"Whether his policy was right or wrong, he built up the glory of the nation"

This quote by Sam Houston is describing a leader who has executed a policy, and the speaker is recommending that despite whether the policy was right or incorrect, the leader has actually still managed to increase the glory of the country. This might suggest that the leader has actually attained something great for the nation, even if it was not always the best thing to do. It might also mean that the leader has actually managed to increase the country's credibility and standing in the world, even if the policy was not always the best choice. Ultimately, the quote is suggesting that the leader has actually done something to increase the country's magnificence, regardless of whether the policy was best or wrong.