WRITINGS OF 5AM: HOUSTON, 1839
334
be found that the west had manufactured pretty liberally for home consumption. Having as he thought already established the right, he would now speak of the expediency of the measure. He had been in- formed by th~ gentleman from Nacogdoches ( Mr. Kaufman) that it was the lovliest country on the face of the earth, and if it came half up to the descriptions he had heard of it, the sale of it would produce a large revenue. This was a matter of some con- sequence to the nation, and he hoped members would not view the question too lightly. It was very important to this country, that the three millions should be forth coming-it would be an important item of news for the loan commissioner to carry to England or France with him, that we had already appropriated three millions of dollars as a sinking fund. It would be an addi- tional motive for the banker to open his vaults-and if there is now any doubt upon the question, this measure would insure a loan sufficient for all the wants of the government. But if the amendment prevailed, and the word "ownecl" was stricken out, it would destroy the bill altogether. Men would be afraid to pur- chase on the ground of having to buy a lawsuit. It would be a declaration that the Indians had only a possessory right, and that the land was vacant as soon as the Indians were driven out, and consequently the locations which have been made since the Cherokee campaign were good and valid. It would not only be contrary to fact, but would be extending privileges to a race of men who deserve very little sympathy from this government. It would be an act of injustice to the volunteer who had nobly fought for his country and would extend a bounty to avarice and cupidity. He had been informed by an officer of high standing, that when the tocsin of war was sounded- when it was decided that the Cherokee must be met in battle, that in a certain country, where they had been very clamorous for the expulsion of the Cherokees, he could procure but eighty three volunteers. Some of them had not horses-and their families were in an exposed condition - and they could not leave home. But when the brave volunteers had marched into the Indian Territory, they forgot the exposed condition of their families, and procured horses- within one day after the army had reached the territory, these same men, compass and chain in hand, were there, and like the bird which floats for offal, they pursued the marches of the army for- land!!! They had sold their principles for mamon, and will this house legalize their acts?
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