°WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
468
is no provision made to subsist the colonists. For the first year they would require supplies, and their procurement might be attended with great danger and expense; and they must be drawn from the frontiers, where a scarcity of supplies will generally exist. Without these supplies the colonists would become dis- couraged, and all the posts abandoned or destroyed. The fact that land could be acquirerl would induce a general feeling of speculation and the men, instead of acting the part and performing the duties of soldiers, would only care about land. The plan of extending our posts, not to be defended by soldiers alone, but men women and children, would carry with it many incumbrances, without the facilities necessary to a proper defence of the fr position. Until such time as the forts or block- houses could be erected, the women and children would be ex- posed to the frequent and sudden attacks of the Indians. The fact that the posts would be located within the hunting grounds of the Indians, would have a tendency to inspire them with the most determined hostility, and it might be expected to call forth, from one end of our frontier to the other, incessant inroads upon the colonists. That the Indians would be enabled to steal all their horses and stock, there can be no doubt;-and I am compelled to state most frankly, that if it were practicable to carry the bill. into operation (which I do not think could be done), it would produce a greater waste of·human life than is to be apprehended from our present situation; and I am convinced we can easily, and with a comparatively trifling expense, be relieved from the evils that now exist and menace us in our present exposed con- dition. Another objection which presents itself to my mind is that it will be disposing of a large portion of our public domain, which may soon be rendered available and advantageous to Texas. Prodigality of our public lands has characterized our legislation; and so long as we indulge in bestowing our lands without price, so long will they be regarded by foreigners as valueless. And though they are really of very great value, and by a cautious and prudent policy would soon extricate us from all our involve- ments we do not seem to regard the advantage as within our ' control. The power to condemn the lands of individuals, wherever a commandant may choose to locate a post or colony, does seem to me impolitic, if not oppressive. The owner, or own~rs are drawn into court and made parties to suits without their consent, or
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