WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,1
408
has a right to expect beneficial results. If adequate salaries are not given to them to command their services, the consequences will be that necessity will compel the selection of such men to fill those high places, as will bring into the government neither capacity, character not responsibility. If those aids, which I re- gard as indespensable are furnished the Executive in the admin- istration of the government, he, at all times, will be prepared and willing to meet his responsibilities to the nation. If they are within his control he will be answerable for their employment. He will be able to hold the subordinates of his administration accountable, ai:i,d to establish the strictest accountability in the offices of the various departments. Without these aids, so neces- sary to the existence of the government, many important duties must be neglected. The people hope much and expect much in our present calam- itous condition, Should the Executive not receive the necessary support from Congress, their hopes as well as expectations must be disappointed. The co-operation of Congress with the aid of the Judiciary, will be necessary to their accomplishment. With this assistance afforded, I will always be proud and happy to respond to the 1·equisitions of my countrymen. If the power is given me, and I do not exercise it with fidelity and ability in the promotion of the best interests of the nation, I will never assume the plea of incapacity; for I would feel, after the confidence expressed by my countrymen, in my capacity and patriotism, that I should be accountable for the motives of my heart as well as the exercise of my intellectual faculties. In the promotion of the prosperity and glory of my country, every energy of my mind shall be employed; and to extricate our fair land from the misfortunes which overshadow its present prospects, my exertions shall be continued; with a fervent and devout invocation to God who buildeth up nations, that the clouds which now lower upon our destiny may be dispelled and that His wisdom may direct us in the path of glory and honor, and that the people of this nation may be established in virtue, pros-' perity and happiness. Sam Houston 1"Messages of the Presidents," Congressioruil Pa11c1·s; and also Executive Record Book, No. 40, 4-10, Texas State Library; Crane, Life and S_elect Literary Remains of Sam Houston, 294-300; Tefogravh and Texas Register, December 29, 1841; The Red-Lande1·, Jan_uary 6, 1842.
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