223
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1855
for the trifling consideration of securing a Presidential election, as was the object in the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. I see that it is almost treason to speak of the North. I have been charged with catering to Northern influence, with pandering to the favor of abolitionism, and of courting the Presidency. Have I not already twice been President of the Republic of Texas? Have I not taken an active part in the early history of our coun- try? Have I not guided her ship of state through the dark and stormy billows of Revolution, and have I not navigated her into a delightful haven after a period of nine years of war? And is she not now pre-eminent in all that is desirable, and proud as a State of this Union? I would not court the Presidency of the United States; it would only bring on new cares and anxieties to worry my old age and the decline of my life. It is true that I do not feel the advance of age's infirmities, but when I look back over the scenes of the last twenty-five years, I am made conscious of the flight of time, and that the day is not far distant when I shall be called to my last account. I thank my God that much of my time has been spent in the emancipation of my countrymen from the thraldom of tyranny, in breaking the manacles of des- potism and striking from their consciences the chains of priest- craft. (Cheers.) Although I have been twice called to preside over the councils of our young Republic by the united voice of my countrymen, yet I can assure you that the Presidency was never a pleasant thing to me. But if the American people should ever indulge an inclination to elevate me to the Presidency, and the thing should be consummated, I hope that I may know my duty to my countrymen. And I would make a great many altera- tions for the better. (Cheers.) Nor would I be slow about it either; for when a thing is required to be done, it had as well be done quickly. Fellow-citizens, I am charged with pandering to the prejudices of Northern abolitionism. What folly! There is no man of sense who would think of it. What! I born in the South, bred in the South, who have a wife and children in the South-everything that is near and dear to me in the South-I who have watered with my blood none but Southern soil in defence of my country, how could I prove recreant to all these ties? Nor are these all the ties that bind me to the South. My kindred and friends of early life are here, companions of my riper years are here--all pledges of my fidelity and devotion to the South. But all these sacred ties could never render m~ unfaithful to the Union. What
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