Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/142

 form, she will erect a monument to R. J. Walker, and place it conspicuously in the grand temple which she was destined to erect for those who signalized their friendship for her liberties, in her day of trial.

The Republic, in gratitude, ordered a portrait of Wm. C. Preston, and a bust of Robert J. Walker to be procured for her Capitol, The last official act of Gen. Jackson was to put his pen to the paper approving the resolution, recognizing Texas as an independent State.

The seat of Government was removed in March, 1837, from Columbia, on the Brazos, to, Houston. There was but one house at that time at the location, for it was neither village nor town. This house, a mere cabin just erected, served as the abode for the President of the new nation. The growing grass carpeted the ground, which was the only floor of this new residence. From its position, as the highest point of navigation on Buffalo Bayou, which empties into Galveston Bay, Houston attracted attention, population rushed in, and in a short time comfortable public buildings were erected.

In regard to the future, Gen. Houston's policy was, if possible, to secure annexation to the United States. The proposition for annexation had once been rejected by the Government of the United States. Public feeling had not reached the height of the grand argument for its necessity. Houston did not cherish expectations of the early success of this great measure. Keen-sighted and sagacious statesmen saw in the consummation of annexation, that many elements of mutual power and prosperity would accrue to both countries.

Failing to secure annexation, Houston was determined to conduct the Government on such principles as would secure confidence abroad and inspire hope at home. He resolved, therefore, to lay the foundations of the Republic of Texas deep and strong; to harmonize antagonistic factions, never to weaken the State with a public debt, to be the ruler of the nation and not of a party or a clique.

In no part of his public life did Gen. Houston show the exalted powers of a profound statesman in a more remarkable degree than in the policy which governed his intercourse with the Indian tribes occupying the territory of Texas. As a population, they then outnumbered all the inhabitants of Texas. They were ferocious and unconquerable. The Comanches, especially savage and numerous, lived in the saddle, fleetly moving with their women and children, wherever their necessities or passions might carry them. Up to the present hour they are the terror of civilized people. To cultivate and maintain friendly relations with powerful and warlike savage