WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
129
The question of boundary was never disputed between the two countries. Mexico never disavowed the boundary claimed by Texas, but declared, even after the war had progressed for years, that any Mexicans found one league east of the Rio Grande would be considered as within the limits of Texas, and would be treated as traitors. That was a practical relinquishment of all title to the land in question, and it has never been regarded in any other light until it was unfortunately presented here as a subject for arbitration, and was never a question in dispute between Texas and Mexico; and I do hope it will be at least regarded in an impartial manner. It is not my province or intention to comment upon our boundary beyond the simple statement I have made, leaving the work of investigation to gentlemen abler and better informed. I was delighted to hear the other day the honorable Senator from Kentucky give assurance to this honorable body that he was prepared upon the subject of the reclamation of slaves by their Southern owners, to go as far as any other gentleman. I was gratified because I knew his influence throughout the whole coun- try; and as his political party exists as well in the North as in the South, I trust he will at least conciliate the members of that party, while his well-known talents, popularity, and long services would impress deeply the public mind with the justice which the South demands, and which the North can only refuse by a violation of the Constitution. I regretted extremely the other day to hear the Senator from Alabama make use of an expression-to be sure it was under great excitement, and I hope, if he should deem it necessary, I may be allowed to consider this circumstance a palliative for such a declaration of sentiment-which I considered unfortunate, and not calculated by any means to allay the feelings that are growing up or that have grown up in this country. The honorable gentle- man declared in those sentiments-extreme in their character- which he uttered, and which referred to disunion as the point at which the South had arrived-that he spoke for the whole South. I trust that 1 may be permitted to say, humble as I am, something in behalf of my constituents, with regard to the feelings and motives which actuate them, and which will prevail with them in the progress of this matter, even if it come to the worst. Mr. Clemens. Will the honorable Senator allow me to say that he will find no such language in my printed speech.
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