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WRITINGS OF 5A:M HOUSTON, 1827
"This, Sir, is not what we were promised; this is not the enter- tainment to which we were invited; this is no fulfillment of those predictions, which it was deemed obstinacy itself not to believe; this is not the harvest of greatness and glory, the seeds of which were supposed to be sown with the declaration of war. When we as, Sir, for the causes of these disappointments, we are told that they are owing to the opposition which the war encounters in this House, and among the People. All the evils which afflict the country are imputed to opposition. This is the fashionable doctrine here and elsewhere. It is said to be owing to opposition that was become necessary; and owing to opposition also that it has been prosecuted with no better success. "This, Sir, is no new strain. It has been sung thousands of times. It is the constant tune of every weak or wicked Adminis- tration. "What Minister ever yet acknowledged that the evils which fell on his country were the necessary consequences of his own capacity, his own folly, or his own corruption?" Sir, what was the state of this country when these sentiments were advanced? It was when every disaster had befallen our arms; when the fortunes of the war had reached the very lowest ebb; when our national finances had sunk, and hope had almost forsaken our bleeding cause. But, Sir, we are now told of a corrupt opposition. And by whom are charged with corruption? Sir, the Whig Party were then denounced for their support of the war. Can they expect less at this period, when they look at the organ of the Administra- tion in this House? Sir, I esteem the enemies of my country the same, whether they are found taunting her with her misfortune in the Halls of Legislation, arrayed in the phalanx of the Hartford Convention, or rejoicing at the triumphs of our enemies in war. Yes, Sir, when these sentiments were advanced on this floor, the enemy had invaded our soil; they were carrying devastation along our frontier. Buffalo had been given to the flames; the tragic scenes of Raisin had just been perpetrated - scenes which baffle all parallel in the annals of history. Who were they who fell at Raisin? They were the pride of Chivalry; the boast of Kentucky- men who would have honored any age or Nation. Yes, the matchless Allen, the brave Hickman, the undaunted Simpson, the gallant Hart. It was such men as these who fought and poured their life blood on the plains. With their gallant band they met the enemy; they fought until their ammunition ,vas
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