470
WRITINGS OF SA.M HOUSTON, 1846
have filled civil stations have achieved victories, and secured liberty to mankind, and passed off without abuse of their power. The history of those who led the revolutionary armies of America afford evidence of the truth of my assertion; for when they had conquered in the field they voluntarily laid down their command, and submitted to the civil authorities of the country. They co-operated with their influence and power, to create and establish, but not to overturn, constitutional government. What did the military leaders, who have filled the presidential chair, to justify such apprehension? \iVhatever may be thought of the policy of the last greatly distinguished military leader who occupied that station, or whether that policy was right or wrong, it cannot be denied that after defending his country in war, he left it in peace, prosperous and happy. His whole aim and effort was through life to oppose and put down whatever he believed injurious to liberty, and to uphold whatever, in his judgment, would promote the freedom and safety of his country. A man who has sacrificed most to secure the glory and independence of his country, need not be excluded from a participation in the civil advantages and happiness which his valor and discretion have secured to his fellow-citizens. To the army and navy of the country, do you in a great measure owe the splendid destiny which makes you the envy of the Old ·world. What encourage- ment would it be to men to brave the front of battle where danger lowers, and to charge through the serried ranks of opposing thousands, to expel the invader from your soil, to know that the moment he had achieved the victory and sheathed his sword, he was for those very deeds to be proscribed from civil honors and posts of profit and distinction, and that the brave soldiers who fought under his orders, and by his example, were to be excluded from the lowest magistracy in the land ! The dread of military chieftains will never induce me to avoid a war that may be necessary for the defence of my country's rights. I admit freely that there are many would-be heroes who have been the most pestiferous members of a civil community, and the greatest curses of their country. I would give to military men no special advantages. I would let them enjoy like rights and privileges with others, and no more. The dread of the mischievous influences to arise from war to civil liberty, in the United States, would never induce me to vote either for or against the notice now proposed. I do not believe that this question has been introduced with any view to operating on the next presidential election, nor with
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