194
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
In its enforcement, the conflict is with the North alone. I need not assure you that whenever the time shall come, when we must choose between a loss of our Constitutional rights and revolution, I shall choose the latter; but if I, who have led the people of Texas in stormy times of danger, hesitate to plunge into revolu- tion now, it is not because I am ready to submit to the Black Republican rule, but because I regard the Constitution of my country, and am determined to stand by it. Mr. Lincoln has been constitutionally elected and, much as I deprecate his success, no alternative is left me but to yield to the Constitution. The mo- ment that instrument is violated by him, I will be foremost in demanding redress and the last to abandon my ground. When I contemplate the horrors of civil war, such as a dis- solution of the Union will ultimately force upon me, I cannot believe that the people will rashly take a step fraught with these consequences. They will consider well the blessings of the govern- ment we have, and it will only be when the grievances we suffer are of a nature that, as freemen, we can no longer bear them, that we will raise the standard of revolution. Then the civilized world, our own consciences, and posterity, will justify us. If that time should come, then will be the day and hour. If it has not- if our rights are yet secure, we cannot be justified. Has the time come? If it has, the people who have to bear the burthens of revolution must themselves effect the work. Those who reside in cities and towns, where masses are carried in crowds and influenced by passionate appeals, may be ready for hasty action, but the working men and farmers, whose all is identified with the prosperity and peace of the country, will ask time to reflect. As all will be alike involved in the horrors which will come after dissolution all have the right to consider whether dissolu- tion shall come. The liberties and securities of all are at stake. It is not a question for politicians to tamper with. The masses must settle it for themselves. They are to consider.whether with Congress and the Supreme Court largely in favor of the Consti- tution, revolution will be justified, because the President, who is constitutionally elected, is inimical to them. It must come to this. With all these checks and guarantees in our favor, it is urged that we should no longer wait, but at once let go the Constitu- tion. Passion is rash-wisdom considers well her way. When the bone and sinew of the country, after calmly considering the issue in all its bearings, shall feel that a yoke of oppression is upon
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