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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
104
REMARKS ON A MEXICAN PROTECTORATE 1
April 30, 1858. Mr. Houston. I move to take up the resolution which I intro- duced some time since, with a view to amend it and refer it to a special committee. [The motion was agreed to.] ... Mr. Houston. I move the amendment which I sent to the table, and which has been printed, to strike out after the word "whereas," and insert: · "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 condi- tion 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 con- tinental policy which they cherish and desire to enforce, can never permit Mexico to be subjugated by Spain, or placed under the dominion of any foreign Power; and whereas one of the most important duties devolving upon civilized governments is to exact from adjoining nations the observance of good neighborhood, thus shielding themselves against impending, or even remote injury to their border security: Therefore, Resolved, That a select committee of seven be raised to inquire into and report to the Senate whether or not it is expedient for the Government of the United States of America to declare and maintain a protectorate over the so-called Republic of Mexico, in such form and to such an extent as shall be necessary to secure this Union good neighborhood, and to the people of said country the benefits of an orderly and well-regulated republican govern- ment. [Conversation followed concerning reference to a committee.] I icongressional Globe, Part 2, 1857-1858, pp. 1891, 1892. MAY-JUNE, 1858 REMARKS ON THE BILL FOR THE RELIEF OF DE VISSER AND VILLARUBIA 1 May 14, 1858. Mr. Houston. I do not know that I comprehend this subject very perfectly; but from' all I have heard of it, I have come to
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