378
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
see prevailing, not only in the Senate, but in the country. Instead of being engaged in the work of estranging the feelings of dif- ferent portions of this body, and indulging in discussion calcu- lated to alienate section from section, I should be glad to see the efforts of the mind, the genius, the power, and the influence, of the Senators of the United States, united in devising plans for the purpose of reconciling the diverse feelings that exist in the country. The same research which is used in the collation of facts for the purpose of arraigning each section of the country against the other, would be more profitably employed if it were devoted to the task of recalling the reminiscences of the past, reviving the feelings of our fathers, and that unity of sentiment which prevailed among them in the formation of this government, and in the emancipation of this country from foreign domina- tion. If thus employed, it would have a tendency to draw more closely together the fraternal bonds that ought to bind the dif- ferent sections of the Union, and expel from the deliberative bodies of this nation the spirit of discord and dissension. I should be delighted if it were possible for me, by any effort of mine, humble as I am, to direct the minds of Senators to an object so praiseworthy, and so important to the peace and well-being of the country, as to seek to draw its different extremes into a closer unity, and a more affectionate and accordant feeling. If this could be done, I think the country would deem it an auspicious sign; one worthy of admiration; one that would not only command their love and esteem, but inspire them with profound respect for the actions of the great men employed in this holy task. Sir, if evils exist in the country of the magnitude to which I have alluded-if the times are out of joint, there must be some cause, some reason for it, some latent disease which requires a remedy. How can we ascertain what remedy is required, till we find the cause of the disease? I was here at its inception. I thought then that I foresaw the very state of things which is now exist- ing. When the proposition was made in this body to repeal the Missouri Compromise, I made a remark which indicated my ap- prehensions of what would be. I said that the aged might witness the inception of its results, but I apprehended that the youngest child then born, would not witness its termination. I hope that it will terminate without any fearful catastrophe. I hope and believe that, though impassionate leaders have for a while con- trolled the action of the American people, and though stormy agitation has been created in the land, and still exists, Providence has in store for this people great blessings. I trust that in His own good time, Providence, who has guided us in the past, will
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