WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
548
would seem to manifest that I was not blind to the consequences of that measure in my resistance to its adoption. Since then, I have deplored the misfortunes of the country, and that legislative construction was substituted for Judicial action. My earnest hope is, that as no possible benefit resulted to the section which I represented, no ultimate evil will befall the whole country from its adoption. I have in the past acted with and stood by the democratic party; but it was a national party. With the trickery and scheming, the bargain and sale of conventions, I have had nothing to do. The evil effects to the country of disregarding public opinion and puJting forward the choice of politicians, has been seen and felt by good men of all parties. At first something was due conven- tions, because they, to some extent represented the people. They have degenerated into assemblages, the majority of which repre- sent nobody but the hangers on of towns, while the bone and sinew of the country, are led to acquiesce in their action, under the pressure of the sectional question which now divides the country. Nor are these evils less apparent to a host of good national men, who form a minority of conventions. They cling to the hope that their presence and action will eventuate in some good-that they may act as a leaven to the lump of corruption and restore the days of pa-patriotism [sic] and honesty; but I call such to bear me witness, when I say that their efforts thus far have been unavailing. They are still hoping, and though such is not their object, they contribute vastly to the perpetuation of the corrup- tions, to which they are opposed. Their names and virtues furnish the props upon which politicians rest. Their associa- tion gives character to the proceedings and though their counsels are unheeded, the dictum of conventions, often wins the respect of the community, from their connection with them. Many such, anxious to escape from the evils which afflict the country and restore harmony and peace, yet regard this, as the only mode of embodying the public sentiment and are ready to attempt the system, void of its abuses; but they will find that the political atmosphere must first be purified by a great upheaving of the masses. Laudable as their object may be and pure as may be their motives, they will find that the corruptions and chicanery, which have characterized the proceedings of conventions, have so disgusted the people, that the moral force of their resolves will be lost. The popular chord, when touched aright, will vibrate in
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