The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-02-24

Gov. HoUsroNs message to the Legisla-
ture of Texas, in laying before that body the
resolutions of South Carolina, calling for a
Southern Convention, is a sensible and able
document. After referring to the opinions
of Washington, Jefferson, Madison and
jackson, as to the inviolability of the fede-
raj compact, the message proceeds:
Texas is border State. Indians ravage
portion of her frontier. Mexico renders
insecure her entire western boundary. Her
slaves are liable to escape, and no fugitive
slave law is pledged for their recovery.
Virginia, Missouri and Kentucky are border
States, and exposed to Abolition emissaries.
Have they asked for disunion as remedy
against the assaults of Abolitionism Let
dissolution come, and terrible consequences
will fall upon those first and with double
force. South Carolina, from her central
position-the sea upon one side, and cor.
don of slave States between her and danger,
has had but little reason for apprehension.
Those who suffer most at the hands of the
North seem still disposed to bear on for the
sake of the Union. When they can bear
no longer they can Judge for themselves, and
should their remonstrances fail to call the
enemies of the constitution back to duty,
and the federal government cease to protect
them, the pathway of revolution is open to
them.
The good sense of the nation cannot over.
look the fact that we are one people and
one kindred that our productions, occupa-
lions and interests are not more diversified
in one section of the Union than another.
If the vain hope of Southern confederacy
would be realized upon the basis of all the
slaves States, there would soon be found
diversity of Northern and Southern interests
in both sections to accomplish another divi-
sion, all the more eagerly sought because of
recent precedent. Indeed, if peaceable
separation were possible, no confederacy
could be formed upon any other principle
than that of leaving domestic institutions
where the Constitution of the United States
now leaves them-to the States individually,
and not to central government.
have been no Indifferent spectator of
the agitations which have distracted our
councils and caused many patriots to des-
pair of the republic. But am yet hopeful,
and have an abiding confidence in the
masses of the people. I cannot believe that
they will suffer scheming, designing and
misguided politicians to endanger the palla-
dunn of our liberties.
The world is interested in the experiment
of this governments There is no new CONT
nent upon the cal a wherein to rear such
another fabric. It is impossible that ours
can be broken without becoming fragmenta-
ry, chaotic and anarchial. l know of no
confederacy with other States which could
hold out stronger inducements or stronger
bonds of fraternity than were extended to us
in 1874. The people of Texas are satisfied
with the Constitution and the Union as they
are. They are even willing to enlarge it by
further wise, peaceable and honorable ac~
qnisitions. 1t there is morbid and dan.
gerous sentiment abroad in the land, let us
endeavor to allay it, by teaching and cult
waiting more fraternal 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 existing
cause, and urging upon the people of all the
States, north and south, the necessity of
cultivating brotherly feeling, observing
justice, and attending to their own affairs.
Resolutions cordially endorsing the views
of Gov. Houston were Immediately submit.
ted in the legislature.