WRITINGS OF SA:i\I HOUSTON, 1842
207
done, of vital importance to the citizens. They have taken their position .on the frontier and sustained themselves under every disadvantage. They have claims upon the sympathies as well as the protection of the country. No doubt can now be entertained that the prime object of the enemy is to molest our frontiers and harrass and annoy our sea- board. To use such precautions as their policy will enjoin upon us, should be equally the primary object of the Honorable Con- gress. Since assurances of undoubted character have been given, that the enemy are strengthening themselves by water, every means has been employed and precaution taken to render abortive any attack which they might make upon our sea board. The port of Galveston is now in a condition of defence more efficient than could be expected when we take into view the means placed at the disposition of the government and the necessity of relying mainly upon the contributions and labor of the citizens of that place. Colonel George W. Hockley, an officer of skill and great efficiency, was appointed Acting Colonel of Ordnance by the Executive and assigned to the duties of Engineer and Ordnance officer for that station, to continue during the emergency which enforced the necessity of his appointment. For the want of means every possible embarrassment has been presented to the administration. Texas in truth presents an anomaly in the history of nations; for no country has ever ex- isted without a currency, nor has any government ever been administered without means. The transition from a state of things where, unrestricted and unlimited extravagance prevailed and disbursements were made without appropriations by Con- gress, to a state of things, where we are without means, without appropriations and without disbursements is well calculated to bring odium upon the administration of the government, unless examination is made into the causes which have led to its situa- tion and the circumstances which have involved it in its present unfortunate dilemma. Aware of the attitude in which the country must be placed, the present Executive, upon coming into office, recommended such measures of finance as he was satisfied would to some extent relieve the existing embarrassments and eventually extricate the country from its involvements. The system recommended was not adopted. The issue of Exchequer bills, the representative part of the system was adopted, but the fomula-tfon of the issue
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