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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1851
If the gentleman will permit me, I would say that I notified him on Saturday that I should oppose this resolution. [Speech by Foote.] I was very much edified, and I might say amused, by the remarks of the honorable Senator from Mississippi. I cannot but be astonished at the temper of the gentleman. I had not intended to say anything to excite his ire, because I flatter my- self that I am a prudent man, and do not like to provoke assaults. I am exceedingly gratified at one thing. In the course of his entire tirade, I believe the gentleman did not state a single fact. He has indulged in many conjectures, in relation to Freesoilism and catering for the Presidency. Why, I should feel that I was not only degrading myself, but degrading the nation and the body in the midst of which I stand, if I would cater to the pas- sions of men or compromise my principles for the Presidency. What I have, I have. I wish to make no new voyages. I am sat- isfied with the position which I occupy. What I might adven- ture might be lost. Therefore, I have no petty hankerings afte1· office to gratify. Nor have I any varty int?-igues to enter into. I have had no correspondence on the subject of the Presidency. The world is acquainted with what I have said. What I do, they make it a point to know. The same charge was made against me on my way here; but, as you, Mr. President, very well know, I expressed the same sentiments at Montgomery, Alabama, which I have expressed here to-day. I addressed a public assemblage there. They knew my sentiments. There were no Free-Soilers there with whom to concoct schemes of personal aggrandizement for presidential advancement. The honorable Senator has no desire to be King; but I think that for a few years past he has been playing Warwick or King-maker. He has made various insinuations against me, which I would not have made against any gentleman on this floor. When I have resentments, I speak them out. When I have charges to make, I make them directly. I do not imply a charge and then disavow the imputation. I do not state a hypothetical case, leaving others to apply it. I did not charge the gentleman with having derived this resolution from the State Department. I have not said that it was con- cocted there. The gentleman seems to acknowledge the wish to raise a third party, to break up the two old parties, and run a third-party man for the Presidency. Whether the honorable Senator from Mississippi is to be front or rear in the race, I do not know. I do not impute any design of this kind.
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