Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/299

 left, and directed that no farther sales of scrip should take place by them, but that the means remaining in their hands should be immediately passed over to the special agent of the Government, and that they should render their accounts accordingly. To this subject the early attention of Congress is earnestly requested.

The Commissioners sent to the United States, for the purpose of negotiating a loan of five millions, have constantly reported so unfavorably of the money-market, that it was not deemed necessary to issue the bonds until recently. One of the gentlemen indicating a wish to retire, after having been much delayed on his journey by ill-health, and the other giving us no hope of being able to effect anything by present exertions, it was thought proper to permit them both to return, and others have been appointed, and proceeded to the United States with a part of the bonds, and with confident hopes of success.

The public domain of the country being the foundation of its finances, v/ill demand the most serious and enlightened judgment of Congress, and, from its importance, urge the necessity of adopting some secure system for the future government of that branch of our resources, and for the regulation of the rights which have been acquired under former laws in relation to it. The views of the Executive having been given during the last session of Congress in relation to the land bill submitted for approval, have undergone no change, but time has only given to them additional weight. By reference to the bill, it must be manifest to all that it is not adapted to our situation, and should it be permitted to go into effect the public interest must suffer injury, and the public faith, so far as it is concerned in the redemption of pledges based on her public domam, must also suffer serious prejudice. I would recommend that some plan be devised that will ascertain all the located lands of the country; this being done, the vacant lands will be readily indicated, and prevent, in future, conflict of titles. Unless some precaution of this character is adopted, endless litigation must be the consequence.

The subject of the undefined limits on our northeastern frontier, between the United States and this Republic, will require the action of Congress. The boundaries have been so well described by the treaty of 1819, between Spain and the United States, that little difficulty is apprehended in defining and establishing our just line, and obviating all trifling difficulties which may have at any time existed through a want of proper consideration. Provision for the appointment of a commissioner, to meet one on the part of the United States, is desirable. Connected with the subject of boundary is that of the Caddo Indians, inhabiting a portion of our northeastern frontier. By a treaty recently held with that tribe they have ceded certain lands to the United States, and have shown a disposition to amalgamate with the wild Indians within our unquestionable boundary, while late advices have assured me that the United States agent of the tribe has issued to the warriors rifles and ammunition. The condition and disposition of these Indians, as well as their thefts and murders upon our borders, have been subjects on which our ministers at Washington City have been advised and instructed to make immediate and urgent remonstrances to that Government, and I am well assured, from the character of the gentlemen, that they have not been wanting to their duty in this respect. The principal aggressions on our frontiers have either been instigated or perpetrated by the Caddos. It would be painful to suppose, under the circumstances, that the United States