WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1853
416
dependency, Hungary, resolutions on the subject were introduced into this body. They were discussed a length of time. There was no action upon them, I grant you; but yet, throughout this broad land, speeches of honorable gentlemen, speeches of great ability and statesmanship, went forth. If that had been a case of just interference on our part, it would have been well; but, sir, these speeches went forth. Soon after that, difficulties of no ordinary character arose, for we find that in May, 1850, five months after the introduction into the Senate of the resolu- tions to which I refer, the first Cuban invasion took place. How far the debates in this body might have influenced that invasion, I do not pretend to say; I merely remark the coincidence- nothing further. It is certain, however, that they had some influence. Again we find that the public mind was excited, the popular feeling was sought to be drawn into that channel. And why? The excuse was, that the opinions which emanated from the Senate Chamber seemed to unloose the bonds that bound society to constitutional or treaty alliance, and they thought it was a time of general turmoil and uproar. That was the excuse. Sir, we find that fifteen months after the first Cuban invasion of 1850, the second Cuban invasion, of August, 1851, occurred. We know the disastrous consequences of that invasion; we know the unhappy state of feeling, and the deep-toned commiseration which possessed every heart; sympathy almost amounted to frenzy, and almost involved us in a foreign war. This was not by the advisement of the United States. These men did not go under the authority of this Government, but an excuse was urged, and if a grave deliberative body was willing to interfere across the Atlantic in foreign affairs, why might not the people of the United States interfere in their vicinity in taking Cuba, if possible? It was not long after t_his, when another existing circumstance took place. We had not escaped from these difficulties when the advent of the illustrious stranger, Kossuth, was announced. I was not captivated by his advent, Mr. President. A portion of my life had been spent among the Indians. They are a cautious and considerate people, and I had learned to reconnoiter character a little when it comes about me, and I am liable to come in contact with it. I played the Indian, and was wary. I received him, sir, in concurrence with the other Senators. I wished his
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