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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1859
distinction between the North and the South. That to me for the last twelve or fourteen years has been a subject of deep and in- expressible regret. I have never heard that chord struck, but its vibrations were painful to me; and the other day, when gentlemen thought proper to avert to it, and when there was crimination and recrimination, I was deeply wounded. I had hoped that that subject was deeply buried, that it never would be resurrected again, at least within my hearing for the short period during which I am to occupy a seat on this floor. That good fortune, however, was not allotted to me. I had to hear the jarring sounds again, not of the death knell, but of agitation; and what its ulti- mate consequence is to be, I know not; I hope never the severance of this Union. I hope, I believe, that this Union is to be eternal. I cannot but think that if the bright capacity, the cultivated in- tellect, and the undoubted patriotism of gentlemen here could be subsidized to the great object of devising ways and means for the perpetuation of the Union, for harmonizing the discordant senti- ments that exist in the community, and reconciling difficulties, it would be a most desirable and commendable employment. It would seem, however, that they were rather devising causes and occasions of disagreement and alienation between the North and the South. Disunion has become a cant phrase. It is talked of familiarly. In olden times, it is within my recollection, when it was first sounded in the House of Representatives, when it was first suggested in the debate on the tariff of 1824, I thought that it was treason, and that the individual ought to have been crucified. It is no more acceptable to me now than it was then. It is more familiar, but that does not commend it either to my affection or to my judgment. Disunion, sir! You might as well tell me that you could have a healthy patient and a whole man, if you were to cut the main artery of his life. Have gentlemen ever reflected as to when, where, and how they are to begin disunion; and where it is to end? Will they cut the great Mississippi in two? Who is to have the mouth of it? Who is to command its source? Will it be those who agitate the subject, or are ultra upon it? Never, never! Look at the great West, rising like a giant. Think you they will be prohibited the privilege of commanding the great outlet of that river, when their productions are boundless and float upon its bosom every year and every day of every year? Sir, it is madness. I must remark to my honorable friend from Georgia 2 [Mr. Iverson] with all kindness of feeling personally, that when I heard his speech
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