283
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1861
had thrown off the old one. It was not proper, that the people should have the privilege of electing these delegates. The people if permitted to do so, would have elected men of their own choice. They have heretofore proved themselves capable to judge of the qualifications of their public servants; but unfortunately they have not had a favorable appreciation of certain politicians, as has been proven in their several atte~pts after office, and there- fore the superior intelligence of the Convention must be brought into requisition. Besides the election of these delegates, a Com- mittee of Safety was appointed. It was in secret session that general powers were conferred upon them. Whether more than the liberties and the property of individuals were made subject to the espionage of this secret council has not yet come to light. That the policy of conferring on it the power to put to death those who stood in its way was gravely discussed, there can be no doubt. Its acts have shown that in all other respects its power was unlimited. Its course in opening the whole frontier to savage inroads shows its utter disregard of the life or property of our citizens. The blood of murdered women and children cries now to Heaven against the wrongs this committee has in- flicted. It could take away protection; but it had no protection to give. It could seize public property; but it could not use that property for the public good. Everything was in its hands to enable it to avert the calamities which have been reported daily since the troops were removed. It has parcelled out the spoils, and created officers to feed at the public crib. Its military heroes have sought bloodless fields, rather than the savage on his trail. It could send a thousand men to take a fort,-not one to hunt an Indian. It opened a new page of tragedy and military tactics, by concentrating the forces of those whom it has classed as its enemies in an advantageous position. To excuse its action, much has been said about the vast amount of property taken from the United States. Was this the motive that induced such haste on the part of the Convention? If it was, the State has realized but little benefit. Her honor has been sullied by the bluster and bravado which have characterized the operations of this committee of Safety, and her pride has in no wise been sustained by the acquirement of government property, while the troops with their arms and available munitions of war, have defied their attacks; but then the cost has been counted, and the pile of army rubbish seized is brought in comparison with the vast money expenditures necessary to meet the expenses of these
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