Texas in Paris, in the United States, and elsewhere felt that an alliance between Texas and the northern Federalists "would detract from the high position" Texas had assumed in its war of independence, and the European holders of Mexican bonds worried about a further dismemberment of Mexican territory. If the north Mexican states should separate from the southern, Jones contended in Washington, "it will be our policy to cultivate the most friendly relations but not to join them to us. On this account Invasion will not be advisable, if there were no other reasons. But whether they separate or not, the most friendly relations should be sedulously cultivated."[14]

The Texas government showed great sympathy for the Federalist cause, but refused to become allies in it. Officially, it pursued a hands-off policy, believing that it had very little to gain by favoring either side; besides, negotiations were pending for an acknowledgment of the independence of the country through the mediation of other powers. In the meantime, Lamar is reported to have told Canales that "at present the Federalists had nothing to hope from the Government of Texas." He further remarked, that

. . . it was for the interest of Texas, at present, to pursue a pacific policy; the country had been subjected to heavy expenses in expelling the Cherokees, and could ill afford to incur further expenditure, unless absolutely necessary to secure internal quiet. Its citizens were enjoying the blessings of security, and were prosperously and peaceably pursuing their respective occupations in every section of the Republic. It was his duty to permit them to remain so, provided this could be done without endangering the public security. If, hereafter, Mexico should continue to threaten an invasion, and to encourage the Indians to continue hostilities, he would cheerfully avail himself of any honorable means of crippling the power of the Mexican Government; and if he could do this more effectually by aiding the Federal party, he would grant the aid required.[15]

The President declined the opportunity of joining with the Federalists in the internecine war in Mexico, "which . . . could have been made greatly advantageous to Texas." To have done otherwise would have so unsettled the Texan national character in Europe and in the United States "that such a course with the apparent signs of peace might have proved very deleterious in the present crisis." Instead, upon the break-