WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1855
211
his propensity for butting. He determined to be avenged, and for that purpose procured a large maul, and suspended it in such a manner as would be easy to give it a pendulum motion. The sheep seeing the maul suspended and in motion, placed itself in the attitude to strike it a pop, ran back and prepared for a second attack. He continued this aggressive war, until evening came on. Uncle Josh decided that he himself must take some rest, and slipping away from his position behind a tree, retired for the night. On returning the next morning, he was surprised that the sheep could not be seen any where. The maul was still suspended, but it was motionless. But as he approached the maul, he discovered something animated on the ground. It was the sheep. Having butted itself all away except the tail, that part of its anatomy was still in motion threatening the maul. At the sight, Uncle Josh raised both hands in astonishment and ex- claimed, "Wonderful, and game to the last." So whether or not, my political enemies have butted themselves all away, except the tail, I grant that they are still in motion. I have given you one instance of that denunciation, and I will assign you a reason for having acted as I did. You recollect that Texas was admitted to the Union upon the basis of the joint resolutions which were themselves based on the Missouri Com- promise. These resolutions were submitted to· Texas for her acceptance by the President of the Republic, Anson Jones, and were referred to the Legislature; and they received the sanction of that body. They were also approved by the convention as- sembled for the purpose of forming our State Constitution, and were sanctioned by the popular vote of the people with unparal- leled unanimity, thereby endorsing the Missouri Compromise with every act of solemnity. Was not this direct instruction to a Senator how to vote when the principles were involved? Cer- tainly it was. I voted as I believed your will and determination had instructed me. Was this not purely democratic and loyal to my constituency? You had given away one-third of your ter- ritory, latitudinally, five and a half degrees to free soil. I took this act as a correct expression of your opinion, and because I voted in accordance with what I conceived to be your instruc- tions, I was denounced as an abolitionist. I was denounced by Mr. Calhoun, when he himself had voted for the organization of Iowa and Wisconsin under the same Compromise. It was taking away a bone of contention for political dogs to gnaw at.
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