4,94,
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
in the bill. When I voted for that, I did not suppose that I was voting to repeal the Missouri compromise. Well, sir, I regarded it as a finality and a settlement of this mooted question, this source of agitation. I thought then that it was a finality. And when the Senator from Mississippi, [Mr. Foote,] at a subsequent session, introduced his "finality resolu- tions," as they were called, I opposed them on the ground that they were useless, and but an affirmance of what had already been enacted, and therefore a work of supererogation. I know that some few gentlemen have questioned it, have caviled at it, or doubted its validity. I did not; and I have lived to see it indorsed by the American people. Important events have transpired since it was adopted. Prominent gentlemen through- out the country have expressed their opinions. The whole com- munity, under its soothing, benign influence, had become calm and tranquil. Not a voice of discontent was heard throughout our broad land. All was peace, all harmony, or, if not harmony, it was a,cquiescence. One discordant note of agitation was not heard. No State Legislature, no political convention, no county meeting, no cabal, pronounced against it. Even the extremists had acquiesced, and the country was reposing in peace. The last elections had transpired in the_country ; and of the members of Congress elected, I doubt whether more than two seats, in the other end of the Capitol, are occupied by those who had advocated any change or disturbance of that measure. All had either advocated and approved it, or had acquiesced in its finality. There was no excitement on the subject. But what must be the consequence if an attempt to repeal the Missouri compromise is urged upon us? Will it produce no excitement? Has it produced none? If my opposition to a measure which I conceive fraught with danger to the whole section from which I come is misconstrued to be: agitation, I am responsible to my constituents. Can any one doubt that agitat-ion will be consequent upon the adopton of this measure? Has not the Missouri compromise been of great benefit to the country? Has it not wrought wonderful changes? For more than a third of a century it has given comparative peace and tranquility to us to an extent which would never have been enjoyed had that compact not been entered into. I can well recollect the scenes which transpired at its adoption. I know what fearful appre- hensions were entertained by the most sagacious, patriotic, and wise men in the land. Those apprehensions were entertained
Powered by FlippingBook