Texas State Gazette. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 45, Ed. 1, Saturday, June 29, 1850 Page: 4 of 8
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TEXAS STATE GAZETTE.
116
JDIE 29
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KEMARI&fF .L. V.. E. HOWARD.
JkM$fofue ofJRepresentativcs May 23 1850 ot Me JBiVI to
i' v " ' ' increase the Army.
lMr Ho ward; permission being grunted sent totho Chair tho
following amendment which he said lie intended to offer at the
nfoDBi time :
'H lilUl IIIU VfUHlUUUl UI U1U Ullliuu uuuuo ia uuiuiy umiui".i-
ahdtyeqiijred to call into tho service ot the united btates accor-
ding to the existing laws two regiments of mounted rnngdrs
armed with rifles and Colt's pistols ; and that the same shall bo
continued in sorvico so long 03 the public delenco shall require
their services."
Tho first question said Mr. Howard which presents itself to
the Hohsh Is whether this bill shall bo acted on at the present
time or be reforred to tho Committee of the Whole and placed
upon the calender whore it will slumbeY'for the remainder of
the.sossiqn. If there is any subject before Congress which de-
mands immediate and efficient action it is that of our frontier
defehcei.
- "Sir tho latest advices assure us that the Indians arc down Up-
ofi.tho settlements in fdrce. There has been a fight near Laredo
with (lie United Slates troops in which an officer oi the urmy
Lieut. Hudson was killed.
Evpry mail brings us news of some fresh murder or depreda-
tion; Colonel Johnson an accomplished bffieer of the Topo-
graphical Engineers nov engaged in exploring thd western fron-
tier ot Texas .writes from tho ltio Grande to a friend in this city
that such isthoexUMit of these depredations that during tho whole
'war in Mexicojhedid not lay down ot night in as much danger as
now on the western frontier within our borders. All accounts
concur in proving that we are on the eve of a general Indian
warv The Indian agortt in Texas appointed by this administra-
tion has written here hi' opinion to that effect. A gallant officer
of tjio line distinguished In tho War with Mexico writing from
the vicinity of h'l Paso on the first of January says : " We
hove had no Indian depredulions lately ; they are undoubtedly
hostile to us. You mU3t send a large mounted force on this
frothier. Infantry are of little" use save for the moral effect of
tlie presenco of1 troops. You muy lay it down as an axiom
that the Indions on this frontier havo to be severely whipped be-
fore they will respect us and desist from their predatory attacks.
We cannot vunisi tfmn without cavalry ! I should think
that at least three regiments of light cavalry should bo raised."
Such. sir. is the opinion of a distinguished officer of the in
fancy. Since that letter was written hostilities havo occurred
all along tho frontier from New Mexico to near tue mourn oi
thoJRib Grande. The House cannot be fully apprised of the
extent of these depredations.
3Jno Legislature of Texas at its last session in a report of
boil Houses stated that two hundred and four persons within
thqfpast year had been killed wounded or curried into captivity
by the Indians in Texas alone.
Mr. Conger asked how many troops were on the frontiers of
Texas and New Mexico ?J
Mr. Howard. I believe about one thousand five hundred but I
shall como to that branch of the subject presently. The Presi-
dent and the Secretary of War have been made aware of ihis
condition of things on our frontiers and yet the Executive has
failed to give any adequate protection by calling out a sufficient
vojuuteer force although he has ample power for that purpose
undqr the existing law.
MLr Burt hero said that he was bound to say in justice to the
Spcrel'ary.ot War that ho had manifested a strong interest in
giving protection to the western frontier and had recommended
the mounting of the infantry which measure ho also under-
stood had the aorirobutiori of the President. I
Mr. Howard. I dedre to say also in justice to tho Secretary
ot War that he has seen and felt the necessity of a mounted
force for this service. My own opinion is and 1 haveto myself very
satisfactory reasons for it that he has been overruled by the Pres-
ident whose prejudice against volunteers is so great that he has
declared positively that he would call no more rungers into ser-
vice. I have strong reason for believing that we are indebted to
the wisdom and firmness of Gen. Brooke for the fact that we
have'-hodfoiiror five compauies of rangers in sorvico for tho pro-
tection of-the frontier and that ho has kept them there against
tho opiniou of tho department. Up to this timethe responsibility
of the blood that has been spilt upon tho frontiers is on tho head
of !General Taylor in not providing as he has had the power to
do uh ample mounted force. But hereafter the respousi-
' bility' -will be upon Congress or on this side of the House if it
defeats a measure of protection. This is a subject which will
not bear delay.
