69
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854,
his which applied to myself, and to which I shall reply; but I recollect that many caucuses were held at one time here on the subject of the Nebraska bill. I never was honored by an invita- tion to one of those caucuses. The Senator, I believe, partici- pated in every one called on the subject. I have not had a con- ference with any gentleman on the subject of the measure which is riow before the Senate. I read it several days ago, and I thought well of it. When it was about to come up today, I read it over twice with some attention, and I remarked to a friend, for the first time, that I believed it was the best measure, and I said that I would either take it, or the measure of the Senator from Mississippi [Mr. Brown], with some amendments. I have been with no caucus on the subject. If there were a caucus on the homestead bill, I did not know it. I heard the rumor of one, but I did not inform myself as to it. I am exempt from the influence of the Senator's remarks, for I have not been in caucus. But he condemns the principle of caucusing; though if it amounts to nothing more than a com- parison of opinions, and concert of action among friends of any particular measure, I see nothing in it to condemn. But the Sen- ator says it strikes at the very root of liberty. Then, sir, he has, in my opinion, by his frequent entering into caucuses, given the liberty of "Billy Patterson's lick," because I do not know any gentleman who has been more active and more efficient in giving direction to them. I have nothing to complain of in regard to it; only, I would say to him, let not his own words condemn him. But, Mr. President, while up, I shall make another remark. I have not consumed much time. I know that it is very previous at this period; and it is with reference to that that my remark is made. It is pretty well ascertained, I think, that there is a decided majority in favor of the passage of this measure. I am not in favor of the minority over-ruling the majority, and, so far as the minority can fairly combat without captiousness, with- out a manifest disposition to annoy and retard the majority, or the business of the body, I think it is well enough to resort to every fair and proper expedient. But, sir, when it proceeds either to faction, or to a disposition to annoy and to detain the members, without a hope of achieving something valuable, it is, I think, a very unfortunate disposition. I have been a victim of majorities; but I have never been factious in my resistance to their influence. I submitted, with due decorum and respect, when I found that there was a decided majority in favor of the Nebraska bill; and l did not seek to protract the session one minute by any speaking_.
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