[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 40--TO COMMEMORATE THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF 
                            TEXAS STATEHOOD

  Mrs. HUTCHINSON (for herself and Mr. Gramm) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                            S. Con. Res. 40

       Whereas 1995 marks 150 years since the United States of 
     America admitted Texas as the 28th State of the Union;
       Whereas the sesquicentennial of Texas statehood is a truly 
     momentous occasion that allows all Texans to reflect on their 
     State's proud heritage and bright future;
       Whereas acting on the advice of President John Tyler, the 
     United States Congress adopted a joint resolution on February 
     28, 1845, inviting the Republic of Texas to enter the Union 
     as a State with full retention of its public lands; today, a 
     century and half later, Texas enjoys the distinction of being 
     the only State admitted with such extensive rights;
       Whereas the citizens of the Republic of Texas were deeply 
     committed to the goals and ideals embodied in the United 
     States Constitution, and, on June 16, 1845, the Congress of 
     the Republic of Texas was convened by President Anson Jones 
     to consider the proposal of statehood;
       Whereas Texas took advantage of the offer, choosing to 
     unite with a large and prosperous Nation that could more 
     effectively defend the borders of Texas and expand its 
     flourishing trade with European countries; by October 1845, 
     the Congress of the Republic of Texas had approved a State 
     constitution, charting a bold new destiny for the Lone Star 
     State;
       Whereas the proposed State constitution was sent to 
     Washington, D.C., and on December 29, 1845, the United States 
     of America formally welcomed Texas as a new State; the 
     transfer of governmental authority, however, was not complete 
     until February 19, 1846, when Anson Jones lowered the flag 
     that had flown above the Capitol for nearly 10 years and 
     stepped down from his position as president of the Republic 
     of Texas; and
       Whereas with the poignant retirement of the flag of the 
     Republic, Texas emerged as a blazing Lone Star in America's 
     firmament, taking its place as the 28th State admitted into 
     the Union: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) commemorate the sesquicentennial of Texas statehood; 
     and
       (2) encourage all Texans to observe such day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities on this historic 
     occasion.

     The Secretary of the Senate shall transmit a copy of this 
     resolution to the Texas Congressional Delegation, to the 
     Governor of Texas, to the National Archives, and to the Texas 
     Archives.

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