The document proclaiming Texas Independent of Mexico exercised greater influence over the destinies of the people of the United States than any instrument recorded in the annals of American history, except the Declaration of Independence proclaimed by American colonies at Philadelphia in 1776. This Declaration of Texas Independence changed the map of North American and plunged two nations into war, and because of Texas the United States has almost doubled her territory.
All Texans should think today of the Fathers of Texas, who 94 years ago had ridden on horseback, chiefly, over vast stretches of country from all sections of this vast empire, over poor roads and no roads to meet at Washington-on-the-Brazos to decide on a government for Texas, and in the face of the approach of hordes of the enemy, and with the certain knowledge that if Santa Ana succeeded in his designs, their freedom and their very lives would be forfeited. But, they had been elected for a certain purpose, and had accepted, and "In spite of winds and storms, in spite of hardship and poverty, in spite of difficulties and sacrifices, they labored on with invincible fidelity and unswerving confidence. They found gratification and delight in their work. It occupied their morning hours and lingered in their midnight dreams. It was the wine cup from which they drank their inspiration.
"The careers of many of these stalwart heroes have never been surpassed in tragic and romantic interest by those of any character in history.
"Their achievements become a wonder and a glory."
Let us look in spirit into the hall of the first capitol at Wasington-on-the-Brazos.
We see a room about 25x60 feet, down in the center of which is a long table. The delegates, who were elected and sent with plenary powers to form a government, are seated or standing about the table. We may see George C. Childress, chairman of the committee on the Declaration of Independence, and who penned and presented this memorable document. Without discussion or amendment in the body it was unanimously approved, and adopted on March 2, 1836. We may see present David Thomas who was elected as the first attorney general of the Republic of Texas. Attorney General Thomas was severely wounded by an accidental discharge of a gun on board the boat Cayuga, coming from Galveston, after the battle of San Jacinto. He was taken to the De Zavala home, then in use as a hospital for the sick and wounded men on the Republic of Texas. Here he later died and was buried in the De Zavala cemetery. Here also we may see Thomas J. Gazley, who on March 3rd offered a motion, "that five delegates be appointed to draft a suitable flag for the Republic of Texas." We may also see these five men, Thomas J. Gazley, Lorenzo De Zavala, W. B. Scates, S. C. Robertson, Thomas Barnet, and the president of the convention, Mr. Ellis, as they place before the body the designs submitted. The flag of De Zavala is the one accepted by the convention and thus became the national flag of the Republic of Texas. The flag is of three equal parts, red, white and blue, showing its former relation to Mexico in its three equal parts, the colors, the same as those of the United States, showed the origin of many of its citizens, while its single star proclaimed that it stood alone, free and independent, a Republic, a nation of the world. The single point of the star points up, as if to say, "Look up. onward, and upward! The five points indicate the five characteristics a good citizen should possess. He should be intelligent, upright, broadminded, unselfish and courageous.
We may also see Michael B. Menard, the Father of Galveston, Francisco
Ruiz, Jose Antonio Navarro, Sidney O. Pennington, Andrew Briscoe and the
other tried and true men who to the number of 59 took part in the proceedings
of the convention, or, at least arrived
in time to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Sixty-two delegates were elected to this convention, but James Kerr, J. J. Linn and Juan Antonio Padilla, regularly elected delegates were unavoidably detained and reached Washington (after the papers had been carried off by the secretary) too late to sign the Declaration of Independence. There are only 58 signatures in the copy preserved at the Sate capitol. Asa Bringham's name does not appear, however, it does appear in a printed copy, and it may have been accidentally omitted from the original we possess, which is only one of the "five originals," made at the time and was the one carried to Washington by our representatives.
The Birthday of Texas should never be passed over in silence by a child or citizen of Texas. He should remember the toll and anxiety of these men in his behalf and in the cause of freedom, and the memorable services rendered humanity at large and civil government by their patriotic and courageous stand against tyranny. He should love and honor the heroes of Texas and cherish their memories and endeavor to pass on the light of liberty bequeathed to them. He should not be so ease loving and self loving that he shirks duty, but should accept the work of keeping the principles for which they toiled and died alive in the land they loved and for which they suffered in order to make a free and ideal home for themselves.