WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
190
as a menace to Texas, I sincerely hope that by her it will be rightly construed. Nevertheless, I have confidence that Texas will exercise patience, the most elevated patriotism, and a reason- able zeal, while 1·emembering that her rights have been disre- garded by the contrivance of the Administration. I will now say a word in relation to a subject, upon which I have not spoken in this body, and which I deem paramount to all others: I allude to the Compromise. If I had been opposed to that measure, it seems to me, from the manner in which it has been brought forward, and the consideration which has been devoted to it, the amount of character embodied in its production, the intelligence of the individuals who have co!llbined in support of it, their connection with the fame and history of the present age, their former honorable achievements, and its presentation to this body by a chairman whose experience and high standing elevate him to an unrivaled position-when,· under these im- posing circumstances, it comes before this body, I am bound to accord to it, as well as its authors, my profound respect and consideration. Defective though it may be in some particulars, I should be tempted to distrust my own judgment if I were to condemn the general plan of the compromise. It may be improved by amendments, and, I doubt not, they may be of advantage to its perfection; but the great object to which it looks is of paramount importance, not only to us here, but to all throughout America, and to the civilized world; for should no compromise be effected, and distraction and anarchy stalk abroad, what happiness can we look for, or what perpetuity of freedom can we anticipate? Under these circumstances, I am disposed to give every possible aid to the measure in the hope that it will be made acceptable, that it may soothe or quiet the present distraction, until more fortunate circumstances shall dispel all clouds, and hush the jarring ele- ments to peace. I alluded the other day but cursorily-though not cursorily either-to the feelings which have ahvays been evidenced by the Executive, and now transferred to the Administration, against Texas and New Mexico, I must say with the intention of doing the President great justice, as I am always ready· to do. Though I do not like the way he has treated Texas, still I desire to make the proper distinction between a thing well done and one which is not well done. The President did say, in relation to the abuse lavished upon Texan troops during the war with Mexico, on one occasion-for I remember the publication that was made on the
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