WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
128
binding upon them; and that some course will necessarily have to be adopted that will give security to our citizens and our transit through their country.. Nothing could be more conclusive .to my mind as to the expediency, at least, of an inquiry into the course that ought to be adopted. I have long been satisfied of the incapacity of these people for self-government. They have had the opportunity of the experi- ment for nearly, or more than a quarter of a century, and ·they have accomplished nothing of order, or regularity, of good govern• ment. Instead of advancing in civilization, and improvement, and good government, they are greatly deteriorated, and are becoming more wretched and more anarchical in their condition. Feeling this, I was anxious that we should make a grave inquiry into the subject of their condition; that we should know what our future relations were to be with these several nations, and whether or not they were to go on as they have done on our borders, insulting our people and annoying them, slaughtering them :when it suited their convenience, robbing and committing every outrage possible on them. It was necessary, I thought, to inquire into these circumstances; but I have met with but little countenance in the efforts which f have made. Mr. President,. it is an extraordinary thing that we are ap- prised that France, too, has arisen and has her eye on a consoli- dated Republic of these small States, under the protectorate of France. It is enough to alarm the United States and to direct their attention, with some degree of particularity and gravity, to the subject. France is not indifferent to the condition of the South American States. She has an imperial scepter, wielded by hands capable of controlling it. France has now a master, and when she bas a master, she is a mighty nation; she then shapes the nations of the earth about her; and that she should cast her eye to the transatlantic settlements and communities that are here in a situation to be appropriated to her ambition in the aggran- dizement of her commerce and her dominion, is not at all to be wondered at. Whilst we are lying here in tranquility, reposing with our arms folded, indifferent to the passing events of the world, they are directing their eyes to this side of it for the pur- pose of aggrandizement and monopoly. If we are to maintain the principles that we have set forth; if they are not to be to us, at some future day, a reproach, we have something to do. Are we to remain like a dog in the manger, contending that no one shall touch or lay hand upon this
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