119
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
the earth, proud to guaranty her independence and make it per- petual on condition that she would not become annexed, her steps were onward. They were drawn by the cords of affection and fraternity, and great, not humiliated, but firm, she entered this Union for the purpose of benefitting and not of disturbing it. As to the consequences, for which she is not accountable, which have resulted, she is ready to take her share of them, and to meet manfully the contest whenever it may arise, connected with her admission into the Union. Mr. President, I move that the resolutions be printed and that they lie on the table. 1 Congressiona.l Globe, XXI, Part 1, 1849-1850, pp. 262-263, 266. ON THE COMPROMISE OF 185O-FEBRUARY 8, 1850 1 Mr. President: However incompetent I may be to repay the Senate for their courtesy in permitting me to address them at this time, and upon this subject, I feel that it is my duty to offer my views in a respectful, frank, and candid manner, as the representative of that State whose interests are involved in the resolutions offered for our consideration by the dis- tinguished Senator from Kentucky, [Mr. Clay.] And in this connection I trust it may not be considered out of place for me to make some comment on a resolution which I offered some days since. It is not, Sir, that I expect to instruct or edify this assembly, but that I may acquit myself of the duty which is incumbent upon me. While other gentlemen, more distinguished, more able, and more enlightened upon all subjects than myself, are casting into the treasury of knowledge their abundance, I may be allowed to cast in my mite. I can only assure you, Mr. President, that no one feels a more sincere desire than myself to see the present agitation of this country calmed, and the violent emotions which have influenced the deliberations of the Congress of the United States put to rest. All that I regret is, that my ability is so inadequate to the accomplishment of the great work which statesmen have so often attempted in vain. I trust that we shall not be without gentlemen of influence in this Chamber, to step forward and advocate those principles which may tend to that preservation of this Union, the harmony of these States, and the happiness which may tend to the preserva- tion of us all. It is a subject of vast importance, and one in which all others are involved.
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