WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837
153
will be necessary to pass enactments, or to adopt some system to facilitate the desires of the government, and obviate the embarrassments which must otherwise impede their success. Upon this subject a report of the Secretary of State will be presented to Congress, for consideration. The relations which exist between this country and the United States, at the period of my last communication on the subject, have undergone no important change, unless we regard the corre- spondence of our minister, at Washington, with the honorable Secretary of State, as indicating the determination of the govern- ment of the United States, upon the subject of our annexation. This government, from the expression of the people of Texas, having, in the most frank and undisguised manner presented their desire for annexation, and enforced them by considerations which appeared to be conclusively beneficial to both countries, did hope that the United States would deem it their interest, while in the prosecution of a wise and just policy to receive and -embrace Texas, as an integral part of the Union pf the North. The consummation of this desire seems to be postponed for the present, and will render the course which we should adopt, palpable and necessary. Recognized as we have been, by the United States, a free, sovereign and independent nation, it becomes our imperious duty, to pursue such a course of policy and legislation, as will at once command the respect and confi- dence of other nations, while our internal safety and prosperity will be secured. A fair and liberal policy should be extended to all nations who may desire to establish commercial relations with us, or who may deem proper to introduce their fabrics or com- modities into our country. The Charge d'Affaires of the United States duly accredited, has been received at the government of Texas, and confidence is entertained, that the most friendly reciprocal understanding between the two countries, will be established and preserved. This circumstance originating with our Mother Country, the first to hail Texas a member of the great family of nations, is calculated to awaken in us, emotions the most friendly, and inspire us with a manly confidence in our condition. A well organized judiciary, composed of enlightened and honest members, is the palladium of civil liberty. The present existing laws are doubtless as perfect as could have been expected to arise, under the circumstances in which they were created. Experience and time has demonstrated to us, their insufficiency, and forcibly inculcates the necessity of a remedy. The resources
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