Page 168 - Foy

that Americans were far superior to and more vigorous than the Mexicans in colonizing
the territory.

But, Americans overlooked the immense Latin pride Mexico had. They did not realize
the Mexicans looked at the influx of Anglos with fear and distrust. No matter what the
American politicians said Mexico thought everything was a Yankee plot to take over
the territory. The idea that Mexico sell Texas to America was infuriating to its people.
Neither the Liberals of the Conservatives in Mexico favored selling. Mexico, like other
new nations, developed a heady nationalism; a personality of its own. They felt “their”
territory could only be bought with blood and not money. And so the question of
purchasing Texas smoldered without action for several years and several American
administrations.

However, in spite of the general feelings of the people, Mexican administration was

lax. In spite of opposition thousands of Americans migrated to Texas and built homes
and towns. Many of the Mexican people, seeing the opportunity, sold their land to
Americans. In 1829 a Mexican General was sent to investigate conditions in Texas.
He found that Americans outnumbered Mexicans ten to one and that the Mexicans were
the lowest class.

MEXICO TRIES TO MAKE LIFE HARD FOR AMERICANS IN TEXAS

This general advised the Mexican president “to take timely measures or lose the
province forever”. It was proposed that Mexico import people into Texas; that they
establish many military garrisons; that they move Mexican convicts to Texas, bring
people in from other nations and dozens of other things that would make it

uncomfortable for the Americans living in Texas.

It was true that all Americans who were granted permission to live in Texas and to own
land there had agreed to be loyal to Mexico and its laws. However, historians have
observer that the Americans brought with them to Texas their own household Gods,
their own first lessons in politics, morals, religion and business. They had no intention
of becoming Mexicans. Most never learned anything about the language or customs
of Mexico. They had their own schools and did not allow the Mexicans to attend.

TAB15PAGE8