WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
244
When we advert to the history of our Navy from its first establishment to the present moment, we can not perceive a single instance wherein any important benefit has been conferred upon the country from its action. No advantage has been achieved. This remark has not been made from any disposition to reflect any disparagement upon the officers composing the naval corps, but is founded upon facts which are to be deplored, because they have encumbered us with debt, without producing any beneficial return. Had the one twentieth part of what has been expended for the purchase·and support of the navy been employed in con- structing fortifications for the defence of our harbors, the debt of Texas would have been at this day millions less, and our coasts and harbors in a much more favorable attitude of defence. A clamor induced the creation of the navy. Experience has taught us the impolicy of the measure; and now necessity propounds the question whether it is true policy longer to crush the energies of the government and depress the nation, by attempting to main- tain an establishment which experience tells us is utterly beyond our means? So long as we continue to present the semblance of Naval power, so long will the hopes and expectations of the coun- try be tantalized and at last disappointed. To give efficiency to our government it is proper that we should not permit any diversion of its energies. To economize our means and concentrate all our resources upon objects of un- questionable importance and utility should be our first purpose. If we, as a nation, had means sufficient or even if it were barely possible for us to maintain a Navy, the Executive might incline to the opinion that, though it might not be the wisest policy, yet if the fatal experiment had not been made, we might be excusable for a trial of the measure. But in our present destitute condi- tion, it is so manifest that we have not means to maintain the establishment that I do not hesitate in pronouncing a further experiment as deeply injurious to the public interests. If Texas cannot preserve her vessels from wreck and ruin for the want of a few hundred dollars, when they have cost us hundreds of thousands, how can she maintain the establishment even in its present dilapidated condition when hundreds of thousands yearly must be provided for its support? For naval people, shipyards, docks, mechanics, sailors, all are required. Texas has none of these facilities - not even for re- pairing a single vessel. She originates no seamen; and is de- pendent upon foreign ports and foreign countries for everything
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