WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
518
I am not disposed to controvert anything he has said in rela- tion to that point, but I deny the principle upon which he pro- ceeds. As for the signification of those indications in the northern portion of Mexico, I think I understand them perhaps as well as most persons, that being rather in the neighborhood of my home. The fact is this: patronage and spoils in Mexico are divided dif- ferently from what they are in the United States; and when a man with some influence, either military or civic, in the northern States of Mexico, or indeed in any of the States, thinks that it is necessary to replenish his coffers, he issues his pronuncia- miento, makes a fuss, robs for a while, and threatens the Federal Government. They want peace, because they know their imbe- cility and powerless condition; and the consequence is, that after some filibustering of this character, a proposition is made to this leader or chieftain, and it results in a purchase of him by the Federal Government, and then the whole revolution is at an end. It is for the purpose of procuring a bid, and levying black-mail on the Federal Government, that these_ revolutions take place. They have no ulterior design as to the establishment of a per- manent confederacy in the northern States of Mexico; but the purpose is what I have stated. I apprehend no danger resulting from our vicinity to Mexico, that would require the increase of our regular Army. I apprehend, as I have already stated upon the subject, no danger from the military influence or martial character of a regular army. It is the indoctrination of this Union with false sentiments. that I fear; and the political influences brought to bear on the legislation and institutions of the country I wish to guard against, because, in proportion as the Army is increased and persons of influence, of family, or of wealth, obtain situa- tions in it, they exercise indirectly or directly an influence on the legislation of the country not only in this body but in the other branch of Congress. That is what I am warning against, not that I would not foster a military spirit to a certain extent, but we are a nation of civilians, we are an agricultural, we are a farming, we are an independent people; we know the value of liberty, and you cannot find a man in possession of an estate but what knows how to defend his liberty and is willing to do it as a volunteer. But of what material will you compose your regular Army? Of "cheap material." I am not in favor of that cheap material. Is it that you wish to send them out to Utah to get destroyed? Do you think it is a speculation on the part of the nation to get that material because it is cheap? I am for economizing the public
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