WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1859
227
nearly so satisfactory. Whatever may be anticipatory and by whom, I know not, for the purpose of devising some other plan; but I am satisfied that this plan, if carried out will be the most efficient for the preservation of peace, the most favorable for the civilization of the Indian, and a measure of protection for our frontiers. We have been subject to great annoyances and in- conveniences; we have been subject to acts of aggression on the part of the Indians, by leaving them at loose ends, as they have been heretofore, and without their feeling that they were ac- -countable to the government, or to the people of the United Stats, for their acts, or that they had any connection with them, or any amicable relations toward them. But when they receive their presents from the agents of the United States, and know that the receipt of the presents, and their continuance depend upcn the maintenance of peace, they will have regard to the stipulations entered into with them; they will regard it as a matter of faith that they should protect our frontiers rather than depredate on our citizens. Our frontier settlements are very sparse; they are very far extended. If one party is attacked, succor cannot be rallied to their immediate support, and the consequence is, that conflagation and carnage mark the progress of these wild Indians. Domesticate them, sir, habituate them to residences; bring them into connection with the United States, place confidential men in the agencies; then you will have nothing to apprehend. There is everything to hope from this policy. If you take an opposite policy, it will cost the Government millions of dollars. You may rally your whole army of the United States to the frontier of Texas, and it will not do as much good, with an expenditure of $5,000,000, as $25,000 will do distributed judic- iously amongst these tribes of Indians. Hence it is that I wish to see this policy carried out. It was wise in its inception; I gladly approved it when it was suggested. I thought it wise; but I could not, at that time have anticipated that a measure so salutary as I believe this will be in its effects, would be conceived. I readily embraced it as a measure of wisdom and one giving security_to a frontier that has been harrassed, I might say, for an age past. I hope that this amendment will not be agreed to. I hope that the Honorable Chairman of the Finance Committee [Mr. Robert M. T. Hunter, of Virginia,] will consider our condition and our necessities, and will look upon this reserve system as one dictated
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