Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/627



, January 13, 1860

of public business, which has not allowed time for the preparation of this communication, has prevented me from presenting at an earlier period, to the Representatives of the people, that information respecting the condition of our State affairs and the policy which will actuate my administration, expected at my hands.

In the short period which has elapsed since my inauguration it is not to be supposed that I have been able to obtain a critical knowledge of the workings of the different departments of government, so as to recommend such modifications and improvements as may be necessary to effect the purposes of economy and reform, and I can therefore but commend the application of those principles, which should extend to and influence all the avenues of government, affecting the discharge of official duty, of whatever grade, and controlling the operations of government, legislative and administrative.

The office of the Executive falls into my hands at a peculiar period in our history as a State. Contemplating alone the vastness of its extent, the diversified interests of its people, and the character of its resources, yet undeveloped, there is enough to demand continued labor and attention, in order to apply the benefits of government with sound discretion, and a proper regard to the relative demands of each interest; but apart from these, a considerable portion of our State bordering on the Rio Grande River is in a state of tumult and war, our frontier is unprotected and harassed by Indians, and our Treasury, which we have hitherto regarded as of exhaustless capacity, considering the probable expenses of government, is without a dollar subject to appropriation, beyond the amount necessary to defray the current expenses of government for the present year.

Difficulties like these impelled immediate action. The peace and security of the State being a paramount object, my attention has first been directed toward quieting the disorders upon the Rio Grande, and providing for the defense of our settlements against Indian depredations. With a due regard for the dignity of the State, should be united a desire to maintain peace within our limits. The bloodshed, the ravages, the desolation of an intestine war are to be considered; nor should we lose sight of the immense cost of prosecuting it. If, by the use of those means known to humanity and the laws of nations, such disturbances can be quelled, all the considerations mentioned demand their exercise.

Possessed of no information going to show the cause of the disorders existing (611)