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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1855
the free discussion of the subject which was under debate. If, sir, it is supposed on this occasion that any benefit can result to the country by, and that its immediate necessities are such as to require, this extraordinary degree of precipitancy, I hope that we shall derive the full advantage of it. I have every disposition, Mr. President, to accord to the Admin- istration, to the Executive of the country, all the aid that may be required for the protection of our citizens, no matter upon what part of the frontier they may be located. I have every disposition, and have ever evinced a disposition, to accord to Senators a privilege that appears usual, if not as a matter of right, as a matter of courtesy; and when it is denied to me, I feel not the least degree of inconvenience. [At this point, the Senate adjourned.]
1 Congressional Globe, 1854-1855, Part 1, pp. 470, 471.
ON AN INCREASE OF THE ARMY, AND THE INDIAN POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT, JANUARY 29, 31, 1855 1 Mr. President: Before the Senate proceed to vote upon the adoption of the policy now proposed, I think it would be well to examine the causes which have led to the present condition of affairs, and then to inquire into the best means for the restoration of peace upon our Indian frontier. An examination of this sort will inform us whether there is any necessity for an increase of the military force of the country. I am aware, sir, that in discussing subjects which relate to the Indians or to their rights, I shall command but little sympathy from the Senate, and not much from the country. 2 They are a people isolated in their interest, and solely dependent for protec- tion and justice upon the Government of the United States. How far justice has been accorded to them in the past, or how far it is, in all probability, to be awarded to them in the future, is a matter beyond speculation. If we are to judge from the past experience of our times, we should infer that there is but very little hope of anything being done for the red man; and we should infer that, in the opinion of his white brethren, his doom has already been written and recorded. Mr. President, the Indians have been charged with an aggres- ~ive and hostile spirit toward the whites; but we find, upon inquiry, that every instance of that sort which has been imputed to them, has been induced and provoked by the white man, either
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