WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
153
Texas superintendency, and bring them within' the control of the superintendent of the Texas Indians. [Johnson of Arkansas raised a question of fact.] Mr. Houston. General Rusk did not tell me so, that I recollect. It occurs to me that it was mentioned; but whether he told me these facts, I do not remember. I heard it asserted, and I never heard it contradicted, and I presume that the Secretary of the Interior will not gainsay aught that I have said. Previous to my leaving here, General Rusk, who remained ten days after the close of the session, assured me that it would be done, and must be done, or our frontiers would be broken up; and I took it for granted, from these facts, that it was done; and I have heard that it was. [Johnson stated that he was acquainted with the facts and that Houston was in error.] Mr. Houston. I see that it will take a greater time to explain the matter and bring it to the fair understanding of the Senate than I am disposed to occupy at this late hour. It is nine o'clock, and I would prefer that we should adjourn until tomorrow morn- ing. June 10. I was entitled to the floor early this morning, and yielded to the honorable chairman of the Committee on Finance. Again, when I was entitled to the floor, I yielded through courtesy, as he desired other business to be taken up. He has availed himself of my courtesy, and now inflicts on me the disagreeable duty of going into a discussion at this late hour of the night. I intend that the bright rays of tomorrow's rising sun shall come through the windows of these halls before I lose my privilege. Before commencing this argument, that I may be enabled to condense it within the nine hours between now and sunrise, I should be glad if the Senator from Arkansas would give some explanation of the reasons why he opposes the amendment. I desire to know the grounds upon which his opposition rests, that I may respond. Mr. Iverson, of Georgia. If the Senator from Texas will give way, I wish to propose a compromise. The Senator proposes to speak until sunrise; but I understand that if we now adjourn, he will occupy only half an hour tomorrow. If he will pledge himself to that, I will move an Adjournment.
Powered by FlippingBook