WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1854
490
from a special correspondent of the Richmond Inquirer. In the second paragraph the writer says: "I hear that General Sam Houston, of Texas, will vote against the Nebraska bill. Incredible as this may be, there is no doubt of the fact; a gentleman informs me that had it from his own lips." Well, sir, I had opposed the Nebraska bill at the last session. The honorable President knows very well that throughout the night previous to the adjournment, that bill was discussed on this floor. My opposition was notorious. And why might I not conscientiously and consistently oppose the bill at the present session? It was a most reasonable conclusion that I should, if I was to receive credit for consistency. "What objects Mr. Houston has in view, and what excuses he may have to attempt to gratify them, I know not. Nothing can justify this·treachery; nor can anything save the traitor from the deep damnation which such treason may merit. It will, how- ever, effect no injury; and its impotency will but add to its infamy. The man who deserts at this crisis-one affecting the future destiny of half the continent, and the perpetuity of the Union-will be consigned to a proper fate. The South, with a blush of shame, and the North with secret delight, will alike look without sympathy to the execration of a man who is destitute either of the power to benefit or to injure. 'Hissing, but stingless,' let the viper crawl on." Now, sir, this looks to me as though there was some agitation in the country. This looks like agitation against myself. I am not angry at the man; I am not vexed; and I do not hate him, I would think badly of myself if I were capable of descending to the level of his hate. But I would take care, if I were even to know him, to do as on such occasions I think it is always proper to do. As he talks about "slime," if he has left any upon his track, I would step over it. However, I was sorry to see such things in that paper, because I had a veneration for it from my.childhood. I recollect to have seen it more than fifty years ago. When I first saw the Richmond Inquirer, in old Rockbridge county, Virginia, I thought it was the only newspaper in the world. Sir, I was very young then. It was deemed orthodox at that time. It has changed hands since, and that it should change politics and principles is not strange. I do not claim the charity of the Richmond Inquirer, because I am a native of the Old Dominion. I have never piqued my~elf upon my origin. I have never received any marks of sympa~hy,
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