WRITINGS OF SAi\:I HOUSTON> 1848
42
upon this continent. When again will the state of Europe be found so auspicious to the upbuilding of free institutions upon this continent? Since the existence of this Government no such opportunity has been afforded to us in the establishing of our free institutions as the present. Europe is convulsed. England has to guard her own position. She has perplexities at home. Her complicated colonial system must be kept in operation, and will call in requisition all the ability of her most enlightened statesmen. Under these circumstances, we are left to the ac- complishment of the great object of our mission here, if she were even disposed to raise objections to our taking possession of Yucatan. But she can have no ground of complaint. Our inter- vention has been invoked, and I can apprehend no reason why we should withhold it. But gentlemen have discovered imaginary dangers. They apprehend that it may be a cause of war with France or England. A cause of war, if we choose to assist a neighboring people overwhelmed by cal~mity ! . Would it be a just cause? Would the community of nations countenance such a pretext? I cannot believe that there is a nation of the earth that would raise its voice against the interference of this country for the protection of Yucatan. If we were to usurp her territory for self-aggrandizement-if we were seeking to conquer them for spoil, then there would be some pretext for supposing that any foreign Power might interpose to prevent the extension of our dominion. I cannot believe that the Executive contemplates any object, unless it is to prevent the intervention of a foreign Power, and to interfere in behalf of humanity. He has not the power to assist Yucatan, nor to arrest the carnage now carrying on in that country, and he has presented the measure for the consideration of Congress. Whilst the United States are engaged in a war with Mexico, and necessarily occupying her territory, until a peace, with all the available forces of the army, it would be unwise in him to withdraw any portion of the forces from the service in which they are now engaged. It is to be regretted that obstacles are thrown in the way of the proposition to supply the force and means necessary for the alleviation of the sufferings of Yucatan. The President requests this aid and support from Congress. Is it to annex Yucatan to the United States? No, sir. It is to render such aid as may be necessary to defend the white population of that country against the savages, and to enable them to maintain their position until the Indians can be repulsed, or peace is restored, and then to
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