WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
408
avenues of government, affecting the discharge of official duty, of whatever grade, and controlling the operations of govern- ment, legislative and administrative. The office of the Executive falls into my hands at a peculiar period in our history as a State. Contemplating alone the vast- ness of its extent, the diversified interests of its people, and the character of its resources, yet undeveloped, there is enough to demand continued labor and attention, in order to apply the benefits of government with sound discretion, and a proper regard to the relative demands of each interest; but apart from these, a considerable portion of our State bordering on the Rio Grande River is in a state of tumult and war, our frontier is unprotected and harassed by Indians, and our Treasury which we have hithereto regarded as of exhaustless capacity, consid- ering the probable expenses of government, is without a dollar subject to appropriation, beyond the amount necessary to defray the current expenses of government for the present year. Difficulties like these impelled immediate action. The peace and security of ,the State being a paramount object, my atten- tion has first been directed toward quieting the disorders upon the Rio Grande, and providing for the defense of our settle- ments against Indian depredations. With a due regard for the dignity of the State, should be united a desire to maintain peace within our limits. The bloodshed, the ravages, the desolation of an intestine war are to be considered ; nor should we lose sight of the immense cost of prosecuting it. If, by the use of those means known to humanity and the laws of nations, such disturbances can be quelled, all the considerations mentioned demand their exercise. Possessed of no information going to show the cause of the disorders existing upon the Rio Grande, the Executive could but act upon the fact of their existence; and accordingly on the 28th of December I issued a proclamation, which was printed in the English and Spanish languages, for circulation in that region; and a copy of the same is herewith submitted.z This course is not only justified by precedent, but it is founded upon the principles of justice and humanity. Without assuming to know the origin of the disorders, it warns the offenders against the law of consequences of further rebellion, and exhorts a return to duty. If productive of the desired end, the saving of blood and treasure which would accrue would be considerations which should far outweigh the promptings of 1·evenge, or the appeals of hostility against a race already degenerate from oppression.
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