WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1858
98
if no glory awaited her, she would at least be free from a sub- jection by might to wrong and shame. But, I will dismiss such thoughts from my mind, and indulge in their stead the pleasing belief that the Federal Constitution, the Constitution of our fathers, the Constitution of compromise between conflicting interests, will ever be found potent enough to overpower the most formidable sectional opposition which may be advanced against its provisions. Beyond it, there would be but little left worth living for. In conclusion, I trust, sir, that you will pass the resolution which I now send to the Secretary. Of the form of the protec- torate, I have said comparatively ·nothing. It will be for the committee, if ordered, to decide upon that, with such lights as may be placed before it. I have no preference on the sub- ject. It may assimiliate to that of Great Britain over the Ionian Isles, or to be entirely original in its character. No advantages in trade-intercourse ought to be claimed by us which should not become common to other countries, and no more authority exercised than would be indispensable to secure obedience to salutary law. I send to the Chair a preamble and resolution as a substitute for that which I before offered. I ask that it be read. The Clerk read as follows : Whereas, the events connected with the numerous efforts of the people of Mexico to establish upon a reliable basis an orderly system of self-government have invariably resulted in complete failure; and whereas, the condition of Mexico is such as to excite alarming apprehensions that she may precipitate herself into a wild condition of anarchy, and the more so as she has demonstrated, from time to time, her utter inability to suppress intestine commotions, and to conquer the hordes of ·bandits by which she is infested; and whereas, the United States of America, on account of the continental policy which they cherish and de- sire to enforce, can never permit Mexico to be resubjugated by Spain, or placed under the dominion of any foreign Power; and whereas, one of the most important duties devolving upon civ- ilized Governments is to exact from adjoining nations the observance of good neighborhood, thus shielding themselves against impending or even remote injury to their border secur- ity; Therefore, Resolved, That a select committee of seven be raised, to in- quire into, and report to the Senate, whether or not it is expedi- ent for the Government of the United States of America to
, I
l1 ,,
Powered by FlippingBook