Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-11-05
QUAINT SAM HOUSTON.
Amusing Story of the Famous Texan
When He Sat In the Senate.


Amusing Story of the Famous Texan
When He Sat in the Senate.
Gen. Sam Houston Of Texas was the
most picturesque figure In the Senate
during my first years of service at
the capitol, writes Gaiusha A. Grow in
the Saturday Post. Like Benton. he
was very fond Of young men, and soon
came to count me as zone Of the boys"
Only those who were youngsters in the
Hos can realize the interest people felt
in Houston In the days when his part
in the struggle for the independence of
Texas was still fresh in the public
mind. Visitors to the Senate chamber
invariably asked to have him pointed
out to them, and they were never dis
appointed in their hero, for he was
large of frame, of stately carriage and
dignified demeanor and had lonlike
countenance.
No passage In Houston's career was
nobler than the heroic stand against
disunion which marked its close, while
of his kindliness of nature and gener
GUS helpfulness to those in distress one
could recall stories sufficient to fill 3
volume.
Near Quincy. ILL.,, there was a stretch
of country known as the Indian
tract" to which Houston held title, a
fact many of the settlers thereon, a
careless pioneer brood, failed to search
cut. One of them called upon Will
liam A. Richardson long a member Of
the House from the Quincy district and
subsequently Senator from his State,
conided to him that he had inadver-
tently settled upon 160 acres of Hous-
toms land and that all he was worth
stood in improvements on it. He want
ed Richardson to see Houston and
| make the best terms that he could.
Richardson upon his return to Wash
ington told Houston the story and ask
ed what he would take for quit claim
deed to the 100 acres.
'What sort of man Is this constitu-
ent Of yours who has blundered upon
my land?' asked Houston.
"a good, square, honest man." was
the reply.
"When l turn him off my land |
reckon he and, his family will be beg
gars?"
| Richardson nodded.
what's this farm worth now?"
| asked Houston.
Improvements and all, about &c.
O00," was the response.
| "What was the bare place worth
when you fellows went on itY-queried
Houston.
about $5 an acre: $500 in ALL" an
swered Richardson.
"Good fellow, this man of yours,
richardson" This after a moments
thought.
''Best in the world said Richardson.
Tell him to send me $500 and I'll
/ make him deed"
In due time the $500 reached Wash
ington in the shape of New York
draft. Richardson sought Houston.
who, having executed a deed, took the
| draft and indorsed it.
''You say this man of yours is good
fellow?" he asked, thoughtfully.
Couldn't be better one" was the
emphatic answer.
ssSend him back this draft and tell
him Sam Houston has changed his
mind. What can you buy a good sad
die horse for in that country 2" He
was told that 5000 would do it. well,
then" said Houston. write to your
friend and tell him to buy frst-class
saddle horse, about years old. and
keep him for me. When Congress ad-
! journs will go home with you and
ride the horse down to Texas"
| Without delay the man in Illinois re-
ceived back his draft and bought a
saddle horse, the best he could find.
Just before adjournment Houston
/ sought Richardson. "You say the fel-
low who's got my horse is a tiptop good
!, MANI" Richardson again declared him
one of the best in his district. well,
said Houston. with a sigh, 81 should
have liked first rate to see him and also
my horse, but as affairs turn out
I must go straight to Texas. When you
get home go over and see this man and
| tell him to sell the horse and do what
| he pleases with the money. And. by
J the way, Richardson, wish you would
J write and tell me If it was good horse
or not"