WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1859
379
was a near neighbor to General Sam Houston. For Thomas Parmer's own account of his life history see Homer S. Thrall, History of. Methodism in Texas, 152-155. Also see D. W. C. Baker (compiler), Texas Scrap Book, 280; and Yoakum, History of Texas, I, 249, for some information concern- ing his father, Martin Parmer. See also Houston to Thomas Parmer, November 17, 1858, in this volume. INAUGURAL ADDRESS, DECEMBER 21, 1859 1 Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: Called from retirement by the voice of my fellow citizens, to the responsible position of the Executive of the State, I am not insensible to the delicacy and importance of the duties which devolve upon me. Having been withdrawn for years past, to the discharge of Federal duties, as Senator of the United States, I have not had the advantage of participating in the local affairs of the State, and have much to inquire into concerning its in- terests. I am aware that our local interests are varied and important, and feel pleasure in assuring my fellow citizens that my object will be to promote and advance every interest without regard to section, and use my best endeavors to develop our resources. To effectuate this object, and to meet the just expecta- tions of my fellow citizens, it will be necessary that I should enjoy and realize a hearty cooperation on the part of the people's representatives in consummating these desirable objects. My purpose, as well as my desire, will be to sustain such measures of policy as may have been introduced promotive of the public good, and to inaugurate and advance such others as will conform to the best interests of the community. Our insular situation imperatively demands the construction of railroads on an extended and practicable scale, commensurate to the growing importance of· our settlements, as well as to the production and commerce daily increasing in our country; at the same time a policy should be adopted and pursued which would secure the State against all imposition and insure the fulfillment of every charter granted and the accomplishment of every con- tract to which the government may be a party. The munificent grants made by the Government, hold out every inducement for the investment of capital and the employment of enterprise; and it is but justice to it that all fair requirements in its behalf should be exacted and conceded in return for its liberality. The improve- ments of our rivers so far as can be effected at a commensurate expence so as to render them navigable, where it is practicable, seems to me to be an object demanding fostering ca1·e of the
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