WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1846
464
representatives abroad. For these reasons I can entertain no improper prejudice, nor desire a collision between the two nations. Were it in my power, I would not impose injustice upon England. But at the same time I assert that towards her I would act without reference to the power she may possess. In this. case we should act independent of all apprehensions of that power. We should take measures for ourselves, and, pursuing justice, treat her as though she had not a fortress on land, or a sail on the ocean. If the fear of offending England should dictate our policy, we would be driven, as I have before remarked, to concession after concession, until our boundaries would be curtailed, and we should be reduced within the limits of the good old thirteen States. We might expect trench after trench upon the extent of our territory, until we would be driven in from every outpost of the republic. Whatever is justly hers, at the expense of great national incon- venience, I would say let her have it, if we could not obtain it by the exchange of a fair equivalent. We should always bow to the majesty of principle. But in this case, until the rights of England are clearly ascertained and defined, I should be inclined to believe that our right to the territory in question was by no means inferior to that which she has assumed. I will not, Mr. President, attempt a discussion of the subject of boundary, because I consider it unnecessary, if not improper. That question poes not arise out of the resolution before the Senate, but would necessarily be appropriated to the diplomatic action of the two governments. Nor shall I now indicate what would be my course should a treaty be negotiated and submitted by the President. I think any avowals beforehand would tend, more or less, to increase the difficulties which at present exist in relation to the adjustment of the difficulty. Why? Because they tend but to make England more wary. They are calculated to induce her to abstain from proposals which she might other- wise make; and might render her more-haughty in her demands. If a treaty should be made, I would decide upon my vote when it should be submitted to this body. I will not even say for what boundary I may vote. If, by chance, opinions are expressed in this body favorable to the pretensions of England, and in furtherance of her views, it might induce her to withhold an offer of settlement which she may be ready to tender, and thus prevent the very object which we desire. She will never be prepared to take less than we are
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