WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
77
property, should be the object, as it is the duty of the govern- ment. Unless continued and permanent protection is given to our frontier inhabitants, our settlements must recede from point to point, which will not only contract our limits, but have a tend- ency to create discontent and distrust in our capacity for self government. The infelicity arising from such a state of things, must arrest our prosperity and finally prove disastrous to the country. Were we to retaliate upon the enemy by aggressive warfare, we could at least impress them with the calamities which have thus far been incident to us alone; and create in them a desire for that peace which would be mutually advantageous to both parties. Can this be done without invasion on our part? · To enable us to adopt this course, the positive action of Con- gress will be necessary. It rests with them to decide. By the constitution, the power to call out the militia is given exclusively to Congress ; 3 and however great the necessity for calling them out might be deemed by the Executive, he would only feel authorized to do so in case of actual invasion or insurrection. Not having heretofore been an advocate for offensive measures, the Executive has looked with peculiar interest and solicitude to the subject- owing to our recent and present condition. If we could possibly anticipate the establishment of amicable relations with Mexico, from the mediation of any power mutually friendly, the urgency of action on the part of this government would be diminished, and we might hope to arrest evils which the conduct of Mexico seems to enforce upon us. Our citizens could cultivate their farms in peace, and grow rich by industry, while the emi- gration of foreign capitalists to the country would add to the national wealth and increase our store of intelligence and enter- prize. But from the manner in which offers of mediation have been received and treated by General Santa Anna, the Executive is confidently assured, upon the highest authority, that Texas can expect nothing from that desire. Being advertised of this fact then, we must assume an attitude that will protect us from future inconvenience and danger. Should the Honorable Congress, however, deem it unwise or impracticable to invade Mexico, and think proper to place at the disposition of the Executive, an amount comparatively trifling, with power to establish such regulations as he may think proper, he will be enabled to maintain such a force on the Southwestern
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