Arid now sir I come to the provisions of the bill. It is well
known that the President is opposed to anything but the increase
of the rank and file and the mounting of the infantry. Sir I
am opposed to that measure because it is totallv inadequate to
the service and tho necessity of tho country. It involves a largo
expense without any corresponding benefit. What is the char-
acter of foe to which this force is to be opposed? Tho western
prairie Indiuns.nre all mounted their warriors well mounted
.who fight and commit their depredations on horse-back and are
the most expert riders in the world not excepting tho Arabs of
the 'desert. 'We havo no foe except thra savage rendering a
general increase of tho army necessary;. Why then increase the
infantry and tho artillery when wo have now more of that force
than is of any utility for tho service I Tho Infantry are perfect-
lyLuseess beyond the immediate neighborhood of tho posts.
Thelndians come down rapidly commit murders destroy and
steal .property lay waste the settlements alid retreat with their
captives at full speed on horeback. It is impossible for foot sol-
dljrs fo cpmo up with such a foe unless you can prove that a
man on foot can outrun one well mounted or are disposed to as-
sert with General Taylor that infantry havo been good troops
against Indians over since the days of Mr. Jefferson. SirI ven-
tUToUo'say that if the department will publish its correspondence
wilhtGotieral Brooke and the oiucer under his command that
wiU"prbvo that they have urged the necessity of n mounted force
upon the Administration and the propriety of rangers I am
quite certain that some of them have expressed that opinion to
tKo department.'' This plan of mounting the infantry does not
meet with the approbation of many of the experienced officers of
tho.army op the franjier.
it is wall known that Americans or western men will not? tj
any extent enlist for fivo7ears in the regular army in the time
ftyeKco. Tlie result Of the iucrcaso of the rank and file and
mpimung the. infantry tfilljjra; that We shall get into this branch
of jKojprvk'a a largo humber'foreigners who know t nothing
of frontier lifi and who will'bo&unablo to ride Iloresoman-
ship is an accomplishment acquired in youth. You cannot take
men who know nothing of managing n horse and oven belong
practice drill Ihem so as to render them efficient expert riders.
Wilh such men your dispatches of battle- will be nothing more
than an account of riders thrown limbs broken horses lost
and enemies escaped. It hasJbcen demanded how ninny troops
there are in Texas. Sir there are quite enough.if they were effi-
cient cavalry or well mounted rangers. But as it is they are
useless because mainly on foot. Tho Government has so ar-
ranged the character of tho troops on the frontier that tho I rea-
sury js subjected to alieavy expenso without any corresponding
benefit. Any amount of money is extravagant when spent in a
manner which must provo useless or nearly so.
I havo reason to believe the plan of the President is utterly at
war with the opinions of officers of tho army serving upon the
frontier. Some of them have told mo thut they were in favor of
a mounted force looking upon tho infantry as entirely inade-
quate to the wants and uiisuited totho nature of tho service re-
quired I may vote for this bill inadequate as it is if nothing better
can bo had. It may afford some relief in overawing tho Indians
by an appearance of a force ; yet fioin the recent occurrences
on the frontier the infantry havo not had that effect. It is un-
just to place bravo men who have distinguished themselves as
our infantry have in such a position. You compel them to wit-
ness depredations and barbarities which they cannot punish.
Such a state of things has the further unfortunate effect of bring-
ing our power into contempt in the eyes of all western tribes.
It will not prove economy in the end.
Notwithstanding the infantry now stationed at Laredo I some
weeks since received a petition signed by a large number of the
citizens slating that their farms and ranchos were broken up and
the population driven into town to such an extent that the cul-
tivation of the soil had nearly ceased and that there was actual-
ly a scarcity Of food with no prospects for a crop.
They asked to be permitted to form a company of rangers at
the Government expense to pursue th3 savages and to protect
the settlements. K losing th it h Secretary of War had ample
power under the law I took this petition to him not doubting
that he would comply with its prayer. But sir he declined ;
and I referred it to the Committee on Military Affairs where it
yet slumbers. I do notstate this to censure specially the Secre-
tary I know the blame rests properly on a higher power.
I have no confidence in he efficiency of any troops in the
pursuit of the prairie Indians who are unaccustomed to frontier
life. It is a species of knowledge which must bo acquired by
habit and experience. Why not take men who have the experi-
ence can undergo hardships and who understand the Indian
character ? It will in the end prove the cheapest service to tho
Government. It is with this view that I havo offered an
amendment to strike out the bill from the enacting clause and in-
sert a provision for raising two regiments of rangers to remain
in service so long as the public interest may require it. This
will not give a permanent addition to tho army. As soon as the
Indians are chastised and beaten back and the settlements on the
frontier become stronger they may be dispensed with or disband-
ed. It will not incur a permanent expenditure: but there can
be little doubt that the increase of the rank and fil will be per-
manently fastened on the peace establishment.
