WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
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not believe that I am bound in duty to spread that upon the journals of the Senate, when the same reflections have been sent broadcast over the community, and perhaps more fierce and threatening in their character than even those which are included in the protest. I would extend every latitude to gentlemen who are displeased with any course of action; but when we are told and admonished that certain laws must lead to the dissolution of the Union, when they have been constitutionally enacted and adopted by a large majority of this Senate, I hardly think it respectful to the body. Can it be intended for good? Is it to reform any evil, Mr. Presi- dent, that now exists? Is it to enlighten the public mind? Is it to vindicate the course of Senators? I think not. Is a denunciation of the measures which have been adopted, a means of restoring harmony and quiet in the place of that excitement which has been industriously fomented throughout the country? Have the people so long been accustomed to look here for dictation to their course at home, that there must be a continual cannonading kept up upon the public fortress of peace and tranquility? Have not opinions been from time to time manufactured here? Have they not been scattered wide over the land, north and south? Have not the people been exhorted "to resistance," and to have "re- course to the last alternative," and "stand to their rights," "stand on the defence with prompt and energetic action," without having the true history of every transaction spread before them, but a distorted and colored description, calculated to inflame, without giving light to the community? If I am wrong, I will stand corrected, if southern Senators have not been directed what course to pursue, and if they have not been called upon by their legisla- tures to act in vindication of their rights. I think that no unconstitutional law has been passed by this body, or by Congress. To be sure, I have not voted for all that have been passed, but I think they were passed constitutionally; passed with the hope that they would be beneficial to the com- munity; and if in all cases they have not been passed from con- siderations the most dispassionate, I have no doubt it was thought they were most expedient, and would have the largest general good embraced in them. I have not sought to manufacture public opinion at home. I have never written a political letter to any of my constituents since I have been a Senator upon this floor. What is the conse- quence? Are the people whom I represent ignorant? Are they
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