WRITINCS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1858
517
Judge Watrous is a high judicial functionary, whose jurisdic- tion controls the interests and the lives of the citizens of Texas under the Federal aegis. It is due to him and to the people of Texas that he should have an opportunity of vindicating his character before the world; so that, if the charges against him are false, he may be restored to that confidence which is so neces- sary to a high judicial magistrate. If, on the contrary, the people have suffered under judicial tyranny, redress should be afforded. But, sir, in presenting the resolutions of the Legislature, I fore- bore the expression of an opinion, if I had one, in relation to his guilt or innocence. I contend that, in presenting them, I was only discharging my duty. I presume that the person who penned this article is not very favorable to an investigation. All that is desired is a hearing-not a condemnation in advance of that hearing.
1 Cong1·essional Globe, Part 1, 1867-1858, pp. 791-792.
AGAINST INCREASE OF THE REGULAR ARMY, FEBRUARY 25, 1858L
Mr. President. I was entitled to the floor this morning on the subject before the Senate. I do not know but that it would be respectful and proper, as it is now four o'clock, to move an adjournment until tomorrow. If I thought the Senate desired it, I would do so. [Toombs opposed adjournment.] Mr. Houston. Inasmuch as I have paired off with a gentleman who is indisposed and wished to leave the Senate, it will make no difference to me whether you go on with the bill now or not. I do not intend to speak long, and I am content to proceed now. Mr. President, I believe the subject has assumed rather a new phase, and that this is now understood to be a proposition to · increase the regular Army permanently, by this addition to the present peace establishment of the standing Army. If I appre- hend the views of some gentlemen, I think I am right in saying so. The honorable Senator from Indiana [Mr. Fitch] challenges any gentleman to say that certain contingencies are not probably to result to Mexico in her present condition; and he says that we being her immediate neighbor, it is necessary for us to be pre- pared for those contingencies. I will not undertake to refute his prediction on that subject, but I will add another to it-that if difficulties do arise, they will never be adjusted by the regular Army of the United States, but will be, as they have always been done, by volunteers.
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