WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1852
344
traverse the prairies with them, and exercise an influence and guardianship over them, were appointed, we should have a different situation of frontier security. But when men-whether favorites or not I know not, and care not-who are unacquainted with everything necessary to their duties, are appointed, it is an insult, and an indignity, and usurpation, on the part of the Administration. But until our rights are guarded, and justice extended to us, we need look for no better condition for our frontier, and no better security than we have enjoyed for months and years past. · We have urgently solicited protection. We have not asked for more troops to be stationed there. Infantry cannot pursue the wild Tartars of the prairies. Either cavalry or mounted riflemen would be efficient there, and might give some protection. But we are left utterly destitute of all advantage or succor. I intend no reflection on the present individual who fills the Executive chair, for whom I entertain the respect that I hope ever to do for the Chief Magistrate of this country; and I trust never to see that place filled but by some gentleman worthy of it. But, as my honorable friend from Georgia has made a political allusion, I hope I may repress my feeling on this occasion in relation to that subject. I shall say nothing now as to whether a Democratic administration would conduct the Government better than a Whig administration. I alluded, when I was first up, to the sum requisite for the protection of the frontier of Texas. It was not disposed of by a father of the Indians. The President of the United States is the only Indian father we have ever heard of on this continent. So far as the President of Texas was concerned, he was a brother to the Indians. He inflicted no wrong; he rendered no injustice; he used no treach- ery; he sent no incompetent man amongst them. The reward was peace, and .the recompense was tranquility. But, sir, I will say to the honorable Senator that if, in the approaching contest which is to take place between the two political parties of the country, his party should find difficulties in regard to their adverse candidates, and he should be brought in as a compromise candidate, if necessary to settle the waters of party excitement, there is no one of his party whom I would ·greet with more pleasure in the White House, provided he will widen the doors. But I will make that point with him. JCong1·essional Globe, Appendix, 1851-1852, pp. 650, 658. These remarks were made during debate on the Deficiency Bill.
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