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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1863
Once, actuated by a desire for the glory of my country as it then was, I presented to the American Senate a scheme for the regeneration of Mexico under American auspices. Then, I hoped for the future of a mighty nation, whose bounds alone would be the oceans that wash its shores. It seemed to me statesmanship to pluck the golden apple, ere other hands were stretched to reach it. The Protectorate over Mexico was rejected by the American Senate. Napoleon steps forward to grasp the prize which is beyond our reach, and we who are most interested have but to make the best of it. It seems to me, that if there is sagacity and diplomacy in our councils, the near neighborhood of French interests in Mexico will be the key to the problem whose solution will be our recognition, by part at least of Europe, as one of the family of nations. France, the antagonist of England always, is about to dispute with her the supremacy of commerce and trade. Her people, polite and social in their habits, have more affinity with the Southern character, than those of England. Her class of manu- factures and her character of trade, are more suited to the wants of our people. Though now willingly undergoing the privations incident to a blockade of our ports, peace will bring again a desire to purchase those luxuries to which our people have been accustomed. The versatility and imitative character of the French, will enable them to supply us with all those articles of c.omfort and necessity, which were formerly the product of Yankee ingenuity. While the English would endeavor to force us into the use of their cumbrous domestic machinery the French artisan would improve on Yankeedom and minister to our con- venience. Napoleon, ca~not fail to see here commercial ad- vantages, resulting from close relationship, as well as a total independence of England as to cotton and a carrying trade of the first importance. Commerce is necessary to us, and as our navy is weak, some nation must do our carrying trade. Here is a broad field alone for diplomacy. Napoleon in Mexico will have interests in the westward gulf which should harmonize with those people on its eastward bounds. If he has the trade of our South- ern ports, his fleets will be ever near to protect the Mexican interests against Yankee invasion, and in case of invasion by land, it surely would make considerable difference, whether their march was across the territory of a friendly sympathizing nation. France has besides no counter cotton interests to keep her aloof from us like England; but on the contrary, she has the desire to
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