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WRITINGS Ol~ SAM HOUSTON, 1858
114
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Under these circumstances, and with these impressions, I am prepared to vote against the bill before us, believing that even if such a measure were proper, this is not the time to adopt it, as we shall require the most efficient aids possible to maintain our position on the ocean as a maritime Power; and I cannot believe that any good will be brought about by this measure. Furthermore, the multiplication of seamen and seafaring men will be of advantage to the section of country which I represent, for it will produce competition in the carrying trade. As our products are of a character that require a commercial marine to transport them, I think the increase of a marine force will be of advantage to the South. Therefore, I am willing to encourage that policy which is calculated to increase the number of our seamen and our competition in the carrying trade in time of peace, an~ then, in the event of war, we shall be in a better situation to meet its emergencies.
1 Congressional Globe, 185!7-1858, Part 3, pp. 2238, 2239.
REMARKS ON A BILL CONCERNING THE HOMESTEAD 1 May 22, 1858. Mr. Houston. Without designing to commit myself exactly to all the provisions of this bill, I must object to the amendment of the honorable gentleman from North Carolina. I cannot see how the object of the Senator who introduced the bill would be accomplished by giving this universality to its provisions, nor can I see any benefits to result to the country from that. He contemplates an increase of revenue from the plan he has de- . vised, and argues very reasonably that, by setting on alternate quarter sections, the remaining quarter sections will be so much more valuable that the Government of the United States will be benefited. With a single eye to revenue, I am inclined to believe it would enhance the value of the remaining portions of the land if one-half of our entire domain were given away in alternate quarter sections to actual settlers. If you grant to each occupant of the soil a quarter section upon condition that he resides upon .it for five years, improves and cultivates it for that length of time, I think it may be regarded as a consider- ation remunerating the United States for the value of the uncul- tivated wild land when he went upon it. If this is the consid- eration that is to be given, I think, so far as the Government is concerned, it would be an exorbitant remuneration for the
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