WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1851
333
I should be sorry to suppose that there could be the least ground for applying to me the term "demagogue." What dema- gogism was there when I gave popular votes in this body, when there was no prospect for advancement in popularity, for I was denounced far and near? What intrigue could I then have had, with a party unimportant in the country, when I could have gone with the whole South if I had chosen to sacrifice my own opin- ions on the Oregon question? Was I playing the demagogue when I refused to sign the Southern Address? Did I not vote for every one of these compromise measures? The honorable Senator from Mississippi did not vote for them all. I voted for all. I think, then, that I am a better compromise man than the honorable Senator from Mississippi. If I had charged the gentleman with a design to distract the Democratic party, he might have repelled the charge. If I had charged the gentleman with manufacturing a platform to suit the peculiar condition of Mississippi, I would only have reiter- ated a charge which I have heard frequently for a year or more. The gentleman's furious onslaught has given me a better opin- ion of my character as a man; for if we had sworn together to commit high treason, he would certainly have betrayed me. The honorable gentleman reminds me of an anecdote, which I will 1·elate to the Senate. There was a reverend gentleman, one Parson Means, possess- ing many amiable and excellent qualities as a neighbor and as a companion. He was a generous, hospitable man, but he had a restless disposition, and never could be kept out of mischief, not- withstanding the restraints of religion and morality. He disor- ganized every church and congregation with which he had any connection. He was a common agitator. At last he passed from the stage of action. Afterwards a particular friend, and a great admirer of his, had a vision in which he was translated to Para- dise. When he arrived there, he felt, as he represented, some- what strange and solitary. He thought he would like to see some old friend or acquaintance, and the first one who presented him- self to his mind was Parson Means. He inquired for Parson Means, and was informed that he was not there, but that per- haps he could be found in Purgatory. He repaired to Purgatory, and was received by the keeper with great cordiality and cour- tesy. While compliments were passing between them a loud noice was heard in Purgatory. "Stop," said the keeper, inter- rupting the conversation, "wait a moment if you please; Parson
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