The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1901-12-12
QUAINT SAM HOUSTON.

QUAINT SAM HOUSTON
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 Galusha A. Grow in
the Saturday Post. Like Benton. be
was very fond Of young men. and soon
came to count me as lone Of the boys
Only those who were youngsters in the
'4Os 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 a liOnlike
countenance.
No passage In Houston's career was
nobler than the heroic stand against
disunion which marked its close, while
Of his kindness of nature and gener.
Gus helpfulness to those In distress one
could recall stories sufficient to fill
volume.
Near Quincy. ILL.,, there was a stretch
Of country known as the Indian
tract" to which Houston held title. 8
fact many Of the settlers thereon. 8
careless pioneer brood, failed to search
out. One of them called upon VII
liam A. Richardson. long member OF
the House from the Quincy district and
subsequently Senator from his State
confided to him that be had inadver
tently settled upon 16O 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.
whats this farm worth nowY
asked Houston.
Improvements and all. about So,
OO0." was the response.
what was the bare place worth
when you fellows went on it," Queried
Houston.
about s. 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 III
make him a deed"
In due time the $500 reached Wash
ington in the shape of New York
draft. Richardson sought Houston
who, having executed deed. took the
draft and Endorsed 1t.
"You say this man of yours Is good
fellow" he asked. thoughtfully.
Couldn't be a better one" was the
emphatic answer.
"Send him back this draft and tel
him Sam Houston has changed his
mind. What can you buy a good sad
die horse for in that country" He
was told that 5000 would do 1t. well
then" said Houston, write to your
friend and tell him to buy first-class
saddle horse. about 4 years old, and
keep him for me. When Congress ad
journs l 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 tiptop good
man" Richardson again declared him
one Of the best in his district. We'll.
said Houston, with sigh, 81 should
have liked first rate to see him and also
my horse, but as affairs turn out
must 60 straight to Texas. When you
get home 60 over and see this man and
tell him to sell the horse and do what
he pleases with the money. And. by
the way, Richardson, wish you would
write and tell me II 1t was good horse
or not"