Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/141

Rh most satisfactory reasons: "Our character requires that we should neither anticipate events nor attempt to control them." Referring to annexation, he further said, "Necessarily a work of time, and uncertain in itself, it is calculated to expose our conduct to misconstruction in the eyes of the world." In another message on the 22d of the same month, after discussing the question, he expresses the opinion that it would be impolitic yet to recognize Texas as an independent State, and proposes then to acquiesce in the decision of Congress.

On the 12th of January, 1837, Hon, Robert J. Walker, Senator from Mississippi, introduced the following resolution before the U. S. Senate:

"Resolved, That the Stale of Texas, having established and maintained an independent Government, is capable of performing those duties, foreign and domestic, which appertain to independent governments; and it appearing that there is no longer any reasonable prospect of the successful prosecution of the war by Mexico against said State, it is expedient and proper, and in conformity with the laws of nations, and the practice of this Government in like cases, that the independent political existence of that State be acknowledged by the Government of the United States."

A strange and unreasonable war had been made by the American press, against the interests and advancement of Texan liberty. Popular prejudices swayed and controlled the votes of some Senators. Coolly biding his time, Mr. Walker moved that his resolution be made the order of the day for the 18th of January. When that day came, other business crowded it aside. After several ineffectual efforts to decide the question, the resolution was brought up on the 1st of March for final action.

A brilliant and able debate occurred. The resolution of Mr. Walker was sustained by William C. Preston, John J. Crittenden, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun. Their mastery of the facts of history and persuasive eloquence, aided the Mississippi Senator in the achievement of the most important act of his life. Henry Clay spoke of Texas with the generous enthusiasm of his noble nature. He declared unhesitatingly, that the Constitution of the Republic of Texas, as a whole, was superior to the Constitution of the United States. Had Mr. Clay pursued the same course on the subject of annexation, eight years thereafter, he would probably have been the successor of John Tyler as President of the United States. The resolution was adopted by a small majority. To the efforts of Robert J. Walker must the success of the measure be attributed, and his name is now everywhere spoken of with honor and gratitude. When Texas reaches the point where gratitude will take