WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1858
467
much cheerfulness render my support to the measure. I trust, sir, that this subject is presented in such a way that opposition to it will not be construed into opposition to the Administration or the general measures of the Government; but that, viewed upon principle, the right of every member of this body to form his conclusions in relation to its policy will be accorded to those who may be opposed to it. I have every disposition to render an earnest and cordial support to the Executive in those measures he may propose, which may strike me as in accordance with the wants of the country; and in regard to those measures in which I differ from him, I shall pay all due deference to the wisdom and patriotism of the chief of the nation. But, when measures of this character come up, it is the right of every individual Senator to form his own opinion of the necessity which may exist for them, or to render or withhold his support as he may think proper. The section of the country from which I come has been referred to as an example inculcating the necessity of an increased mili- tary force. Texas, it is said, has called for an additional force. It is true that Texas, through her Legislature, has memorialized the Congress of the United States for a military force, but not for an increase of the regular Army. She asks for a regiment of rangers to protect her frontier. In my opinion it is necessary that that ·peculiar description of force should be accorded to Texas. Texas has been peculiarly situated since her annexation to the United States. At that time she had peace on her borders, from _one extremity to the other; she had not a regular soldier within her limits; she had not a military company in service within her limits or upon her borders; since then, thousands of regular soldiers have been ther~, and millions of money have been expended for their support. In 1853, the regular troops in Texas amounted to about three thousand. That has been the average number since. The military force there at this time amounts to three thousand three hundred and fifty-two. These troops are distributed upon our frontiers at different stations. More than nineteen hundred infantry are there; but, so far as they are concerned, in efficiency, and in affording protection to the settlements, they might as well be at Passamaquoddy bay, as on the frontiers of Texas. Men stationed and stationary on the frontiers of Texas are utterly useless. Within sight of their fort a foray may be made on our borders, or an inroad of Indians may penetrate into the country for an indefinite distance, and return again, in sight of the fort, and these men be utterly
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