WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1850
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is no new project. The plan originated in 1835, and it was suggested then, that if Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and I think New York, did not suppress the abolition societies by legislative action, and deny the privilege of the freedom of the press and the right of speech at the then sessions of their Legislatures, it would be the proper time to have a southern convention. That has been hanging on until the present time. It would not do to start in South Carolina, where discontent has unfortunately in former times existed to an unlucky extent; but the little, gallant, heroic State of Mississippi, upon the brows of whose heroes the laurels are yet verdant and unwithered, must step forward and be the champion, the forerunner of this movement, while the good old State of Tennessee must become the theatre for the organization of the different representatives from the States. I trust what is said to demand this meeting (the passage of the Wilmot proviso) may never occur. I trust that day may never arrive. I have always objected to it as an indignity to the South. I believe the movement grew out of a bad state of feeling, without any good design, and for no good purpose, but was intended to consummate a design of mischief that could not otherwise be perpetrated. The passage of the proviso would be an indignity, and, if the North choose to take this firebrand and thrust it into the bosom of southern society, then they may reproach themselves, and not the South, for the conflagration which they have kindled. The South will be then acting on the defensive, and standing on their reserved rights. Sir, it is a perilous experiment, and one which ought not to be made. Mr. Foote. Does my friend from Texas wish to be understood as undertaking to decry or censure the State of Mississippi for having originated this Convention? Mr. Houston. The last thing in the world. Mr. Butler. Will the Senator allow me to interrogate him? Mr. Houston. With pleasure. [Butler asked Houston to explain his reference to South Caro- lina.] Mr. Houston. I referred to a period when I was not in the United States, and in regard to which my information was purely historical. I allude to the proceedings on the subject of nullifica- tion-in 1832, I think it was... Mr. Houston. I can assure the gentleman I have no wish to detract from South Carolina, and if he thinks I intended anything
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