WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
144
now upon us. We are in trouble, but that trouble has not been brought upon the country by the present administration. It existed when the present Executive came into office. Our difficul- ties have not been increased, but are only the more manifest, because the evils produced by the last are fully disclosed in the poverty of our present condition. The present Executive has not hundreds to expend where the last had millions. To this may justly be ascribed our present destitute and distressed situation. In the face of these truths all faithful and just men will look to the cause of the evils existing. First, see what can reasonably be done, and then unite in supporting the country without en- deavoring to destroy all confidence in the Chief-magistrate with- out showing that he is not worthy of confidence. Idle words and abuse will not make manifest his guilt or misconduct. See, also, that he has the means and that he withholds them from the public service; or that he can do more than he has shown a disposition to do, and then let his cunstituents abuse him.- Facts establish the guilt or innocence of men, but not the loud words which are spoken abusive of men, because they happen to be in office. l:Jntil such facts are established, I will pursue such a course as my duty, in accordance with the best knowledge which I have of the true condition of the country, will inculcate. It would seem to me proper for those who condemn my course and conduct, to show that they have higher claims to patriotism than I have been able to establish, or that I have some motive for opposing the best interests of my country. To those who apply the kind terms and epithets of enemy and traitor to me, I can only reply, "I. have done as much for my country as you have, and have realized as little as you could have done from it." If those who seek to create discontent or destroy confidence in the government and its officers, are directing against the Presi- dent every shaft which they hope will wound, would step forward and level their rifles against the Mexican enemy, when desired to do so by the President, it would have a tendency to give more protection to the frontier than all the abuse that can ever be directed against him. While in Congress, and as President, my constant desire has been to afford protection to the frontiers and secure to it peace. My evidences are of record. I asked of Congress, if they could do no more, at least to enable me to keep two companies in service for that purpose. I could not obtain the aid solicited. Twenty thousand dollars was all that was allowed for the protection of the entire frontier.
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