of our homes and our firesides may be
safely confided, be it
Resolved, That as an evidence of our high appre-
ciation of his valuable services to the country at large,
as a feeble tribute to the meed of praise which
has been awarded him by an admiring and grate"-
ful people, we do tender to him the hospitali-
ties of the City of Austin, the Capital of Texas, whose
representatives in the battles of our country have just
cause to remember with pride that he led a portion of
them in the famous field of Monterey that when suc-
cess had vindicated the wisdom and foresight of his
measures when the plaudits of millions hailed the
wreath of victory upon his brow, he magnanimously
awarded justice to the citizen soldiers who fought be-
neath his standaid.
Resolved, That in order more fully to carry out the
wishes of this meeting, the chairman appoint a com-
mittee of thirty, to communicate these resolutions to
General Worth, and invite him to partake with the ci-
tizens of Austin of a public dinner, at such time as may
suit his convenience.
On motion the chair appointed the following com-
mittee of invitation : Dr. John S. Ford, Capt. J. G.
Swisher, Hon. S. G. Snccd, Tho. H. Duvai, Esq., Dr.
S. G. Haynie, Maj. Wm. H. Cushney, Capt. H. E. Mc-
Culloch, Col. Tho. Wm. Ward, F. Dieterich. Esq.,
Judge James Webb, Capt. J. M. W.Hall, Col. C.' Kyle,
B. L' Johnson, Esq., Jas. II. Raymond, Esq., Jno. M.
Swisher. Esq.. Gen. Tho. Green, Lamar Moore, Esq ,
Capt. J. J. Grumbles. Capt. T. F. Chapman, J. C. Tan-
nehill, Esq., Geo. S. Evans, Esq , Tho. Ward. Esq..
Wm. Cockburn, Esq., Col. Hoiatio Grooms, Joseph
Lee, Esq., Hon. Gi-o. W. Smyth, David J. Miller. Esq.,
G'-orge Hancock, Esq., Dr. J. W. Robertson, Capt. D.
C. Cady, Capt. Jesse Burditt, Dr. Joseph Rowe.
The chair, on motion, appointed a committee of
twelve '":s a Committee of Arrangements.
On motion it was resolved that the proceedings of
the meeting be published in the "Texas Democrat.5'
On motion the meeting- adjourned.
GEO.'T. WOOD, Chairman.
James G. Swisher, Secretary.
fsnlHinv whn thus wwlpnmpfl and Ihns crropforl hnt ttiP-
. , ..-. jj.uiwuw .iiw
pleasing reflection that while partial friendship has
overvalued his services, it lias not, as it could not.
overestimate his zeal to fulfil all his professional
duties.
Among those participating in the proceedings of the
meeting and the signers to your communication, I re-
cognize many names familiar to my heart and memo-
ry, under other circumstances, now of history, when
large demands were made upon the patriotism and de-
votion of every citizen ami soldier, regular and volun-
teer, it was my happy fortune to be associated in the
common service, with a gallant band of your fellow-
citizens, every man of that band did his duty and no-
bly did it. It, was my pride, as it wasiny duty then,
has been since, and ever will be, to bear willing, cheer-
ful and proud testimony to their conduct, their valor
and patiiotism.
Although among you for (lie first time, yet I do not
feel myself a stranger in Texas ; there are scenes and
events in life which bind men together once and for
ever, and bv chords which nothing but dishonor can
break, acontingency, I apprehend, that will never se-
parate our hearts or sympathies
My occupations of duty here at the present moment
do not enable me to say on what day I may fulfil my
purpose to visit Austin ; and when there, my stay will
necessarily be brief otherwise I should have great
pleisure in meeting yoir aspfoposed, at the festive
board permit mc to come and exchange with you,
friendly and informal greetings, and accept with my
apology, my regrets at the necessity which compels
me to decline the public dinner to which you have
so kindly bidden me.
Yery truly and faithfully your friend,
W. J. WORTH.
To John S. Ford, James G. Swisher, S. G. Snebd,
Thos. H. Duval, S. G. Haynie, fcc. tec. fcc.
City or Austin, Texas,
February 11, IS 19.
General : The undersigned, a committee appoint-
ed by the citizens of Austin, have the honor to tender
to you the hospitalities of the place, and invite you to
partake with tlttjm.of a Dinner, at such lime as may
suit your convenience.
In tendeiing to you the hospitalities of the City of
Austin, the Capital of Texas, we but echo the senti-
ments and the feelings of the people of the Slate to-
wards a distinguished officer, who has, upon all occa-.
sioft, spoken in terms of commendation of our volun
teers? ana oi wnose gooa opinion we enienain ajusi
pride. The fame of our Slate is, in some degree, iden-
tified with that of the consummate general, who led a
portion of her troops at the storming of Monterey. -But
for the skilful combinations energetic develope-
nients untiring exertions cool and undaunted bear-
ing of the man, whose genius and generalship entitle
him to the appellation of -The fighting Llero of Mon-
terey," that memorable victory would not have been
so brilliant, nor the lustre shed upon the arms of the
country so bright. We hope not to transcend the li-
mits of modesty in remarking that these glorious re-
sults were not attained by the line alone but by the
united efforts of ranger, volunteer and regular. In
view of these facts, passing by in silence the other
and noble deeds of a warrior-chief, whose name will
constitute a part and parcel of a nation's patrimony of
glory, the Texianscah accord to you none but a warm,
heartfelt welcome the welcome of the citizen-soldier
to his veteran captain.
