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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
should take such measures as are necessary to the consummation of the passage of these measures. It certainly cannot be con- sidered by a minority oppressive to them, while majorities rule, when no injustice is manifestly done. I cannot conceive why some urgency might not be indulged at this late period of the session. I have voted for the engrossment of this bill; I shall vote for its final passage. I shall vote with a consciousness that I am serv- ing my constituents in the best possible manner, and that I have taken one step, at least, towards restoring harmony. Every one who aids in keeping any of these questions open for agitation, according to my apprehension of what is right, is not serving the best interests of his country. Every functionary of the Govern- ment ought to endeavor to allay excitement, to reconcile jarring interests, to harmoni_ze conflicting opinion. It is his duty to do so. Sir, that brought me here; that keeps me here. Without it, I would not be here. If I did not hope that my humble service might, in an humble way at least, conduce to the great end of the Government, under the Constitution of the country, I would not be here a moment. I do implore and beg gentlemen when they speak of the interests of the South, and when they denounce all,· either South or North, West or East, who cannot think with them, to reflect for a moment that other men besides themselves have sensibilities; that other men have pride, that other men have honor; although they may not be as chivalrous as other gentlemen, still they may be actuated by as delicate a sense of honor and propriety, and may cherish all the generous and patriotic emo- tions which should actuate an American heart. And I conjure gentlemen to have the charity to suppose that I am in my course actuated by as good motives as they are; I ask no more. Then they may hand me over to the tender mercies of my constituents. To them I am accountable. To the Constitution of my country, and the oath which I have taken to support it, I am accountable. And above that, far above human perception, and human thought, I am responsible to the Eternal God. I am responsible to none here for other than my personal deportment. Gentlemen have indulged in contumely, and have assailed the :r:notives of others; I will not indulge in it. I am willing to pass gentlemen by, without ascribing unworthy motives. As for judgment, I will not place mine in opposition to others; but have I attained to my present years, and when time has bleached these locks, and yet unin- structed how to act? God forbid that such should be the case!
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