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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1853
consideration, and yet the tariff was under discussion for about two thirds of the day. I presume, therefore, it will not be much departure from the custom of debate if I should deviate a little from the strict rule of the Senate; and if I do so, I trust I may be excusable, but as this amendment relates to foreign countries, and as consequences very important to this country may result from it, it will not, I hope, be irrelevant to circumstances con- nected with the war-making power of this nation, for I under- stand that the proposed steamers are to be made convertible into war-steamers if necessity should arise. Mr. President. Resolutions have been introduced into this body in reference to our foreign relations, of great and serious import, and I cannot suffer this opportunity to pass without availing myself of it to offer an expression of my views, however lightly they may be regarded, and however weighty or important the considerations may be in opposition to the notions which I entertain. I am aware of the ability, the talents, and the inte1ligence which have already been employed in its discussion, and therefore, I shall not expect either to enlighten the Senate, or to convince the gentlemen whose judgment has already taken a direction; but I shall at least have the satisfaction, I trust, of having brought to myself the consolation of having done what I think to be my duty. Our foreign relations at this time are most harmonious. There may be in the political horizon specks of protentous aspect, but they are few and ambiguous. I have always regarded it as the duty of the statesmen to look to the future, to realize the present, and to indulge as little as possible in retrospection. The realiza- tion of the present, or the anticipation of the future may be the best employment of our intellectual facuities. But I regret the introduction into this body of the resolutions to which I allude. I have no reflections to cast upon those gentlemen who have thought proper to introduce them, and to press them upon the body. They have more experience, more intelligence, and more ability than I have, and have a renown for statesmanship and capacity in civil affairs which I dare not emulate. Yet, sir, my notions are of a class perhaps peculiar to themselves; and for that reason I may the more pertinaciously cherish them. It has been my opinion that anything at this time calculated to awaken an unusual degree of anxiety, which may emanate from the Senate, will not be calculated to advantage the community at large. I do not regard the Senate as the exponent of public
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