201
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1850
years. Texas delegated power to the United States, as her attorney, to act in her stead. They acted. They acquired this territory; and it was their duty to say what was and what was not the boundary of Texas. Two successive Chief Magistrates accorded to Texas all that she had claimed, and all that she had battled for through all the toils of revolution for years. Were it not for the circumstances by which we find ourselves surrounded, I would not wish to postpone the claim of California. I would hail her as a sister State with joy. I would be glad to see her add to the strength and the glory of this Union, so that our boundaries, consisting of States, should be washed by the two great oceans of the earth. Sir, all that Texas asks is that her rights may be secured, that no further encroachment may take place, and that you restore her to the condition she occupied prior to the 19th of November last. Replace her upon that footing. It is reasonable to do it. It is just to Texas that it should be done. That was recognized as her condition by two successive Chief Magistrates. It was not dis- claimed by the legislature of this nation. They acquiesced in it. And will you deny her justice? Wrong has been done to her; and whenever you rectify that wrori.g, her feelings would be too much inclined to the Union ever to be alienated. A revulsion would take place. And, if possible, greater and higher emotions of pleasure and attachment to the Union would follow the temporary alienation that now exists. Take away the cause of this aliena- tion, I conjure you, Senators. It is your duty to do so. I implore you to do it, for the nation's sake; for the sake of justice to Texas, and peace to the nation. So sure as the attempt is made to enforce this irregular, and, as I say, impolitic and unjust order of the 19th of November upon her, she will resist it. I speak advisedly. I speak it in sorrow. I speak it in deep and impressive grief. Texas will find a vindication in every honest heart, when it is known that she is resisting injustice and oppression. And the cry of the people throughout the whole United States will be, "justice to Texas." Some gentlemen may think lightly of her claim. No doubt they do. And we have had a lecture this morning from the honorable Senator from New Hampshire [Mr. Hale] upon the subject of christianity and civilization. No gentleman, I presume, is more highly qualified for ·a lecture on these subjects than the honorable gentleman. [Laughter] He is most competent. Reared and
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