Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/298



, May 5, 1837.

With peculiar pleasure I greet your return to the Capitol. At the adjournment of the last session, the country was under the apprehension of an invasion from our enemy, which created much solicitude, and had an unkind influence on our foreign relations. It was temporary in its effects, as was manifested in the recognition of our independence by the Government of the United States of America. We now occupy the proud attitude of a sovereign and independent Republic, which will impose upon us the obligation of evincing to the world that we are worthy to be free. This will only be accomplished by wise legislation, the maintenance of our integrity, and the faithful and just redemption of our plighted faith wherever it has been pledged. Nothing can be better calculated to advance our interests and character than the establishment of a liberal and disinterested policy enlightened by patriotism and guided by wisdom.

The plan of legislating for present emergencies, without reference to a general and permanent system, will render a government less stable in its institutions, and less prosperous in its progress, than it must be where a proper foundation is laid and a corresponding fabric is erected on its basis. Diversified interests must exist in every community, and that system which is best calculated to promote the general interest is the one which should be adopted and adhered to with fidelity. The representatives of the sovereign people, by a calm and deliberate discussion of the various interests of the different sections of our country, will be enabled to arrive at such conclusions as will induce them to adopt a course which must be in its effects both salutary and pleasing to every true patriot.

The views which must actuate every friend of the country will be the advancement of its glory and the happiness of its citizens. The present prospects of crops in our country is a subject of sincere gratulation, and, while it reflects lustre on the industry and enterprise of our citizens, it should inspire us with veneration and gratitude to a Divine Providence for this manifestation of His continued favor.

Among the various subjects of deep and vital interest to the country' is that of our finances. The demands on our treasury since the adjournment of Congress have been great, without the means of meeting them, and of rendering that aid which was in every way so desirable.

The several acts providing for the issues of land scrip to the agents specified have been complied with, and I regret to say that comparatively none of the responsibilities incurred by the laws have been met by these agents to whom the scrip was issued. A compliance with the conditions of the law placed the agents beyond the control of the Executive, and left it without resources, so far as the supplies of the army and navy were dependent upon the means placed in their hands. Repeated calls have been made upon them to render their accounts current to the proper department, but no response has been given, nor reason rendered for protesting the drafts which have been drawn upon them. This state of affairs being presented, the Executive resorted to the only