The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VII

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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858

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But I am not going to foster it, as a measure either for sectional or speculative purposes. I must have it as a great national measure. I believe we have the constitutional power to do it. I will only ask my honorable friend from Virginia [Mr. Mason], who doubts the constitutional power to construct a road of this character, by what constitutional authority have we gained pos- session of-California? Is the acquisition of territory incidental to a government? If it is, it is incidental to a government that it shall have power to pre~erve and defend that territory. When he answers my question I shall be prepared to answer his. It is a measure that we must look in the face. It is one of vital impor- tance, and we must.all lay our hands to it as a great and mighty work of national interest and concernment, divested of everything sectional or local in its character. If its accomplishment is to be secured, it must be done with united hands and united hearts, with reference alone to the public good and its accomplishment on the most reasonable terms that the national resources will justify. [Senator Broderick declared that cost of construction from Southern California to San Francisco would be greater than from Texas to Southern California.] Mr. Houston. Texas is constructing eight hundred miles of the road; and from San Diego to Fulton, on the Red River, is Mr. Houston. I do not want to occupy the time of the Senate either. It is rather accidental that I made any remarks, suppos- ing that another occasion would be offered when my remarks would be more germane, and I should have been better prepared for a clear exposition of the subject. But, sir, the gentleman calls a region of country which I say is one of the most fertile and desirable, a desert waste. For eight hundred miles in Texas, this route from Fulton, on the Red River, to the Rio Grande, runs through a beautiful country. Mr. Broderick. The Senator will allow me to explain. I did not speak of Texas; I know nothing about the soil of Texas; I spoke of the territory between Texas and California. Mr. Houston. I have never been in that country, and if it is as barren as reported, I cannot say that I would fancy to be there; but very often these matters are exaggerated. It happens, however, that other people get there. It was once a beautifully cultivated and inhabited country; so desirable was it, and so poorly was protection furnished to the inhabitants by the Mexi- only on~ thousand six hundred and eighteen miles. [Exchanges between Broderick and Houston.]

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