WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1854
522
and to be the main point in the controversy. The great principle involved in that repeal is nonintervention, which, we are told, is to be of no practical benefit if the Compromise is repealed. It can have no effect but to keep up agitation. Sir, the friends who have survived the distinguished men who took prominent parts in the drama of the Compromise of 1850, ought to feel gratified that those men are not capable of partici- pating in the events of to-day, but that they were permitted, after they had accomplished their labors, and seen their country in peace, to leave the world, as Simeon did, with the exclamation: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation." They departed in peace, and they left their country in peace. They felt, as they were about to be gathered to the tombs of their fathers, that the country they had loved so well, and which had honored them-that country upon whose fame and name their doings had shed a bright lustre which shines abroad throughout all Christendom-was reposing in peace and happiness. What would their emotions be if they could now be present and see an effort made, if not so designed, to undo all their work, and to tear asunder the cords that they had bound around the hearts of their countrymen? They have departed. The nation felt the wound; and we see the memorials of woe still in this chamber. The proud symbol (the eagle) above your head remains enshrouded in black, as if it deplored the mis- fortune which had fallen upon us, or as a fearful omen of future calamities which await our nation in the event this bill should become a law. Above it I behold the majestic figure of WASHING- TON, whose presence must ever inspire patriotic emotions, and command the admiration and love of every American heart. By these associations I adjure you to regard the contract once made to harmonize and preserve this Union. Maintain the Missouri Comp1·omise! Sti1'. not up agitation! Give us peace! This much I was bound to declare-in· behalf of my country, as I believe, and I know in behalf of my constituents. In the discharge of my duty I have acted fearlessly.- The events of the future are left in the hands of a wise Providence; and, in my opinion, upon the decision which we make upon this question, must depend union or disunion. JCongressional Globe Avpendix, 1863-1854, pp. 338-342. Crane, Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston, 402-415; C. Edwards Lester, Authentic Memoirs, 272-292. Crane's copy omits a few unimportant phrases that are found in the official copy in the Congressio1uil Globe. At the close c,f Houston's speech, the Senate voted on the passage of the bill. The vote
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