WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
484
one of his communications in relation to them he wrote to the Government: "I could have obtained this land for less consideration-less presents, or less money-but I could not, in conscience, deprive these beings of their rights for the pittance for which it could be obtained." These people yield to an influence which they know is ir- resistible. Commissioners are sent to make Indian treaties; but, in many cases, it should ra~her be said that men are sent to dictate to the Indians what they shall do-not to learn from them what they will do. You may go through the forms of the treaty; but if the chiefs and the heads of the nations will not step for- ward, the rulers of their people-the patriarchs of their tribes;- they are immediately set aside by the commissioners or the agents, and a new chief is got up for the occasion-inducted into a posi- tion where he can betray his nation and surr€nder their rights. Tbis has been done, and will not be denied. Is it fit that the Government should countenance such proceedings? A man who would be privy to, or have connection with such a transaction, should have his name erased from the records of the country; it would disgrace the archives of our nation. If the Indians are to be driven off-if they have no rights to be respected-do not make a mockery. of solemn treaties; do not destroy and disgrace the form of negotiation, but march your men with bayonets, and tell them "you must go." There is something manly in that-- something which I could smile upon. I should think it would be a glorious manifestation of villainy, but it is more manly than to steal. I despise a man who steals in the dark. All that I have stated' in relation to the Indians I believe to be true. Inaccuracies as to dates and events may have taken place, in the course of my remarks ; but in substance, as to the truth of my assertions in relation to our intercourse and treaties with the Indians, I am correct; and the statements are founded on fact. I can use no more appropriate language to my distinguished friend from Michigan-"for these things have not been done in a corner"-than to say to him, in the language of the Apostle Paul, "Believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest." All these predictions are yet to be verified, but they are made; they are on record here; and that they will prove true I have no doubt. Mr. President, I cannot portray the wrongs of the Indians. I will not attempt to do it. No man is competent to do it. The ..
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