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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1851
ON THE RIVERS AND HARBORS BILL, MARCH 3, 1851 1
Mr. President, I had hoped that I would be able to give a silent vote on this occasion, and that I would, under no circumstances, have been induced to say a syllable upon the subject. But from the direction which this subject has taken, I find it indispen- sable, as a part of my duty, to offer some remarks upon it. The remarks .of the Senator from Kentucky [Mr. Underwood] were not, I thought, of a character well calculated to advance the business of this body. Nor do I think them entirely called for by the opposition to this bill ; nor are they deserved, so far as my action is concerned. I would feel myself recreant to duty and to principle were I to permit any bill to pass this body without opposition which I believed obnoxious. This bill, to my appre- hension, and from the best lights which have been shed upon it, is of the most objectionable character. If its provisions came within the pale of the Constitution, I would, in many instances have given them the most cordial support. Many of the provi- sions of the bill are of a character consonant with the Constitu- tion; others are adverse and opposed to its very principles. I am for a system of internal improvements such as is con- templated by the Constitution and the national requirements under which we exist, but I am not in favor of running into a boundless field of expediency. Where an object is for national ends and national purposes, I am ready to accord it my hearty aid and support. When an object of improvement is presented for my support, I would wish to know the amount necessary for its commencement, I would wish to see an estimate of what expend- iture would be necessary for its completion; when that was done, I would exercise my best judgment upon it. This is not a bill of that description, and I have learned from the chairman of the committee of the House of Representatives that many parts of this bill were highly objectionable and such as he could not sanction, and only received his support in the other branch of the National Legislature because he hoped it would here receive such modifications and amendments as would render it unexcep- tionable in its character. Has an opportunity been afforded for deliberation in this body on the bill? Within two days the bill has been taken up in this body, and every effort has been made by its friends to avoid discussion and investigation, and force it upon the minority in despite of their rights, and trample down their privileges.
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