The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 26, July 1922 - April, 1923 Page: 184

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

INDIAN POLICY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
ANNA MUCKLEROY
CHAPTER VI
INDIAN AFFAIRS DURING HOUSTON'S SECOND AD-
MINISTRATION AND DURING JONES'S
ADMINISTRATION
I. RETURN TO THE PACIFIC INDIAN POLICY
The presidential election held the first Monday in September,
1841, resulted in Houston's receiving three-fourths majority over
his opponent, David G. Burnet. Houston was inaugurated De-
cember 13, 1841. In general, his policy was, rigid economy in
government expenditure and general financial reconstruction,
temperate conduct in relations with Mexico, and the establishment
of peace with the Indians.1 The sixth Congress had assembled
at Austin, November 1, 1841. Houston sent in his message on
December 20, 1841, in which he explained his ideas for obtain-
ing and holding the friendship and confidence of all the Indian
tribes, and for protecting the frontier.
Our Indian relations are far from being satisfactory. For
years large appropriations have been made by Congress for the
defence of the frontiers. With what success they have been em-
ployed the whole country is familiar. The measures adopted
under the late administration were directly at variance with those
recommended by the first constitutional Executive. On the safety
and security of our frontier settlements materially depend the in-
crease of emigration, the extension of our limits, and the general
quietude and prosperity of all our citizens. It is, therefore, im-
portant that means should be provided for the Executive and
placed at his disposal, to enable him to accomplish these objects,
and to meet pressing emergencies. That they are within our
reach I have no doubt. A thorough knowledge of the Indian char-
acter has induced a firm belief on my part that a sum less than
one-fourth of the amount heretofore annually expended for these
purposes would procure and maintain peace with all the Indian
tribes now upon our borders. I would suggest that a number of
1Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 332; Colorado Gazette and Advertiser,
August 28, 1841, September 4, 1841.

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