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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
them as well as on the Coloradians. By this stratagem they were brought in. Now, sir, so long as the Indians know that it is through the instrumentality of the people of Texas, or by the direction of the Government that the goods pass through Texas to the agency, and that it is under the superintendency of a Texas agent, they will not rebel against him, and will cease to annoy us or to afflict us. It will give us protection. It will take nothing from Arkansas, because there are counties intervening between it and Arkansas, and it has no more connection with Arkansas than it has with Kansas or Missouri. There is no object in keeping it as it is-none on the face of the earth, except to swell a superin- tendency· and increase the responsibilities. I am sure if the superintendent was consulted, he would say give it up. I know him. All that he wants is to do his business well. He is a man of integrity and ability, and I am sure if he could be here, he would say give it up; because it is no advantage, only that the goods they receive are transported up the Arkansas river, and across to Fort Smith, and I believe everything· pays toll that touches there, and storage and transportation and all those things. I want it done in the cheapest way, and that is through Texas. Have I any authority for what I have been saying? I will bring the highest authority, the sovereign authority of the State of Texas, to see whether I am borne out in insisting upon the regi- ment of rangers for our protection. Governor Runnels, under date of 28th of May, in writing to the delegation here, after referring to a report made by him, says: "If it is the intention of the President to order out the Texas regiment, why is it not done? The existing evils are unbearable. And besides, it is unjust that our State should be taxed with this, at best a temporary protection, which she is now compelled to afford, without the assurance of obtaining remuneration from it hereafter from the Federal Government, whose duty it is. Ag- gravated by the recent defeat, there is too much reason to believe that a general descent will be made, our entire line of frontier broken up and devastated, without some prompt and early action by the authorities at Washington. You will therefore confer with the President and Secretary of War, and urge them to action, with the least possible delay." This is the language of Governor H. R. Runnels, of Texas, I need offer no comments on this. He is there and knows the facts.
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