WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1859
361
herself, she is powerless to protect the rights of our citizens in her limits. Our commercial relations with her are subject to unjust restrictions and our citizens engaged in her trade at the mercy of brigands or rival chieftains. Unable to rest [r] ain the Indians on her borders, they make incursions upon us, and when they have plundered and murdered our frontier settlers, return to her limits and are beyond the reach of punishment. Our slaves flee from their masters and find refuge among her people and we are unable to reclaim them. The destiny of the American people too points in that direction. My object was to create a protectorate which would be self-supporting. The resources of Mexico are immense. Establish peace within her limits, protect her people in their homes, rid them of ruinous exactions, and no country upon God's earth would smile more bounteously to reward industry. The infusion of American energy would develop her incalculable stores of wealth. Her mines would pour out untold millions, and gradually under the influence of our insti- tutions, the country would become Americanized and prepared for incorporation into our Union. A void the result as we may, it is bound to come. Would it not be wisdom to exercise the sagacity of statesmen and before the land is destroyed amid the flames of civil war, stretch forth our hand to save it. Those who prate about free-soil, with reference to Mexico, know nothing of the character of the institution of slavery. The institution too has its destiny. Wherever it may be profitable, there will it go, and who will pretend to say that the great valley of Mexico is not fitted to slave labor. But apart from this, whether Mexico remains intact or becomes consolidated with us, should we not pursue such a course with regard to her as will ensure protec- tion to our citizens, and enable us to maintain commercial rela- tions with her? If we do not interpose to keep her on her feet and in the exercise of the qualities of government, her overt acts in violation of our rights and the sanctity of our flag will become so flagrant that we will be compelled to seize upon her for "in- demnity for the past and security for the future." Or shall we wait until she becomes the prey of foreign powers, who would make her the means of annoying us and threatening our security? Statesmanship and humanity alike dictate our course. The pro- tectorate would not only be self-sustaining, but it would afford a revenue. Beyond that the benefits to our people at large, from an increased commerce, would be great. In her present condition the wealth of Mexico is squandered. Neither herself nor the world without is benefitted. Let her have a good government
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