Mr. Hichardson asked if the State of Texas had not at her
own expense maintained troops in the field against thelndians?
Mr. Howard said he understood the Governor of Texas had
called out troops who were in service for a time and subsequent
ly mustered out by the 'United States officers and that the fcstate
was. now asking;" for remuneration for money thus expended.
It is no objection to a measure of necessary defence that it re
quires an expenditure of money. The only question is wheth-
er that proposed is the most economical which the wants and ne-
cessities of the country demand. This Government is able to
protect all her citizens ; and it is an imperious duty. The blood
of our people is not to be weighed against dollars and cents.
Such is not the duty of government. Instead of increasing a
useless force it would be much better to disband the largest-portion
of tho rank and file of the infantry and let the officers re-
cruit a mounted force. The infantry on the frontier whether
they are to operate against the Indians or protect our line against
Mexico are equally unfitted for the service.
There is another reason why. we should act promptly in this
matter. Wo are bound by the late treaty with Mexico to restrain
our Indians from inclusions into that Republic. It is generally
either in going or coming from these foraysthat the hostile tribes
commit depredations on the frontier of Texas. At an early day
in the sossion 1 presented the subject ot this treaty in connec-
tion with frontier lefence to tho House in the shape of a resolu
tion which was referred to the Committee on Indians Affairs
who recommended that another regiment of cavalry should be
added to the army. The obligations of the treaty in this respect
have also been made the subject of a demand on this
Government by tho Mexican Minister. And if we do not
tako some efficient action on the matter our tables will
bo covered with the claims of Mexican citizens for property
stolon and destroyed by our Indians. We ought to observe this
provision of the treaty ; it had much influence in reconciling
Mexico to its conditions. Now it is quite easy to see that any
force which will be sufficient to carry out the treaty in this res-
pect will also protect the largest portion of our western frontier
that which is most exposed lying along the frontierjof Mexico. In
conclusion I do trust that this measure will receive present and
immediate action and not be altogether defeated by being sent
to the Committee of the Whole on the stale of the Union.
Ccn. Taylor and Texas.
The Western Texan denounces in a tone of just indignation
tho conduct of the Taylor administration towards Texas. And
indeed how could it do otherwise when as a consequence of
their conduct the hostile savages infest the very suburbs of
San Antonio tho headquarters of this military department and
murder citizons in open day within sight of tho cathedral spirts.
If wo wero not a very patient people and charitable suffering
all tilings and forgiving all things every neighborhood would
long since have sent to tho halls of Congress its remon-
strances against the base and heartless course of a President and
cabinet' whoso chief delight scorns to be found intho infliction
of every possible injury upon this State. They arc in fact in
practical alliance with the Indians. They stand neutral when
they might restrain ; and in this way really give them aid and
encouragement in their unceasing attacks upon the lives and
property of our frontier inhabitants. Tho Texan remarks:
" But say the upholders of tho administration Texas behaved
shabbily towards otir chief and should be punished. She refused'
to submit to true military discipline and be abused and vilified
without murmuring and she had the presumption to cast her
vote for Gen. Cass in preference to Gen. Taylor.
"Wo acknowledge the error and plead guilty to the charge.
But is the hatred of this formidable military President unfath-
omable? Is there no penance sufficiently severe no suffering
of sufficient intensity to expiate our past crimes and to secure
one look of paternal kindness from our great father? We fear
not we fear that like a sin against the Holy Ghost it can never
be forgiven. Wrapped up in a mantle of ignorance and undis-
guised hatred towards Texas he shuts his ears to all our com-
plaints apd hundreds more of our citizens will be murdered
before he consents to believe that there are hostile Indians in
Texas. The murder of a Boston doctor rouses the sympathies
of a nation the trail of a sneaking Seminole is no sooner dis-
covered in the everglades of Florida than whole regiments are
dispatched to rescue the inhabitants from imaginary dangers.
No expense is considered too great to move the whole disposable
naval force on a mission of interference in Cuban quarrels. But
Texas doomed anathematised Texas must still bleed and suffer
on until every tree on her plains shall wave over the grave of
one of our murdered citizens. We hope that others abler or more
influential than ourselves will represent our situation and suffer-
ings in such a manner that they may be remedied and that
some speedy change for the better may take place."
