The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-01-25

They have never purchased the manuscripts of works
in print and think they would misapply the appropra-
lion for the increase OF the library by purchasing any
relic, whether manuscript or OF any other sort Even
they have the authority they prefer not TO exercise IT
without the instruction OF Congress.
Mr.. CLAY My friend from Alabama did not, pre-
sumo, understand the statement that made-whlch was
that had addressed myself 10 the Committee the Ii
bary before brought forward the resolution here and
they upon considering it, thought that they had not the
authority to act without some more authority from Con-
MI KING. Let the resolution be read.
The resolution read accordingly.
Mr. KING moved that the resolution be amended by
striking out the words '.and Directed
Mr. CLAY signi6ed his assent to the amendment; and
the question being taken thereon, il was agreed to-
The Joint resolution then reported 10 the Senate
with the amendmkaf which was concurred in
Mr. DAVIS OF Mississippi, for the purpose Of getting
the special order OF the day. for the benefit OF the
chairman OF the Judiciary Committee, who caused It TO
be made the order for to-day, moved that the resolution
be passed over informally. .sE
Mr. CLAY. am sure that the chairman OF the Ju-
dietary COMMITTEES will have no objection to the passage
Of this resolution, as il will take but moments time.
Mr. DAVIS, Of Mississippi Mr. President. there are
Besides there is special order Of the Senate for one
o'clock this day. and therefore, for the benefit OF the chair
man Of the Judiciary Committee, [Mr. BUTLER,l who
has caused the special order to be made move we pass
to its consideration
Mr. CLAY do not think there can be a single OBJ.
lection to the resolution and hope it will be allowed
TO pass at once. The chairman Of the Judiciary Com.
mittee himself am sure, wishes il pass There will
" The s VIC VICE PRESIDENT The question is on order
Mr. DAVIS, of Mississippi. II the vote is about to be
taken this resolution, shall have 10 submit few
marks made the motion to pass by informally in
order that the special order, delayed for half hour,
might be considered
The amendment which was proposed by the senator
from Alabama Mr.. KMG] removes part OF the objec.
tons which had TO the resolution II originally
drawn 1t is not now mandatory in its terms still con-
veys authority and construed in connection with such
preston as will probably be given BY the Senate it does
after all, amount to nearly to mandate approaches
very nearly 10 instructions to the committee Il becomes
at the present stage Of proceedings, in reference to
take the first sep~beore following this path to inquire
whittier it will lead u.s. We have purchased the manu-
scripts of Washington, everything, 10 the copy book
which he kept when boy This is buta corrected copy
Of his Farewell Address. known to have been entirely
the result Of his own mind; and if what desire is
merely manuscripts OF Washington, we have enough
value OF the Farewell Address is two-fod FIRST
Tor the opinions contained in 1T and next the authori
ty from which they derived. | am OF opinion that
benefit result to the country to the people gene
rally from the owning Of these sheets OF MSS No
scarcely will be allowed TO read it, for it will have 10 be
locked up securely where il cannot be touched because
If handled will be soon worn out II will, therefore,
merely crafty that feeling TO which the senator from
Kentucky Mr.. CLAY] has SO eoquenty alluded, and to
which undoubtedly every heart wll
which endeas every thing pertaining TO the beloved or
veneated dead But the representatives OF the
people, in making appropriations from the treasury TO be
governed Oy Ieelng, money Oi puOlC
treasury to crafty our sentmentl Certainty not We
should regard such feelings, but should practical
men. We should become as nearly as possible ian alb.
sracon" to the expression OF the gentleman from
Kentuckyas far as may be- dives ourselves Of all feel.
ing in legislation.
If we are to indulge the desire possess all objects
associated with the Father OF his County, we shall
have to purchase the walking he used the medals
and other personal articles identified with him by posses
sion His residence. the battle fields he illustrated, the
routes of his marches through the old thirteen States,
which he shed unfadInQ 0Orv-al. all closely
associated with his memory. Shall they be purchased.
too and held as the property OF the government But
what is there sacred in the manuscripts OF this address,
liz is known have been the joint production Of Wash
ingon, and one, at least OF his cabnetnot the emana
tion Of bis mind alone. feel no such respect as has
been here expressed for it, and perceive how this
manuscript is to effect such happy results Any
have printed copy, and read IT, who desires There
is nothing to be gained by the purchase of this manu-
walking stick which Washington used must be par
doned for want OF veneraon for relics for symbols
OF faith in the aithfu nay more for saying that devo-
on TO which extends 10 the inanimate objects con-
nected with them, is extreme unworthy OF our people
We utlitarans, and il is not in keeping with that
character TO be led away by sentiment
have no objection that the resolution should 90 TO the
committee as mere authority further 10 inquire whether
il would be well to purchase this manuscript The rough
sketch OF this address, connected with the work OF Others
and showing what his own would be lar more val
liable than this, the form TO which modified
and extended and which is the same every printed
copy believe have the first sketch OF the message,
and perhaps a copy OF II in the form in which II was
printed purchased among the Washington manuscripts.
This and other questions the committee will have for
in quiry, il left TO their discretion.
Mr.. BORLAND. do not wish TO say any thing, sir,
TO take aught from the services and memory OF Washing
ton | agree with the honorable senator from Mis-.
sssippi that il the object proposed by th, resolution,
apparently referred by the honorable senator from
Kentucky would be accomplished by IFS passage should
be willing TO vote large appropriaton-nay, millions
But seems TO me that the main object be accom-
pshed by the passage OF this resolution is TO encourage
what we have here session after session. and what
think is dsrepuabe 10 all engaged in it, IL is the dis
position TO speculate upon the feelings OF the coun-
iry by bringing here and hawking before the doors OF
the CAPITOL the relics of the patriots who have achieved
our Independence. And in passing this resolution,
consider tue only thngthe only tangible objective
accomplish is to induce these persons, under the
and professions OF patriotism, TO come and take OF this
Senate pecuniary compensation. Perhaps the
very persons who have this manuscript for sale have
got il donation, purchased IT for small sum, and
come here as SPECTATORS only to get from Congress
larger amount Of money.
Mr. CLAY. Mr.. President, one single remark The
senator from Arkansas is laboring under mistake
under a total misconcepton The propnetors OF this
paper have not come here II is not at their instance that
this resolution Is presented Not single word has
come from them, from their friends, TO The paper
hawked about the Capitol for the purpose OF specu
latng, OF obtaining large sum OF money for it. No
such thing II ls my own motion and IL there is any
sponsblty for il, bear it'll it-not they. But,
sir do not wish to detan the Senate, and will say
more.