423
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1853
was all we asked. The Government of the United States, acting upon its wise and prudent and proper policy, did not interfere. A letter was written by Mr. Webster, creditable to him, creditable to his head, and to his heart, as is everything which ever emanated from him. But it was not regarded by Mexico, and we were the sufferers. Indians were brought in and thrown in the scale against us. Texas was contending against all these difficulties. The Texans were contending for their homes, their families, their firesides, and the altars of their household gods, for they were permitted to have no churches there; and hence perhaps a good deal of their feeiing. I contend that while we maintain our national faith, it is not right to extend our jurisdiction beyond our own hemisphere. We should confine our action here. Why should we go and turn our attention to European affairs? Why this care for other people? Did you show it towards Texas? Let us see. I wish to show you the policy which actuated General Jackson; and no man ever felt a stronger sympathy for any people on earth, than he did for the Texans. All will admit that that great, enlightened, and patriotic citizen was actuated by high and generous impulses; and if this feeling which now seems to prevail among some honorable gentlemen, was then in existence, might he not have lavished it with some propriety upon the Texans, then in a struggling condition? for they were bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. Did he not sympathize with Te..,as under all the appalling influences of necessity on her part, for it was known to the world (though not imparted by her, in strains of plaintive solicitation) that she was suffering? Yet the Roman spirit of Jackson, that spirit that never yielded, that steel that never failed, had firmness and character enough in his hol,· adhesion to the principles of this Government, and to the Con$titu- tion to maintain inviolate the faith of the treaties with Mexico. He said that if T'exas must be free she would vindicate it to tht> world. That was his consolation. He said, would that I wt>1~ there to rescue them, or to interpose my life in their rlefem,e. but here I have a sacred duty to perform, and that I will pt>rform. I will read his language, when a requisition had been mnct~ upt,n him; and from that it will be discovered with whnt rt.'mm·k:lbh:'- pertinacity General Jackson adhered to the principle, th:lt iht' faith of treaties is inviolable; that you cannot violate them with- out dishonor.
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