I' I l I I
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1850
126
Unfortunately, Mr. President, when these dissensions first com- menced between the North and the South, they were comparatively unimportant in their extent, but time added fuel to the flame, and has now brought it to a conflagration difficult to extinguish. Excitement has been produced by each of the conflicting parties. It is the misfortune that men have approached this subject regard- ing it as a matter for sectional victory or defeat. They have not regarded it as they should have done, with reference to the per- petuity of this Union. They would then have readily reconciled the diversity of opinions which existed in relation to it; for the preservation of this Union is of vastly more value than any sec- tional triumph or individual advancement. Had the same energy and individual efforts been directed to the reconcilement of these difficulties, and to an attempt to allay the dissensions which dis- tract the two sections of the Union, they would have ceased to exist long ago. Now it is different. It was an easy matter then to do what has now become most difficult. But I call upon the friends of the Union from every quarter, to come forward like men, and to sacrifice their differences upon the common altar of their country's good, and to form a bulwark around the Constitution that cannot be shaken. It will require manly efforts, sir; and they must expect to meet with prejudices growing up around them that will assail them from every quarter. They must stand firm to the Union, regardless of all personal consequences. Time alone can recompense them for their sacrifice and their labors; for devotion to country can never be forgotten, when it is offered freely, and without expectation of reward. The incense of self-sacrifice, when thus offered, on the altar of their country, will be acceptable to the people. I have no doubt that this question might be easily adjusted, if gentlemen would encourage such disposition and feeling as doubtless actuate a large portion, if not all, of this body; if they would come up to the work, I have no doubt six Senators here could be designated, without reference to party, (you may, if you please, disregard the section of country from which they come), who would act as a committee of con- ference, and sit down together as wayfaring men, and produce satisfactory reconciliation, thereby diffusing universal peace, and calming the agitated waves that are lashing at the base of our Capitol, and speak comfort and solace to millions of freeman.
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