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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1859
What did the ruling of her out mean? Was there nothing sec- tional in that? Was it intended to give a fair and impartial chance to all portions of the Union, and let them present their claims to the consideration of the Government? Why should not the Texas road come in competition with the roads in other por- tions of the country? Why not leave the terminus on the east to be determined by the eligibility of construction? For that I have voted. ' I am as anxious for the construction of a Pacific railroad, for the purposes which are designed, as the honorable gentleman from California; I desire it as earnestly as he does; but I desire it as a national object, and not as a sectional measure; and when- ever we come to consider it as a national object, I am willing that Texas shall compare her claims to preference with any other portion of the country; and if she is not entitled to it by superior advantages to any other section, I would not desire that a national work should be turned aside from its true purpose to subserve her interests; but I think it is only right that she should have a fair opportunity of bringing forward her claims in competition with those of other portions of the country. Hence I have been disinclined to promote several suggestions that have been made in relation to amendments to this bill; and I am still indisposed to do it, until I see that she is brought in fair and honest competition with other portions of the country. When that shall be done, I shall be prepared to vote for any measure that is fair and just; but not until then. But I cannot see that my colleague or myself have adopted a course which indicated a disinclination to see this work accom- plished; and now I most heartily, cheerfully, and cordially sup- port this proposition of the honorable Senator from Tennessee, so far as it goes, to receive proposals on three routes, or twenty if you please. I will vote for it with great cheerfulness. It is the only practical step that has yet been proposed, to my appre- hension, in relation to this whole bill. It has been manifest for days past that we were not going to adopt any railroad bill, and if we are to regard the work as one for future accomplish- ment, this is the first step that has been proposed to be taken in advance, and I am ready to vote for it. Are you going to de- termine to make a road without knowing any of the necessary antecedents to that determination? Is it not wise in us not only to calculate the cost, but to see the probabilities of effecting the object, and to adopt the means that will be best calculated for
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