WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
109
such other papers as may be requisite; and to pay such duties and charges as are authorized by law. It will be further necessary that the Secretary of the Treasury, under the direction of the President, establish such ports of entry on the Sabine, and thence to the Red River on the boundary line of the United States and Texas and on the Red River, as may be deemed necessary and proper to insure the collection of all duties which, of right, belong to Texas. And should any person, or persons attempt to violate the laws by introducing goods for the purpose of avoiding the payment of duties, [he or they] shall forfeit all such articles in their possession as may be liable to the payment of duties. And in case of refusal on the part of any person or persons to conform to the laws and regu- lations, that the Collector shall have power to call on the Civil or Military authorities of any county where the call will be obeyed, and shall have the power to seize the goods wherever they may be found; and that when force shall be called out, it shall be at the expense of those on whose account it may have been called out; and that provisions and all other necessary supplies be fur- nished to the command which the time they may be absent from their homes may demand. I would most respectfully call the attention of the Hon. Senate to the suggestions communicated a second time to the Congress in relation to our circulating medium and the credit of the govern- ment. If some plan is not adopted by the present Congress in relation to our circulating medium and the credit of the govern- ment; if some plan is not adopted by the present Congress to sustain our national credit, it will be impossible to carry on the offices of the government, or to exist as a nation. It is in vain to suppose that any nation can exist without a currency and with- out means. We have none- we must have some, or we sink! I :feel myself constrained to make this solemn avowal, from a conviction of its melancholy truth. My duty is performed! I pray God to avert impending calamities from our unhappy country! Sam Houston. 1 "Messages of the Presidents," Co11g1·;ssio11al Prrpcrs: also Executive Rcc- 01·d Book, No. 40, pp. 122-123, Texas State Library. Telegraph and Texas Register, August 10, 1842.
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