Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-02-11
Gov. Houston, Of Texas, on the Union.

Gov. Houston, of Texas, on the Union.
Old Sam Houston is an American patriot
and with all his eecentricities is worth the
whole tribe of Southern hre-eaters who are
sure to get up a disuniOn crisis with the re-
ourrenoe of each Presidential election. A
few days ago Gov. Houston transmitted q
special message to the Texas legislature, in
response to the resolutions adopted by the
General Assembly of South Carolina, propo-
sing an immediate uniting Of the Slave States
for the purpose of concerting measures for a
dissolution Of the Union. Like true patriot
and Union man ne enters his solemn and IN
qualified protest against the views and recon-
mendations embodied in the South Carolina
resolutions, and reminds the instigatOrs of
treason that after the adoption of the Com
promise measures Of 1850, South Carolina
wanted to secede just as as she wishes to Sc
oede now, and with equally little reason
Gov, Houston takes a sensible view Of the
John Brown raid, and enquiries:
Suppose the Southern States were to break
mn the Union and establish Confederacy,
where would be the guarantees of its dura-
ton 3? Could they frame better Constitu-
tion than that which now governs us? Whence
are TO come the elements Of IA more perfect
Union than the one formed by the men Of
the Revolution. Again, under the doctrines
proclaimed by South Carolina, she might at
auv time, and for any alleged preteXb secede
from the new Confederacy. The same doc
trine would justify the Northern States IN
Withdrawing from the present Union, when
ever they are dissatisfied with the legislation
of Congress. Grant the assumption of the
right Of secession, and why should not Mas
sachusetts violate the fugitive slave law by
virtue Of her right as sovereign State, and
when required TO obey the Constitution which
she would thus violate, might she not quietly
avail of the South Carolina theory, and 60
out Of the Union
Gov. Houston cites the convictions and SEN
timents of the Fathers of the Republic, such
as Washington, Jefferson, and Madison, all OF
whom denounced the doctrine of secession in
unqualified terms. He likewise quotes the
memorable language of jackson, Webster and
Clay. and closes the message which does hin
so much honor, as follows:
have Deeu no lMulueIeul SptObdbOA VI thS
apitstions which have distracted our coun.
ellis. and caused many patriots to despair Of
the Republic But I an yet hopeful and have
an abiding confidence in the masses Of the
people. / cannot believe that they viii suffer
scheming, designing and misguided Politi-
clans to endanger the palladium Of our hber
ties. The world is interested in the expert
ment Of this Government. There is no new con-
tinent on the earth Whereon TO rear such an
other fabric. It is impossible that ours can b'
broken, without becoming fragmentary, ehao
tic and anarchial. know Of no Confederaey
with other States which could hold ou
greater inducements or stronger bonds O.
fraternity than we're extended to US in 1874
The people of Texas are satisfied with th'
Constitution and the Union as they are. They
are even willing to enlarge it by further wise
peaceful and honorable acquisitions. If Their
Is morbid and dangerous sentiment abroad
in the land, let us endeavor to allay 1t b.
teaching and cultivating a more fraterna
feeling.
would therefore recommend the adoption
of resolutions dissenting from the assertion
Of the abstract right Of secession, and refus
ing to send deputies, for any present existin
cause, and urging upon the people Of all tn
States, North and South, the necessity Of oul
tivating brotherly feeling, observing justice
and attending to their own affairs"