WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1861
248
The grievances of which we complain have thus far originated with the States and not with the Federal Government. They have, disregarding their constitutional obligations, inter- posed to obstruct the Federal Government in its efforts to ad- minister the Government in accordance with the Constitution; and though the Government has not in all cases been successful in its efforts in our behalf, yet there has been no lack of willing- ness on its part. The prospect, however, of the Government going into the hands of a party whose disregard of the Constitution is .its sole bond of union, leads to the belief that Federal aggression is inevitable unless such means are adopted as will not only restrain the dominant party within the bounds of the Constitu- tion, but lead it to abandon all designs of perverting the power of Government to serve its unconstitutional aims. Were Governments formed in an hour, and human liberty the natural result of revolution, less responsibility would attach to us as we consider the momentous question before us. A long struggle amid bloodshed and privation secured the liberty which has been our boast for three-quarters of a century. Wisdom, patriotism, and the noble concessions of great minds framed our Constitution. Long centuries of heroic strife attest the progress of freedom to their culminating point. Ere the work of centuries is undone, and freedom, shorn of her victorious garments, is started out once again on her weary pilgrimage, · hoping to find, after centuries have passed away, another dwelling place, it is not unmanly to pause and at least endeavor to avert the calamity. The Executive feels as deeply as any of your honorable body the necessity of such action on the part of the slave-holding States as will secure to the fullest extent every right they possess. Self- preservation, if not a manly love of liberty inspired by our past history, prompts this determination. But he can not feel that these dictate hasty and unconcerted action, nor can be reconcile to his mind the idea that our safety demands an immediate separation from the· Government ere we have stated our grievances or demanded redress. A high resolve to maintain our constitutional rights, and, failing to obtain them, to risk the perils of revolution even as our fathers risked it, should, in my opinion, actuate every citizen of Texas; but we should remember that we owe duties and obligations to States having rights in common with us; and whose institutions are the same as ours.
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