21
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1824~1825
1824-1825
SUPPORTING RECOGNITION OF GREE!{ INDEPENDENCE 1
[January 22, 1824]
Mr. HOUSTON was aware that he might be trespassing upon the patience of the House, in protracting this debate, as it was not the first or the second day of the discussion; but still he felt so deeply impressed with the importance of the subject, that he hoped every member, who wished it, would be allowed time to express his opinion. If he could see the evil consequences which gentlemen had anticipated from the adoption of this resolution, he certainly would not have risen to advocate it. But as he did not perceive that such difficulties could result from it, and as he did not see its incompatibility with the policy of this or other nations, he was disposed to give his feeble aid to the subject. Some gentlemen seem to think, that if we recognize the Greeks in the manner proposed by this resolution, it would have a ten- dency to stimulate the European Powers to hostility against them. He cou!d not believe that so far as this proposition goes, it could have any such effect. If it were the policy of the European 11ations to aid Ottoman Power, they will pursue that course with- out rererence to us. And can it be supposed that the passage of this resolution will bare another Turkish scimetar against the Greeks? No. The Greeks are struggling for their liberty, an·d the Turk is determined to exert all his power to prevent it, all the force of his empire is at his disposal, and it will all be turned to the subjection of the Greeks. A!l his resources will be directed against that devoted people. They have determined to stand man- fully, and perish before they submit. Let us, then, as far as we can, consistently with our relations with foreign nations, hail them as brethren and cheer them in their struggle. The screams of this agonized and suffering people have reached us, and pene- trated from one end of the continent to the other. So far as our policy will allow, let us encourage them. What sentiment has the President expressed upon this subject? Does he say that we should not interest ourselves for the Greeks? Does he not, rather, express the deepest solicitude concerning their affairs? Is there not a spontaneous fee!ing in their behalf among the people? And shall this House, which represents the people be silent on the subject? and for fear of offending the crowned heads of Europe, shall we not act? vVe shou!d not be disposed
Powered by FlippingBook