The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-05-09
FAMILY OF GENERAL BROWN.
Speech in Congress, :


Speech in Congress- --- IS.
AS far as my observation has extended, no
appropriation of money, for any object, is view
ed with such decided appreciation by the Ameri
can People as those Of the character contem-
plated by the present bill Where was any
measure hailed with more JOY and satisfaction
throughout the whole Union, than that which
provided for the ease and comfort Of the indi-
gent soldiers of the Revolution2
"The grounds (said Mr.. H. upon which
support the bill now under consideration are
those of moral obligation and correct policy. |
am persuaded, Mr.. President, that there is not
Senator in this Hall who, placed in the same
situation with regard to other individuals as this
Government stands in relation to the family Of
Gen Brown, that would not acknowledge that
he was bound, by sense of duty, to provide for
them decent and comfortable support. An
old and faithful servant, whose best days have
been spent in your service-who has received on
his own manly bosom, the missiles aimed at your
life-and in your absence, protected your pro-
perty from being plundered and your family from
dishonor, dies of a disease incident TO his en-
ployment. Is there person within the reach
Of my voice who would abandon the family of
one BY whom he had been thus faithfully served,
to the cold charities of the world if he possess
ed the means of relieving them? No, ! am per-
suaded there is none. But may be told that it
is the money of the People which we are now
called upon to disburse and that it was placed
under our control for no such purpose; that we
should be generous with our own, but not with
the funds of our constituents. But, sir, if | am
correct in supposing that there is moral obliga-
ton, upon the part Of the nation, to make this
appropriation, who but ourselves can discharge
| it? We are the Representatives of the People,
and possessed ofthe sole authority to perform their
obligations. l viii not believe that il will be as
serted that the principles which should govern
honorable men do not apply to nation; that a
crime, which would attach infamy upon an indi-
vidual, would be considered as no crime at all
when perpetrated by the Government of Peo-
pie who, Individually, profess to be honorable
and virtuous. Apply sir, to the pidin, honest,
unsophisticdted opinions Of the American Peo-
pie. Follow the family of General Brown to
their home--no, sir, they have no home-not a
spot of earth upon the globe which they can call
their own-follow them to the place of retire
ment provided by friend, and, as you march
along, inquire Of every farmer or mechanic you
may meet, whether the proposed appropriation
shall be made, or not; and, II ninety-nine out Of
an hundred should not tell you to make ii, then
,oiH acknowledge that am ignorant Of the
character Of ne american People" - =
| "Aristides, the just and virtuous Aristdes,
the able General, accomplished statesman, and
economical superintendent of the finances, has
pronounced that the law of Scion, which en-
joined il upon the State to educate and support
the children of those who had died for their
country was, from the effects which it had pro-
duced, the pride and boast of Athens. She
alone Of all the nations had the sagacity to adopt,
and the frmness to adhere to an institution which
had rendered her armies invinGble.' Let us,
Mr.. President, at however humble distance
follow the example set US by this far-famed Re
public. Contribute something from the public
Treasury to educate the children Of the gallant
General whom we have lost Your money will
not be thrown away. In your future wars il
will produce you a rich return Other BRowNs
will arise like him. will conquer and, like him.
if necessary, die for their country"
REVOLUTIONARY OFFICERS
S,aaoh IN