4.12
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1845
required to "cede" to the U States, "all 1n1,blic edifices, fortifica- tions, barracks, ports, harbours, and navy yards, navy clocks, rnagazines, arms, armaments, and other prove1·ty & means per- taining to the public defence, belonging to the said Republic of Texas." It ought to have been considered, that, these enumer- ated means and property have occasioned a large portion of our national debt, and remain to be vaicl for by Texas. They have probably cost this nation not less, than one million of Dollars, and to admit that they are now worth only half that sum, would fix their value at a half million, which would be of great service in organizing a new government or governments and in clearing out our rivers and improving our facilities for transporting produce to market by means of roads. If Texas shall be required to surrender her property without receiving any remuneration, for the same, it can only be regarded in the light, of a payment, or tribute for our admission into the Union. If the resolutions of Mr. Brown, are to form the basis, of our admission, this objection cannot be removed, but, must remain, as a rebuke to us, in future days, for our hasty and inconsiderate action. By assuming the amendment,3 as a basis, many objections can be obviated, and by negociation, terms, less exceptionable may be adopted. If the President of the U. S. should appoint commissioners, and they should be met by cor- responding commissioners on the part of Texas, they could come to an agreement upon such terms as would be honorable, and just to both parties. The terms thus agreed upon could be sub- mitted to the people of Texas, in their popular capacity, and their votes taken thereupon at the September election for members of our Congress. If they were approved by their voice, then our Congress could act upon the expression given by the people, and wait for the action of the Government of the U States. If that Govt should accord in the action of this, then T'exas could more safely proceed to frame a constitution, adapted to her circum- stances. The reasons for this course, to my mind, are imvortant, and I may add indispensable in our present condition. The conditions prescribed in Mr. Brown's resolutions leave us no alternative, I am satisfied and would not have been adopted by the Congress of the U States, apart from the amendment. By the amendment the President of the U States, was allowed an alternative, as to the mode of presenting the subject to the Govert. & people of Texas, for their consideration and action. But as the alternative chosen might very materially affect the interests of Texas, it is to be hoped and expected its Govt. will
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