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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184-1
important that means should be provided for the Executive, and placed at his disposal, to enable him to accomplish these objects and to meet pressing emergencies. That they were within our reach I have no doubt. A thorough knowledge of the Indian character has induced a firm belief on my part that a sum less than one fourth of the amount heretofore annually expended for those purposes, would procure and maintain peace with all the· Indian tribes now upon our borders. I would suggest that a number of posts be established at suitable points extending from our Western border to Red River;-that treaties be concluded with the several tribes, and that one or more traders be estab- lished, under proper regulations, at each of these points, with from twenty-five to thirty men for their protection. I do not doubt that this system, once established, would conciliate the Indians, open a lucrative commerce with them and bring con- tinued peace to our entire frontier. Their intercourse with us would enable them to obtain articles of convenie11ce and comfort which they could not otherwise procure unless by a very indirect trade with more remote tribes who have commerce with trad- ers of the United States. Finding a disposition on our part to treat them fairly and justly, and dreading a loss of the advantages and facilities of trade, they would be powerfully affected, both by feelings of confidence and motives of interest to preserve peace and maintain good faith. The hope of obtaining peace by means of war has, hitherto, proved utterly fallacious. It is better calculated to irritate than to humble them. Neither can we pur- sue with the hope of exterminating them. Millions have been expended in the attempt, and what has been the result? War and theft are their vocation; and their incursions are made upon us with impunity. We cannot pursue them with success. Our citizens, so continually harrassed, are dispirited. Industry and enterprize are alike embarrassed- the former prevented, the latter discouraged. How far it is necessary for Congress to pro- vide for the attainment of these objects is referred to their consideration. In commencing my official duties, it was reasonable to suppose I should have found the ordinary facilities of conducting the affairs of government. On the contrary, I find it in a condition more deplorable than it was at the period of its commencement. There is not a dollar in its Treasury - the nation is involved from ten to fifteen millions. The precise amount of its liabilities
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