158
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837
Heretofore difficulties insuperable were presented to the estab- lishment and regular conveyance of the mails; but by indefati- gable attention and labor, the post master general has been enabled to give efficiency to the department; and thereafter, with suitable aid from congress, there will be-but little difficulty in the regular transmission of mails, and circulation of intelligence throughout the Republic. It is not to be expected that any revenue can arise to the gov- ernment from this department; but it is thought that a higher rate of postage might be established without oppressing any portion of the community, but with advantage to the revenue, as will be seen by a report of the department herewith sub- mitted. It must be deplored, that one important item of intel- ligence has not been circulated throughout the republic. The secretary of state, to whom the duty of having the laws pub- lished was assigned by congress, has used every exertion possible to attain the object; but for the want of means (as congress had omitted to make an appropriation necessary for the payment of printing) he has not had it in his power to have it completed. But for this circumstance the work would have been finished, and the laws distributed. This subject is presented to congress without suggestions, as its importance to the community will be a sufficient recommendation to its attention. It is much to the interest of our country that our relations with our Indian neighbors should be placed upon a basis of last- ing peace and friendship. Convinced of this truth, it has been the policy of the administration to seek out every possible means to accomplish this object, and give security to our frontier. At this time I deem the indications more favorable than they have been since Texas assumed her present attitude. Measures are in progress with the several tribes, ,vhich, with the aid of suit- able appropriations by congress, may enable us to attain the objects of peace and friendly intercourse. Apprized of these facts it is desirable that the citizens of Texas should so deport themselves as to become the aggressors in no case, but to con- ciliate their disposition whenever it can be done, consistently with justice and humanity. Unofficially it has been communicated to the executive, that several small tribes residing within our settle- ments, express a disposition (if the government will assign to them a country on the frontier) to remove from their present situations. The undeviating opinion of the executive has been that by establishment of trading houses on the frontier, (under = - - = F [
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