414,
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 18tl5
The wish of every American statesman should be to preserve the concord and union of the States, and the desire of every Texian, to cede such rights, and privileges to the Union as would be just and proper. We should however retail~ all which would be necessary to us, as an equal member of the Confederacy, and part with none which we should require in our new position, with a hope of reclaiming them at a future day! Should we entertain such a hope, it might prove fallacious, and be productive of seri- ous and lasting discord. Texas, if annexed, will become a part of the U States, in opposition to the wishes of a large portion of the people of the union and a strong political opposition. If they are vanquished, they will still retain a strong prejudice against the cause, or object, of their defeat. The party favorable to the admission of Texas may, or may not, long retain power in the Union. While they retain power, Texas might do well, but if it once passed into the hands of the opposition, she would in all probability fare equally bad. For these reasons, I wish that whatever rights Texas, has, or might be entitled to should be defined and understood, and re- tained by her on her admission into the Union, and this can only be done thro the action of the Commissioners indicated by the amendment, and without which I feel fully satisfied, the Bill would not have become a law. The "consent of the existing Government" of Texas, is referred to, in one portion of the act, and that recognizes some option in our Executive! As to the mode by which the affair, (so far at least as Texas is concerned, should be conducted), to give validity to the measure ! If any commotion should arise in Texas or, a disregard of the constitutional authority, in consequence of the "basis" proposed, not being accepted, I should deem it most unfortunate for the fame and quiet of the President of the u· States, by thus furnish- ing a ground for his enemies to charge him, with producing the evil resulting from withholding the choice of the alternatives contained in the law, from the Executive of this country. You may find some who will express the wish, or intention even to resort to revolution to secure annexation, without knowing, one of the conditions imposed, or anything more than that it is some- thing about annexation. If by any irregular, mode, or by exciting sedition in the coun- try this expression of the popular voice could be had, and should be unanimous, in favor of the measure, it would be good cause
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