Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/312

 humble them. Neither can we pursue with the hope of exterminating- them. Millions have been expended in the attempt, and what has been the result? War and theft are their vocation; and their incursions are made upon us with impunity. We can not pursue them with success. Our citizens, so continually harassed, are dispirited. Industry and enterprise are alike embarrassed; the former prevented, and the latter discouraged. How far it is necessary for Congress to provide for the attainment of these objects is referred to their consideration.

In commencing my official duties, it was reasonable to suppose I should have found the ordinary facilities of conducting the affairs of government. On the contrary, I find it in a condition more deplorable than it was at the period of its commencement. There is not a dollar in its treasury; the nation is involved from ten to fifteen millions. The precise amount of its liabilities has not been ascertained, nor does the Executive expect, deprived as he is of the means of transacting the public business, to be able to ascertain its true condition within any reasonable time. Business connected with some of the important branches of the different departments has remained unsettled and unascertained for the last three years. Until its true condition is known the adequate remedies can not be applied. We are not only without money, but without credit, and, for want of punctuality, without character. At our first commencement we were not without credit, nor had a want of punctuality then impaired our character abroad or confidence at home. Patriotism, industry, and enterprise are now our only resources, apart from our public domain and the precarious revenues of the country. These remain our only hope, and must be improved, husbanded, and properly employed.

As my predecessor recommended no definite course in relation to our finances, I will not hesitate in recommending the only plan which, to my mind, appears practicable and efficient. View it as we may, it will at least find justification in necessity. We have no money—we can not redeem our liabilities. These facts are known, and we had as well avow them by our legislation as demonstrate them by every day's experience. I would, therefore, recommend to the honorable Congress a total suspension of the redemption of our liabilities to a period sufficiently remote to enable the Government to redeem, in good faith, such as it ought to redeem. It is known to the Executive that, to a considerable amount, they have been justly incurred, whilst he has reason to believe that many will be brought forward not by any means entitled to governmental consideration. To attempt a redemption of our present liabilities by taxing our population to the amount necessary would be to them ruinous. Much as we might have deprecated this course of policy, we have now no other remedy left. The evil is upon us. While many just claims are thus deferred, we can only refer our creditors to our inability to pay our debts.

To sustain our present system of government, it is proper that we should adopt such a course of policy as will not prove insupportable to its citizens, and at the same time provide for its necessary expenditures and preserve a due advertency to our existing obligations. I would, therefore, recommend that the law authorizing the assessment of double taxes be repealed; that the direct tax be reduced one-half, and that all taxes hereafter assessed be receivable only in gold and silver, or paper of unquestionable character—the receiving office to be held responsible for its value. I would further recommend that all daes and