The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 26, July 1922 - April, 1923 Page: 21
324 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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The Indian Policy of the Republic of Texas 21
the establishment of trading houses on the frontier, (under pru-
dent regulations,) and the appointment of capable and honest
agents, the happiest results might be anticipated for the country.
The intercourse between the citizens and Indians should be regu-
lated by acts of Congress which experience will readily suggest.
The situation of Texas at this time would doubtless justify the
establishment of martial law at such outposts as are detached
from the body of our population, and it does seem to me that no
injury could arise from the adoption of the measure."
In a message vetoing a bill for the defense of the frontier,
I-Iouston explained the inadvisability of offensive campaigns against
the Indians and remarked:
If means were placed at the disposal of the executive, and
agencies with trading houses should be established at the proper
points on the frontier, with a few troops stationed at each place,
who will do their duty, and white men and companies on the
frontier will act with prudence, less than one-fourth of the amount
required to sustain the force contemplated in this act will make
peace, and preserve it, on the frontier."5
The Standing Committee of the House on Indian Affairs rec-
ommcnded a policy similar to that advocated by the president. On
December 8, 1836, the committee reported: that the Indian depre-
dations on the frontier were caused by the unregulated trading
houses on Red River managed by persons "regardless of the con-
sequences of the traffic in which they are engaged"; that these
establishments furnished the Indians with weapons in exchange
for horses and cattle stolen from citizens of Texas; and that in
order to relieve the situation these trading houses should be broken
up and others established in their places. The committee recom-
mended the adoption of the following joint resolution:
Resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the Re-
public of Texas in congress assembled, That the president be au-
thorized to cause and have broken up all trading establishments
on Red River, or in that section of the Republic, that furnish
hostile Indians with arms, munitions and other supplies, and for
the accomplishment of this object he shall issue his proclamation
commanding the traders with Indians on the Red River, or in
"Journal of the House of Representatives, 2 Congress, Regular Session.
158-159.
"Journal of the House of Representatives, 2 Congress, Adjourned Session,
May 23, 1838, 172.
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 26, July 1922 - April, 1923, periodical, 1923; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101084/m1/27/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.