Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/129

Rh rushed to Texas, hoping to attract a notoriety which they had in vain sought for in the calmer scenes of life.

A frontier population would not submit to the reins of government held by the Provisional Government of 1835, and the administration of 1836. The people saw that at that time there was only one man in Texas who could sway the multitude, whose strong hand would steady the vessel of State through the boisterous surges; that that man was Sam Houston, the hero of San Jacinto; and when he consented to accept the Presidency, by acclamation they offered it to him.

The rare qualities which make the great General had been displayed by him. The brilliant victory of San Jacinto had been won by the qualities of strategy and heroism. The loftier and nobler qualities which fit one for a cabinet, needed to organize a government which would secure peace, power, and prosperity at home, and command the respect of civilized nations abroad, were now required, and the sequel will prove that they were not required in vain. Gen. Houston was triumphantly elected; Senators and Representatives of the Congress of the Republic of Texas were chosen at the same time.

On the 3d day of October, 1836, these delegates assembled at Columbia, and organized the first Congress of the Republic. The President ad interim, Hon. David G. Burnet, tendered his resignation on the morning of the 22d of October. A resolution was immediately passed by the Congress, "that the inauguration take place at four o'clock, this day," A committee was appointed by both Houses to wait upon the President-elect, and at four o'clock he was introduced within the bar of the House of Representatives. The oath of office was administered by the Speaker, who proclaimed Sam Houston President of the Republic of Texas.