474
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
The Executive, during the present session, will lay before the Honorable Congress a system of internal improvements; which will embrace the removal of obstructions in our rivers as well as the construction of roads and the erection of bridges, the want of which at this time operates as an almost insuperable obstacle to the planting interests of the country, in the transportation of their crops to market. The facilities possessed by Texas for work.,s of this character will enable us to make them with com- paratively small cost; and, by the plan in vie'\v, without the increase of taxation or the expenditure of any means necessary to the support of government. Reports and exhibits from the several Departments accomp&ny this communication; and the Executive will always be ready to furn~sh, with pleasure, such information to the Honorable Con- gress as may develop and explain the minutest transactions of the administration. The ability, fidelity and economy with which the business of the several Departments has been conducted leave him no ground for wishing to eschew the strictest examination, and on his o'Yn part, the most rigid accountability. The discharge of the duties which necessarily devolve upon the legislative and executive departments of government, in the present condition of our national affairs, cannot fail to inculcate a unity of action stimulated by a sincere and ardent desire to promote and advance the only objects for which governments are instituted. That the joint results of our joint labors may not only meet the expectations of our constituents, but that they may add to the general happiness and prosperity of the country, is my earnest hope. That our country has enjoyed frequent manifestations of the favor and kindness of an overruling providence, all must be duly sensible; and it should therefore be our unceasing care, by acts of justice and uprightness, to merit a continuance of divine favor; without which no people can be happy and no nation great or prosperous. 1 Jotwnals of the House of Representatives of the Revublic. of Texas, 8th Cong., 1st Sess., pp. 13-28. Executive Record Book, No. 40, pp. 262-273, Texas State Library. Crane, Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston, 315-326. The Morning Sta1·, December 19, 1843. The Rcd- Lander, January 6, 1844. Telegraph and Texas Register, December 20, 1843. The Telcg1·<i7>h also carried a severe criticism of more than two columns of this message. It said, in part, "The President's message is a document
Powered by FlippingBook