Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/152

 Texan navy to sail to the coast of Yucatan. A true history of the second administration of Gen. Houston as President demands these allusions to the administration which intervened. The contrast is not one involving the question of patriotism, but one involving the question of political sagacity.

The condition of the Republic at the close of President Lamar's administration was deplorable. Outrages had been committed upon peaceful Indian tribes, and the flames of savage war had been kindled all along the borders of Texas. A hostile marauding expedition had been sent into the very heart of the Mexican provinces. The little Texan navy had been sent to aid a revolting territory in making war upon Mexico, and Mexico was rousing all her force for a new invasion. The national debt had quadrupled; the public treasure had been so unskillfully managed, that Texan securities had depreciated from o?ie to ten for one; mail routes had been broken up; profligacy prevailed, and orderly and patriotic citizens began to regard the Government as virtually dissolved, and the country reduced to the very verge of ruin.

How different was the state of affairs two years before. Houston had overcome all difficulties then in the way of the advancement of Texas. Domestic and foreign relations, finances, and the administration of law, agriculture, and commerce were in sound, peaceful, and flourishing state. In no portion of the world had a civil government ever been established and consolidated in so short a space of time. Brave and true men surrounded Houston, and participated in the glory of the victory of San Jacinto; equally brave and true men surrounded him in the administration of civil affairs, and shared in the honors of success.

Before Gen. Lamar's term of service had expired, all who contemplated seriously the gloomy condition of the Republic, turned their eyes once more to Houston. Twice had he saved the country, and now for the third time was he called to the helm of State. Once more the lawless and the desperate began to fear the result of their crimes. It was not necessary for a Convention to nominate him. As he believed that the Republic and its Government could be saved, he came forward to the rescue, and by an almost universal feeling that he was the only man who could save Texas, and as he had led to victory and independence at San Jacinto, he was made President for a second time, in the very first hour when the Constitution would allow it. Nor did he enter upon his second term one moment too soon, if the events of the times furnish a key to the situation. A memorable scene illustrating the fact that there was never a time when Houston could not obtain a hearing, occurred. A stormy debate was about to close with the adjournment