Article March 22, 1900 Issue

Miscellany

Scarcely another State in the Union has so remarkable and interesting a history as Texas. In one respect, at least, it occupies a unique position in the history of American States. Since its discovery six different governments have at different times claimed its allegiance and as many different flags have waved over it, those of France, Spain, Mexico, Independent Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States. The foundation of Texas statehood was not laid as a British colony, nor under the grant or control of the British crown, as were those of the original thirteen States. Its first settlement dates back more than two hundred years, and its first American colonists went there under terms and conditions imposed by a foreign State, to whose language, laws, and institutions they were total strangers.

There never was, there never could be, any sympathy between these first Amercian colonists and the Mexican Government under the old regime. Separated by a vast wilderness from the people of the United States, and unaided save by the individual efforts of sympathizing brethren therein, these colonists declared their independence, established it with the sword, and for nine years maintained a stable republic. Texas was neither purchased nor conquered for the Union. Annexation to the United States was accomplished through a treaty made by Texas representatives and ratified by the free suffrage of the citizens. No other State in the Union has had such varied experiences or sailed through such stormy seas into the haven of peace and prosperity.—St. Louis Globe-Democrat.

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