WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1846
469
with her as warm attachments to republican institutions as those of any other State represented in this chamber. If she did not make her advent with all the paraphernalia of bridal array, she brought a nation for her dowry, and the hearts of freemen for her jewels. In the course of this debate the subject of war has been adverted to with its demoralizing influence and desolating con- sequence. It was a maxim of the venerable Macon that war was necessary to such a government as ours at least once in every thirty years. I hope that condition of things has run out with us, and that wisdom will obviate the necessity for many years to come. Yet war may sometimes be productive of good; it may be a means of ridding a community of restless and turbulent spirits whom nothing can govern but the iron rod of military rule. It embodies such men at least, and places them in a situation where, if they are not killed off, they must submit to control, and are rendered subordinate to law; and if they should survive the dangers of battle, they return better members of the community. Vvar has its evils, but not to the extent, or of the character, imagined and described by an honorable senator. The last war of the United States was not entirely productive of evil; on the contrary, it called forth the energies of the people, and advanced us in the march of improvement at a rate unexampled in the history of mankind. It was, no doubt, one of the agents employed in developing the resources of American mind and enterprise. I am far, however, from advocating war as a principle of this government. I desire peace, where there is a prospect of its proving more advantageous than war. I would rather remain a little stationary than to run the hazards of war. But while I admit that peace ought to be pursued and cultivated, I hold another great principle of government, and that is, always to resist oppression. If, to maintain this principle, war should become necessary, I would endure it. War, with all the evils attendant in its train, is preferable to national degradation, or the loss of empire. What people ever remained free that did not pay a price for their freedom? The government has to be supported at every hazard; and if, in doing this, war should come upon us, we must meet it as a necessary evil. As for the pernicious i-nfluence apprehended from generals who have suc- cessfully led the armies of their country, I cannot assent to it. If admitted, it would be an argument against war under any circumstances. Men as pure and patriotic as any of those who
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