WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
498
some prints the assertion that it is such. It is repudiated in advance, as a measure of the Administration. The President would not deny the principle upon which his acceptance of the nomination was predicated; he would not repudiate all his pre- conceived opinions, and adopt the policy of repealing the Missouri compromise. As more conclusive testimony that he regards the compromise of 1850 as a finality, I may refer to his very last message.to the Congress of the United States, in which he uses this language : "It is no part of my purpose to give prominence to any subject which may properly be regarded :as set at rest by the delibe1·ate judgment of the people. But while the present is bright with promise, and the future full of demand and inducement for the exercise ·of active intelligence, the past can never be without lessons of admonition and instruction. If its dangers serve not as beacons, they will evidently fail to fulfill the object of a wise design. When the grave shall have closed over all, who are now endeavoring to meet the obligations of duty, the year 1850 will be recurred to as a period filled with anxious apprehension. A successful war had just terminated. Peace brought with it a vast augmentation of territory. Disturbing questions arose, bearing upon the domestic institutions of one portion of the Confederacy, and involving the constitutional rights of the States. But, notwithstanding differences of opinion and sentiment, which then existed in relation to details and specific provisions, the acquiescence of distinguished citizens, whose devotion to the Union can ·never be doubted, has given renewed vigor to our institutions, and restored a sense of repose and security to the public mind throughout the Confederacy. That this repose i,R to suffer no shock during my official term, if I have powe1· to avert it, those who placed me here may be assured." Can any one suppose that the Executive of the United States has abandoned his principles, in order to advocate the repeal of the Missouri compromise, or that he would sanction with his approval an act of repeal, if the Congress of the United States should pass one? I deny it, sir, I have seen fugitive charges from the press that I was opposing the Administration. I have felt bound to fortify myself with irrefutable testimony in regard to that matter. I plant myself, and shall remain, upon the principles avowed by this Democratic Administration. But, sir, if it were opposing the whole world, with the conviction of my mind and heart, I would oppose to the last by all means of rational resist- ance the repeal of the Missouri compromise, because I deem it
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