with all the concomitant circumstances that must necessarily attend such an event, would be the most certain and legitimate mode of attaining that end." But as to whether it was "the true policy of Texas to carry her arms into Mexico, and retaliate in part, the horrors that have been enacted, upon her citizens; or wait, in a state of armed neutrality and inactivity, such as is recommended by the Executive" it was unable to say. The committee's conclusion was that Texas had neither money nor credit at home or abroad to sustain an army in the field for any length of time for defensive operations; but it believed that an army could be supported for offensive operations out of "the coffers of the enemy, wrested from him with a strong hand." In its opinion, "it would be much easier to sustain an army beyond the Río Grand[e]," than within its own territory. There the war would be made to support the war, and the proceeds from the captures and contributions, in accordance with the law of nations and the usages of war, would, if well managed, defray all the expenses entailed in operating the army in the enemy's country.

Considering, however, the dangers of the Indian frontier, the weak financial position of the Republic, the lack of a self-sufficient economy at home, and the nation's obligation to treaty stipulations and the proposed mediation of England, the committee hesitated to recommend offensive operations at the present time against Mexico; but in the end urged "the immediate appropriation of every legitimate means to place the resources of the country in such a condition as to be most available and efficient, to maintain the integrity of our soil, repel the threatened invasion and avert the horrors of war within our settlements."[58]

Huston's colonization plan was not taken up in Congress, for on the day the select joint committee reported favorably upon it, a bill was presented in the House by Sam Houston for the incorporation and establishment of the Franco-Texienne Company for the purpose of introducing eight thousand Frenchmen into Texas as colonists.[59]