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WRITINGS OF SAl\'I HOUSTON, 1851
294
I did not expect .that any effusion of mine would be calculated to prejudice South Carolina in the estimation of her sister States. But that does not change my general objection to South Carolina and her character as an oligarchy. Sir, she is con- trolled by a few leading men. Look at the paucity of her last election for members of the convention, and see whether a public expression of opinion has been given by the people of South Carolina, and whether the manoeuvres going on there are not managed and controlled by a few leading individuals. Upon this, sir, I have a right to animadvert. I may have committed an error in the hurry of composition in alluding to the election of Senators for South Carolina; but it was reasonable to suppose that, as the legislature of South Carolina exercised so many functions, they retained that too. Be that as it may, that the people of South Carolina do not enjoy their full right of suffrage compared with other states, I aver. Has ever a popular vote been given for the Chief Magis- trate of the State? Has it ever been given for presidential elec- tors? No, sir. Are not property qualifications requisite for the electors and representatives in the Lower House and in the Senate of the State? They are. A qualification is requisite for electors, or I do not read correctly. Now, in substance this is made good. The very objections I alleged have not been explained away; and if I am to be taught anything I must be allowed to select my preceptor. There are many qualifications requisite . in a preceptor, and I must be allowed to choose one who has the most of those qualifications; at least, I must find in him as many as will induce me to think well of him, and repose confidence in his ability. Is a Texan, a representative of Texans, upon this floor, to be instructed bow to gain liberty and how to preserve it? Is he to go to South Carolina to be taught, or to acquire a knowledge of loyalty to the Union or to denounce the institutions of the country? Texans have been taught in the school of adversity. All that they have done they were taught from instinct. They were Americans. Like Americans they have acted; like Americans they will always act. They will be true to liberty and to the Union. It would be strange, indeed, if it could be supposed that Texans, after eight years of gloom, and trial, and tribulation-insulated as was that little band from the common society of nations; struggling as they were against eight millions of people, who could send forth a million and a half of warriors, against whom, nevertheless,
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