H3 In the Senate of the United States May 6 1850 on the
proposition to print the Report of the Commissioner of Patents
Gen. Rusk said :
I have had some occasion to look into this document
and to examine carefully the subject with which it is connected
and it is my impression from an examination of the matter that
wo owe four times as much of the great and unbounded pros-
perity of this country to the industry and energy of our mechan-
ics and laboring men as to any and all other sources put togeth-
er. It is for that class of individuals more than any other that
this book is published. It is not at the expense of the Treasury
at all for the Patent Office to which our ingenious mechanics
go to obtain their patents accumulates annually a very large
iund much more than sufficient to pay for this book. And it
seems to me that anything which is calculated to encourage our
agriculturists or our ingenious mechanics who have done so
much to elevate and advance this country to prosperity is cer-
tainly money very well spent and under theso circumstances I
shall vote for this proposition. I shall go into the reform to
which Senators have referred very willingly. I know that wa
publish hundreds of documents and circulate them throughout
the country the only object of which is to creato a little politi-
cal capital which lasts no longer than a presidential term and
are then thrown aside and forgotten. This book contributes to
the diffusion of information throughout the country and of ag-
ricultural statistics which are permanent in their benefits and
do not pass away as is the case with the ephemeral political doc-
uments to which I have referred.
The Value of California Quartz Rock.
Mr. Patterson director of the mint at Philadelphia says a cor-
respondent of the New York Evening Post has completed a
careful analysis of a quantity of quartz rock considered to bo
fair average specimens for Col. Fremont which provqs that Ihis
rock contains $17 50 of gold to the hundred weight. A speck
man in which gold can be detected by the naked eyeyields but
12 cents'to the pound but another one in which no outward
sign of metal appeared yielded $4 40 to tho pound. Col. Bon-
ton estimates that a common ship's cargo of the rockthat may be
obtained in quantities altogether incalculable would bo worth
$8000000 and he says thut researches that can be confided in
developo the fact thut California contains all the quicksilver that
would be required in all the processes however extensive
H3 The oldest pledge of temperance is found in tho Bible
Jeremiah chapter xxiv and the words were spoken by theRe-
chabites : " We will drink ?jo wine; we nor our wives nor our
sons forever1'
The Sale of our Territory.
The Galveston Journal takes strong grounds against the pro-
visions of the compromise bill relating to Texas and fortifies its
position by a long array of arguments. We have room only for
the following extract :
This desperate struggle on the part of the South to preserve
"the balance of power" in the Senate of the United States is
seconding the efforts of the abolitionists to plant freesoilism on
our borders and ultimately to 'expel slavery from tho soil of
Texas. Has madness seized the South that she will work so
earnestly to effect her own perdition ? We hope not. The true
policy of the South is not to destroy herself by a hopeless strug-
gle for ascendency in theSenatebut to guard well her interests as
they now exist and to preserve tmspolled from the touch of
freesoilism or abolitionism every inch of territory in which
slavery now exists or may exist by law. And as a part of this
policy the South should on no account yield her tangible well
defined rights in the northern part of Texas. Let this policy bo
firmly pursued and the South may bid defiance to all her foes.
Planting herself on the boundary of her recognizer! torntnrini
rights she can say to tho wild waves of fanaticism thus far shalt
thou come and no farther. The South controls a staple that in
its turn controls the commercial world. Cotton is more power-
ful than gunpowder and cheaper than ships of war. To stop
the cotton looms of the North would be worsp than a blockade :
and to turn away their ships empty from our wharves might
prove more effectual than the best constitutional argument on the
value of the Union. By all means let the territory of Texas re-
main intact and undivided ; this will enable her to restrain and
control those unfriendly to the institution of slavery from the
mouth of tho Rio Grande to its source. She will then from her
gicat extent of territory and richness of soil become the empire
State of the South and instead of weakening will strengthen and
sustain the other slaveholdding States. So much for the general
interest that tho South has in this matter. And wo thinks i.
j been conclusively shown that the South will be ruinously afiect-
wt. Mjr iuu wiu iiuu uivisiuii oi our lerruory.
& "My gracious" said on urchin in Broadway on behold-
ing an English carriagowith footmen in livery "if it doesn't
take three Britishers fo make a nigger.' -
rtggL.
"HUllrjll: "'-it i
t
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Texas State Gazette. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 45, Ed. 1, Saturday, June 29, 1850, newspaper, June 29, 1850; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth80935/m1/4/?q=Lamar+University: accessed June 6, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.