253
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1850
& Co., Bankers in Washington City, relative to the most avail- able disposition of the U.S. Bonds for the Ten Millions to be paid by her to the State of Texas. Recd. at the Exe. Dept: October 2nd 1850. 1 Govo1-,iors' Letters-Gove,-,101· Bell's Lette1·s, Texas State Library. The Latham letter is in the same file. For some information concerning Latham, see Houston to Governor Bell, August 26, 1850, in this volume.
FAVORING HOMESTEAD GRANTS IN OREGON, SEPTEMBER 17, 1850 1
It was not my intentions to have made any observations on this bill, and to have contented myself with voting for its passage but for the motion which has been made by the Senator from Florida to strike out the 5th section. I have objections to the section, but they are different from those presented by the Senator. I object to it because the inducement or bounty offered is insufficient, as a consideration for the hazards and difficulties incident to a removal to the far-distant territory of Oregon. I grant you that it is not in accord with the general policy of the Government, but nevertheless, when we consider the peculiar situation in Oregon, it appears to be a wise, prudent and most necessary departure from that policy. In the early settlement of T"ennessee the policy then adopted by North Carolina was very similar to that which is now proposed here in reference to Oregon. A bounty or donation of land of 640 acres, or one section, was granted to all the citizens of North Carolina who might choose to emigrate to Cumberland, or ·what is now West Tennessee. The reasons for this policy were obvious. Indian tribes of the most dangerous character surrounded them, and individuals, without some inducement, were unwilling to encounter the hazards of removing to that country. Some of the best farmers and most substantial citizens of Tennessee have been furnished by the policy then pursued by North Carolina in affording this induce- ment. The settlement of Cumberland indeed might have been postponed for half a century but for this wise and humane policy, suggested by the wisdom of North Carolina statesmen. The consequence was that Cumberland soon obtained a population sufficient to defend themselves against the powerful surrounding tribes of border Indians. Well, sir, what i.s the present situation of Oregon? It is so remote from the settlements of the States that it has been con- sidered almost beyond even the common sympathies which are
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