WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
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such thing. But she must, she will have her rights. She asks but for justice. And, though she "may be persecuted, she is not forsaken; and though she may be cast down, she is not de- stroyed." What has Texas done to evoke from gentlemen reflections of an unkind character? Has she not agreed·to everything that seemed to facilitate the arrangements necessary to the restoration of peace and harmony between the different sections of the Union? Has she done aught that others would not do if they were· in her position? No, Mr. President. Everything that has been done by those who represent her in this Chamber has been dictated not by an over, but an honest zeal to serve her interests and vindicate her honor. I trust she will always be found ready to aid and cooperate in every measure that promises peace, and that which will consummate it will be the joy of he1• heart. Texas is loyal. What State would have done nothing for some time but remonstrate? What State would have held primary meetings, adopted resolutions breathing loyalty in every word, in every line, acknowledging allegiance to the Constitution, pro- testing against usurpations on her rights? Texas has not sought to sow discord. She has not acted violently. Her action has been considerate. With reverential deference she eyes the Con- stitution. Her Legislature is to convene. She feels the infliction of a wrong, and bows for the moment under a sense of injury. But when she comes to act, her action will be prompt. Her Legislature will convene; it is called. It is called to meditate upon her existence or non-existence. As a sovereign State she is to be recognized by the members of this Union, or she is to be blotted out as an independent sovereignty. Having entered this Confederacy on terms of equality with the other States, you should concede to her her rights, so long withheld. You have not marked her boundary, for the reason that no adverse claim to her boundary was set up until the 19th of November last. And yet she is to be postponed for other States-until Cali- fornia, which is consequent upon her annexation, shall have been admitted as a State, and to adjudicate upon the rights of Texas. And thus we are to be pretermitted in our claim to justice, until the convenience of other communities is satisfied. And these are communities growing out of our territory. They are con- sequent upon the annexation of Texas. The war has brought them in. When the United States placed herself in the place of Texas, to vindicate her rights and her honor, she was successful. She achieved what Texas had sworn to do, and had battled for for
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