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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184-3
471
had a fair and favorable opportunity for secure and profitable investment. Our public domain comprises at least one hundred and fifty millions of acres of choice lands, which have been and are now held subject to the redemption of our public debt. The adaptation of our climate and soil to the production of the great staples of the southwestern states of the American Union, is perhaps superior to that of any other upon the North American continent. These lands may be easily acquired under existing laws by all holders of our promissory notes at two dollars per acre. The opportunities thus presented to foreigners, or non residents, to become possessed of them are certainly desirable. Our constitution inhibits foreigners from holding lands unless the title emanate directly from the government to the purchaser, -which would be the case under the law alluded to. A large portion of our national debt was created by the issuance of promissory notes at six for one; that is at a par value of sixteen and two thirds cents in the dollar-and many of them have been obtained by the present holders at a much lower rate. Hence, the real price at which our choice public lands may be acquired will not exceed thirty three and one third cents per acre. As a further evidence of the disposition of the government to comply, as far as possible and as soon as possible with its engage- ments, it may be mentioned that all land dues and fees for patents as well as all the taxes assessed previous to the last year, large amounts of which still remain unpaid, are yet receivable in the promissory notes of the government. From these facts, it must be apparent to all, except the eye of prejudice, that Texas has never entertained the design of repudiation. Had such been the case, these laws, providing for the redemption of our promissory notes, \vou!d not have remained in force. The Executive has looked upon the question whether our lia- bilities were legally or judiciously incurred, as one not proper to be examined; but, simply, whether the national faith is in- volved in their redemption. He has heretofore, and will ever continue to set his face against every measure which may even have the appearance of sullying the national character. He sees neither reason nor necessity for deviating from this course. He is clearly of opinion that our public faith should be, and will be held sacred, and that all our obligations will be redeemed to the uttermost cent, at the earliest period our means will justify.
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