WRITINGS OF SAM HousTON, 1850
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to their country, Mr. Madison says, in "The Federalist," on the 86th page: "I submit to you"-referring to difficulties that might arise, or admonishing what they might be-"! submit to you, my fellow- citizens, these considerations in full confidence that the good sense that has so often marked your decisions, will allow them their due weight and effect, and that you will never suffer difficulties, how- ever formidable in appearance, or however fashionable the error in which they may be founded, to drive you into the gloomy and perilous scenes into which the advocate for disunion would con- duct you. Hearken not to the unnatural voice which tells you that the people of America, knit together as they are, by so many chords of affection, can no longer live together as members of the same family-can no longer continue the mutual guardians of their mutual happiness-can no longer be fellow-citizens of one great, respectable, and flourishing empire. Hearken not to the voice which petulantly tells you that the form of government recommended for your adoption is a novelty in the political world -that it has never yet had a place in the theories of the wildest projectors-that it rashly attempts what it is impossible to accomplish. No, my countrymen, shut your ears against this unhallowed language. Shut your hearts against the poison which it conveys. The kindred blood which flows in the veins of American citizens-the mingled blood which they have shed in defence of their sacred rights, consecrate their union, and excite horror at the idea of their becoming aliens, rivals, enemies. And if novelties are to be shunned, believe me the most alarming of all novelties-the most wild of all projects-the most rash of all attempts, is that of rending us in pieces in order to preserve our liberties and promote our happiness." Mr. President, in reading the extract which I have just read, I knew it was giving the highest authority, or authority inferior only to that of one man, who has lived in the tide of times as a statesman exempt from passion, controlled by virtuous impulses, intelligent; a mind lucid, a hand steady, and a heart pure. Mr. Madison dictated these suggestions; and as such I commend them to you and to the American people. When I look at the inaugural address of General Washington in relation to the country and the difficulties that were likely afterwards to arise, and contemplating our present position, I will take the liberty of reading to the Senate an extract, which will not only be regarded by the Senate with respect, but which I
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