WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
495
for the safety and preservation of this Union; and when that pacification was completed; when the compact was solemnly entered into between the North and South, it was ratified by the national will. It was not resisted by one Legislature in the States, nor was it opposed by individuals. All acquiesced in it; and what has been the result in our country? Sir, the conse- quences are too magnificent to be contemplated, too wide and expanded to be embraced at a glance. Our territory has extended for hundreds of miles·along the Atlantic sea-board; from Georgia to the Rio Grande. Our vast domain has been spread from the Atlantic to the Pacific, embracing thousands of miles of sea-board there. In numbers we have outstripped all former examples by the increase of our population. Our rapid strides in wealth, in commerce, and in high renown, is unexampled in the annals of the world. Has not this grown out of the Missouri compromise, or is it not consequent upon it? You may say that these things are not its necessary consequences, but at all events they have resulted since it was adopted, and since the country has been harmonized by the influences which have emanated from it. Sir, it has been of vast importance to the prosperity, and glory of this country from that time to the present. Its results are impressed upon the American mind and heart, and the nation's feelings and pride have united in sanctioning the benefits resulting from the adoption of that measure. It is a compact, a solemn compact. Shall we retain it, or shall we throw it aside? Shall we teach dis- regard of compromises? What is there which will give sanctity to the last compromise if you strip the former of all respect, tear it to atoms, and trample it under foot? It is the principle of truth that should be preserved. The word of one section of the Union should be kept with the other. In resisting this attempt to repeal the Missouri compromise, I am acting in accordance with the most solemn pledges given to the American people by the Executive, and by the second functionary of this Government; and I insist that in so doing, I am discharging a duty which is obligatory upon me. Though I do not attach any great importance now to party distinctions- for it is said there are none-yet, as I have al·1m11s been a Demo- crat, and supported the principles affirmed by the Ad-ministration, I feel bound to 'IJote against the proposition to disturb the com- p1·omise of 1850. I am determined with all earnestness and sin- cerity to stand by the present Administration, upon the principles which it has avowed, and which the second officer of this Gov- ernment also announced in his letter of acceptance. Sir, I will
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