207
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
been outraged there-not by the sanction of the Senate or of the 11ation; for every heart through this Union will feel that Texas had rights, and she had a right to demand them, for she had been a sovereign and an equal at one time. They have not been ac- corded to her. Her commissioner, peaceable and amicable in feeling, and under the high warrant of her sovereign authority, had proceeded in peace within her own jurisdiction; for none had been set up adverse to her rights. But for the protection of her rights as a sovereign State, and for the protection of her citizens, that individual was repulsed by Federal bayonets, and degraded by Federal mandatory authority. They will feel that. If this were done to it, what other State would receive such indignity, enforced by bayonets and directed by subaltern caprice? Every State will feel that this touches a chord that will vibrate most sensitively. I cannot see, with great respect to the honorable and distinguished Senator that Texas has arrogated anything. She has demanded nothing but what any tribunal upon earth would accord to her that would be influenced by considerations of justice and equity. Although she asks for nothing else, she will not be deterred by any menace of influence by any exalted name or illustrious distinction; nor will the marshaled hosts of the United States humiliate her, though they may destroy her. Sir, whatever consideration I have given this bill-and I grant you, sir, it has been humble and undistinguished-I have been silent. I have not desired to cut a figure in the transaction. They are too important matters, and of too great magnitude for me voluntarily or rashly to mingle in. I have observed silence in the discussion. It best befitted my unacquaintance with matfers of such high import. I was willing that Texas should make every becoming sacrifice-every one that the Union would require, and every one that her Legislature would ratify, that would be pre- sented upon this floor; but, sir, my motives wei:e above money. I think I can say, even from the characteristic prodigality and care- lessness of my colleague, it did not enter largely into his calcula- tions. Every object, as I understood it, was to see the jarring interests that have agitated us happily reconciled, and to see the North harmonize with the South, and the East with the West fraternize; to see the whole Union restored to good fellowship and good feeling; to see the general national interest advanced; to see our Union marching into that high destiny which it seems Heaven has accorded to it; for it was the last spot of earth for civilized men to discover or inhabit. It appeared to be the asylum reserved
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