WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1855
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the treaty, and the boundaries assigned were not as they under- stood them; and they killed their own chiefs. 13 It was charged that some of the agents were involved in speculations to a great extent, dependent on the treaty. I recollect it was so stated at the time. I think, sir, the Senator's speech was of a remarkable char- acter in relation to politics and other matters, which I am sorry that he has introduced. He has undertaken to admonish me, and for this admonition I am much obliged to him. His experi- ence, his superior opportunities, may entitle him, in the opinion of others, to the right of admonishing me; and I am perfectly willing on that point, to yield my own opinion to what may be the general impression of the body. I did not provoke his re- marks by any allusion to any one, predicated upon my own dis- position to arraign the conduct of others; nor have I asserted anything in regard to the officers of the army, but what are matters of fact taken from the official documents. When I made suggestions of a speculative character, I gave them as such. But, Mr. President, the Senator from Iowa said that he would not have been astonished if the rankest Abolitionist had made such a speech, and had avowed such sentiments as I did. He says that, if a man in Western New York had presented such views he would not have been surprised. Now, I wish to know whaf connection my remarks had with Abolition? What connection had they with any one in Western New York? In what respect have I catered to any prejudice or morbid sensibility? I have stood here alone in this body, against a powerful array of talent and influence, contending for what I conceived to be a great prin- ciple, and which must obtain or the Indian race be exterminated. In regard to that principle, I have the concurrence of the Senator from Tennessee [Mr. Bell], who was once Secretary of War, and as such had control of the Indian department, and who has, since that period, been a prominent member of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate. I believe that my opinions are also concurred in by the Senator from Arkansas [Mr. Sebastian], who is the head of the Committee on Indian Affairs. I can in- form the Senator from Iowa that I will sustain him to the extent of my humble abilities in any measure he may introduce in favor of the Indians, and for the establishment of a policy which will ultimately benefit them and reflect credit upon the Government of the United States.
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