Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/212

 American public is quite another thing. Here the multitude is omnipotent. The settlers in Oregon have a strong claim to protection. He gave a history of the proceedings of the United States as to Texas, and said: "While she was poor her call was disregarded, but when she had power she was courted. When she could bring a kingdom for her dowry, and a nation for her jewels, she was received on an equality as a sister State." War, it had been stated by Mr. Macon, is necessary once in every generation, or thirty years. It has some advantages; among which were the draining off of the restless and dissatisfied, who might be killed off to the benefit of the remainder of society. It also was a means of disciplining men to habits of subordination, to rules of order. He paid a passing tribute to Gen Jackson, stating that whether his policy was, in the abstract, right or wrong, he had built up the glory of the country. "Tell," he exclaimed, "the hero who has fought your battles victoriously, that he shall be disqualified for civil office, and how many will you find hereafter willing to expose their lives on the field of death!" He would never encourage the dread of military chieftains. They are men like others, subject to common infirmities; but public sentiment would apply a sure corrective.'

Mr. Crittenden next day continued the debate. He said that Mr. Jefferson, in 1807, wished to extend settlements beyond the Rocky Mountains. Mr. C. was in favor from history of giving the notice. The danger of war would influence both nations. If any principle of honor was at stake, as the Senator from Texas had intimated yesterday, the cost of war ought not to be counted. Yet it should be avoided if possible. He smiled at the attempt of the Prussian king, and of M. Guizot, the French statesman, to keep the balance of power, for nature will give us the dominion. But he could not go with the Senator from Texas in declining compromise.

Here Gen. Houston interposed that the Senator from Kentucky had improperly committed himself to an unpatriotic concession. Mr. Crittenden responded: "The Senator from Texas does not bring back to the brotherhood, to which he has been readmitted, warmer American feeling than he found here around him." Various amendments were proposed; Houston adhering to strong statement. The final vote for giving the notice was passed, 40 to 14. In this debate Houston showed himself the peer of statesmen like Crittenden and Webster; the military spirit only adding decision to the cool judgment of the civilian.

On May 28th Houston proposed a vote of thanks and a sword to Gen. Taylor, for his victory at Buena Vista, near the borders of Texas. It was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs;