WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1856
381
was anxious to extend the most full and perfect relief to the people of Kansas; and if entire relief could not be given, I was anxious to afford such relief as this body could consistently give, and to repeal those laws which were obnoxious and which bore the impress of tyranny and the abuse of power, and were unrea- sonable in their demands, which were unknown to the spirit of the Constitution, and adverse to the bill of rights by which every citizen is shielded, or if he is not, there is a flagrant abuse of power. I trust that the day is not far distant when a sufficient remedy will be devised. We cannot look into the future; we cannot devise means to guard against all possible contingencies; but the pru- dent, the wise, the cautious, and the sagacious statesman will always look forward to some ultimate object, and seem to give such a direction to public affairs as will attain the greatest good for his country. I trust that wisdom will guide our councils, and I hope that the deliberative assemblies of the nation will be here- after less distracted than they have been heretofore, and that the festering wounds of the body-politic will cicatrize, and that peace and health shall be restored to the whole community. Mr. President, I propose briefly to define my position, not on account of any peculiar importance attached to myself, or because my political attitude at this time is of great consequence. I am not of sufficient importance in the political arena to desire either to attract notice, or give direction to the public sentiment. I entertain my own opinions, feelings and convictions. They are satisfactory to my own judgment; whether they are so to others or not, is not a matter of great concernment to nie. I shall not ask where am I to go? I do not think it a matter of sufficient importance to have a consultation of the Senate upon it; but I shall take it for granted that I am just exactly where my inclina- tions and opinions have placed me. I acted harmoniously for many years with what was denom- inated the Democratic party. It laid down great cardinal prin- ciples which had been taught by the Gamaliel of Democracy. I had listened to his teachings; I heard them always with respect and reverence. I imbibed his opinions readily, for when I first heard his teachings my mind was young and susceptible. ·with the increase of years my judgment became strengthened by expe- rience, and the bias was irreversible; so that I became, as I still remain, a firm and ardent Jackson Democrat. I was so because I believed that the teacher was honest, and his principles were
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