35
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1848
take their land. But these countries will be benefitted by our occupation. Look at the Californias, Sonora, Western Mexico, New Mexico, etc. All these vast regions, where only a few hun- dred thousand souls are living in such wide dominions-where the wild Indian extends with impunity his ravages, and, unchecked he penetrates into the heart of Mexico, even as far as Potosi, spoiling and destroying as he goes along; seizing upon the women with malicious minds, and incorporating them into their tribes as wives! Let the white man-let the American interpose; let him say to the Indian, "Stay, savage, we will protect these help- less people. We will do it."-[Loud applause.] We are the major- ity, and it must be done for the sake of humanity. I am not one of those who delight to riot in the spoils of the poor, and keep the people in abject poverty and subjection-Such, ho\vever, is the condition of the Mexican people, exposed to a constant suc- cession of revolutions. In 25 years Mexico has undergone 25 different revolutions. They are a people incapable of self- government. We are now in this war, engaged in giving peace, security and happiness to this oppressed people. May God save the man who strives for his country, and wither the arm of him who fights against it. [Applause.] I do not think the war with Mexico is such a calamity as it has been deplored to be. I think differently. The ways of Providence are inscrutable; but I think we may see the finger of God in this war, giving success to our arms, and crowning our forces with victory. I do not deplore it; for though blood has flowed, and valuable lives have been lost, yet not one act of cruelty has been committed in all the victories which our arms have gained. Their humanity has been displayed to the astonishment and admiration of the world, and as a model and example for all future armies. Then, I say, the Divine Being has been evidently carrying out the destiny of the American race. We give to the Mexican liberal principles; we elevate them far above what their tyrants have done; and the day will come when they will bless the Americans as their friends and liberators until time shall cease. The President must not be left alone in doing this great work. We must hold up his arms, give solace to his heart, support him in his course, to give continual triumph to our armies, and success to our institutions. Though I am not pious, yet as a sinner, I say it, we have a powerful authority for wars in the conduct of the people of Israel, who were led by Divine power to possess themselves of the land of the Ammonites, and smite them with the edge of the sword. This same mandate from God guides us in this war, and gives success to our arms; and,
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