With sentiments of high regard,
We have the honor to be,
Your ob't servants,
John S. Ford, Jas. G. Swisher,
S. G. Sneed, Tbo. IT. Duval,
S. G. ILYNrc. Wm. H. Cushney,
H. E. McCulloch, Tho. Wm. Ward,
F. Dieterich, James Webb,
J. M. W. Hall, C. Kyle,
B. F. Johnson, Jas. n. Raymond,
r Jno. M. Swisher, Thomas Green,
Lamar Moore, J. J. Grumbles.
T. F. Chapman, J. C. Tanneiiill,
Geo. W. Smyth, H. Grooms,
Geo. S. Evans, Tho. Ward,
Wm. Cockburn, Joseph Lee,
D. J. Miller, George Hancock,
J. W. Robertson, D. C. Cady,
Jesse Bukditt. Joseph Rowe.
Maj, Gen. W. J. Worth, San Antonio.
San Antonio, Texas, )
Feb'y Uih. 1S19. S
Gentlemen: I have .received with the highest
gratification and just piide, your communication co-
vering the resolutions adopted at a Meeting of the Ci-
tizens of Austin, the Capital of the State of Texas,
tendering to me "the hospitalities" of that city.
For this very kind and partial expression of perso-
nal regard aud public approbation. 1 beg of you to ac-
cept the sincere thanks and deep gratitude of an old
PUBLIC MEETING.
A Public Meeting of the Citizens of Austin and vi-
cinity was held at the Capitol on Monday eveniug the
20th inst.
Dr. John S. Ford was called to the Chair.
Joseph Lee, by request of the Chair, stated the ob-
ject of the meeting.
On motion a Committee was appointed to report up-
on the advantages possessed by Texas for a direct,
practicable over-land route to Chihuahua, Califor-
nia, &c.
The Committee consisted of Capt. H. E. McCulloch,
Joseph Lee, Esqr.. Thos. H. Duval, Esqr., John H.
Matthews, Esqr., George Hancock, Esqr., Gen. Thos.
Green, Maj. W. H. Cushney, A. H. Barnes. Esq., and
Dr. S. D. Mullowny.
On motion the Chairman was added to the cora-
.mittee. Adjourned, to meet on Wednesday 21st inst.
Wednesday Evening. Feb. 21st, 1S49.
Meeting called to order. The Chairman requested
D. Walsh, Esq., to take the Chair.
The Committee, through a Sub-Coramittee made
the following report :
Austin, Texas, Feb:y 21st, 1S49.
The following Report is respectfully submitted to
the Committee appointed at a Meeting of the Citizens
of Austin, held on the 19th inst., "to collect facts re-
lative to the most practicable over-land route through
i J exas trom any point on the Gull of Mexico to Cali
fornia, ahd report thereon."
In obtaining data, in forming conclusions and in
stating preferences, one all-important object has been
constantly in view the good of the entire Stale.
Authentic and valuable information has beenxsought
from all quarters. Official records, personal knowl-
edge and experience, scientific surveys, andlheself-
tasight skill of the frontiersman, have all been consult-
ed. With becoming confidence in the justness of our
deductions from the great mass of reliable informa-
tion, which has been submitted to us, we have the ho-
nor to submit this the result of our investigations.
JOHN S. FORD. c . n
S. D. MULLOWNY. Sub-Committee.
To H. E. McCulloch, Chairman Committee.
Public attention is now engaged in selecting the
most practicable, direct and economical route from the
Atlantic and Western States to California. The Mis-
souri trail has ceased to be considered the only avenjic
of emigration and commerce, and other points are b-
ing indicated as pofsessing superior advantages. The
most accessible and convenient point of commence-
ment of the over-land journey has become a question
of great importance. The rivers and seaports of Tex-
as are looked upon as affording a wide field for selec-
tion. If the nature of the country, the climate and
the soil ; the, courses of large rivers and the advanta-
ges of seaports are duly considered, the facts now in
our possession will materially facilitate a choice. The
head of steam-boat navigation on the Colorado pre
sents a most favorable point: Easily accessible from
Galveston, Houston, Washington on the Brazos, Mat-
agorda, Port Lavaca and Indian Point. This point is
Austin, the Capitol oftheState,irom which a lined rawu
to the mouth of the Gila river, gives a mean distance
of less than nine hundred miles, though a country
that will not require any material deviation from a di-
rect line for the purposes of travel.
The Colorado river, which empties into the Gulf
within a short distance of Matagorda, has already been
navigated bv steam-boats. By the removal of obstruc-
tions in a small portion of its extent, it can be made
navigable to Austin at all seasons of the year for boats
drawing thirty inches.
Less than twenty thousand dollars will-not only
open the river permanently, but also place a good boat
on its waters. Already steps are being taken to ac-
complish this. Energy and enterprise will shortly de-
velope .the great resources of the entire valley of this
noble river. Austin will form the confluent point of
travel, from the seaboard and the entire country east.
From Galveston through Houston or Washington,
from Lavaca and from Matagorda. From Houston,
the distance is about 1Q miles of land carriage pay
1
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The Texas Democrat (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 5, Ed. 1, Saturday, February 24, 1849, newspaper, February 24, 1849; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth48387/m1/2/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.