89
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1849
raise that question, we, who represent Texas on this floor, will be prepared, I am satisfied, to show that the Rio Grande is the western boundary of Texas; that she owns every foot of land up to the eastern bank of that· river. As the amendment now stands, it certainly does not invade the rights of the Territories proposed, or the State proposed, or of ~he United States. Nor was it in any such spirit, or with any such design, that that amendment was suggested and framed. It was suggested and framed with a disposition, at least on the part of the gentleman who introduced it, without consultation, to accord to Texas that portion of territory which she has ever claimed from the very inception of her existence. And I presume that no one who has any regard for the rights of Texas will leave that, so far as it affects her, an open question. With these remarks, Mr. President, I will take leave of the sub- ject, only adding that I shall vote for no amendment which may seem even to manace the rights of the State which I have the honor, in part, to represent. 1 Cong1·essio1wl Globe, Appendix·, 1848-1849, p. 288. On February 23, 1849, Isaac P. Walker, Senator from Wisconsin, offered resolutions to the effect, in substance, that all acts of the United States Congress should have full effect in all the Mexican cession. For the exact phraseology, see Congressional Globe, 30th Cong., end Sess., p. 225. For the debate, see Congressioncil Globe, Appendix, 1848-1849, 282-288. REMARKS ON THE PROPOSITION TO EXTEND THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OVER CALIFORNIA 1 [March 3, 1849.] Mr. Houston. I am very reluctant, on any occasion, to occupy a moment of the time of the Senate, and more particularly so at present, when its time is of so much value; and I would not add a single word to what has been said, were it not that this question is so vitally interesting to this Union, and to the char- acter of these United States. I have forborne on every occasion since this debate commenced to offer any audible opinion-nay, I have not even offered a suggestion to any gentleman who has participated in the debate. But I assure you, sir, as an American Senator, as a citizen, as an individual claiming thE: protection ·of the laws of this Union, I
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