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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184-2
improvement; and a war without means is not calculated to en- sure the attainment of the object. Though not in a situation to regularly invade Mexico; under the direction of the Executive, sustained alone by the patriotism cf our citizens, Texas will be able, for a comparatively trifling amount, to carry on a retaliatory war, or, at least, to give pro- tection to our Southwestern frontier.. Should our independence not be acknowledged by the mediations which are now going on, and the interference of powers which have recognized our inde- pendence, by the meeting of the regular session of Congress, by which time it may be possible to realise some means, the country will then be in a situation at least as favorable for offensive war as it is at the present moment. It is manifest that the Executive, previous to that time, could not realize these means from the resources placed at his disposi- tion by the present bill, and be able to make their application to any valuable purpose. He is however, resolved to annoy and injure the enemy in every way and with every means that may be in his power. The Executive is authorised by the bill to keep the navy at sea. To do this requires immediate means. Less than the sum of thirty thousand dollars in hand, will not enable the fleet to sail. At this time it is of vital importance to the country that it should do so. The proclamation of blockade has gone forth, in- duced by an assurance that the Navy could be put in a state of preparation and immediately take possession of the gulf against our enemy. But owing to the depression in the money market and the entire want of credit on our part, it has been found im- possible to effect this object. The government has no means; and months and perhaps years must elapse before the resources proposed to be placed at the disposition of the Executive could be converted, if ever, into means available for fitting out the Navy. The emergency is instant and pressing, and what can be done? Experience teaches us that without means we cannot maintain a war. The emigrants who have arrived in the country, came in violation of the express requisitions of the Executive as to their clothing and· supplies of provisions. They did not bring with them the means necessary to their subsistence for even a short time. There have not been public means to sustain them. Private resources are now exhausted-liberality is worn down; and if the few who are now here cannot be sustained for the
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