The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-15


made no such inmaon beyond the very brief reply TO
the remarks which had been made by others addressed
myself 70 what believed 10 Dc toe merits OF ths resou
military auesuou--a question Tor military critcisnl-l dis
tinctly stated that did not consider this proper place
and would not engage IN A. adhere 10 my dsterlnna
lion Myself and the other members OF The Military
Committee who entertain different opinions in relation
tn. and.oo 10 s SENATE" T., believe s"a
would be considered. and that engage in
any personal controversy the merits OF individuals
Mr. SHIELDS, (iaieIposing) II the senator will per
nit me-, will remark that regret much any sena
tor on this hoor that any comparison has been drawn
between these two great aud distinguished American
generals | think il is injurious TO the reputation OF
bothto the reputation of the dead and 10 the reputation
Of the hyiDg-and am very sorry that any gentleman
on the floor has done il, Certain il is, have moi
done it.
MIR. BUTLER. Mr. President
MIR. FOOTE, hope to be heard In tins matter mo-
' Mr.. DAVIS. Of Mississippi have not surrendered
the floor only gave way Tor explanation TO The senator
The PRESIDENT The senator from Mississippi has
Mr. DAVIS. Some twenty seven years Of intimate
relation with the commanding general of the army
perhaps renders proper for say this occasion,
lest be should take The Interpretation OF others for my
real intent, that seek deprive him OF any mill
lary honors which any man on earth can confer upon
him. Few men, perhaps. have spoken more frequently
because, imagine, few have estimated them rs highly
as lhaye had some opportunity TO- know him, and
e.
lations have always been That might have SONS OBJ
lection 10 particular acts OF his is involved in the gen.
era remarks which make. choose thus, however,
deliberately 20 guard myself against any misnterpreation
by him, in snpposing that ! would wish 10 deprive
him OF any military honors which others would confer
upon him. 70 far as believe they may be properly
army sysembelevlng il 70 be an injurious departure
resisted the esoluon and yet is known to other gen
proposition TO- create grade OF full general Of the
army with the foreknowedge that il would be conferred
upon HIM to whom you now propose TO give lower
grade OF lieutenant general. So far, then, am con.
cerned, al least have sought TO withhold the full
measure OF promotion from him who is worthiy
the Commander Chief of the army Of the United States
It's known TO other membes OF the Senate that consider
this title as Objectionable for many reasons, and, among
others. because do not consider il as corresponding
with the organization which aitains in regiments and
companies while the grade OF general above that of major
general and brgadier general coud corresponds and
give US an equal number OF generals with the British
service.
have thought it proper, lest there should be any mis-
construction when wish to be understood, to say this
much As TO my constituents (my colleague refers TO
them. presume they little whether vote upon
side the other upon hisqueston have idea tina,
there i = man in the State OF which am representa-
sderng responsible my constituents for the
give upon this question They maintain opinions on one
side OF The Other have doubts but cannot conceive
about TO give, would have thought of if my vote
wis to e fSs very reverse Of what will be- !,
tbs gentleman who has just taken his seat that will be
excused for making very few remarks in response My
colleague seems to think that have misunderstood the
history OF this matter much have misunderstood
the history OF other matters Of somewhat higher I'M
por.ance That his opinion 1t is certainly entitled to
ssmach as ne has not made i good BY anything like
decent plausible showing Of facts hope that ii will
Dc IN my power YET to stand up firmly and calmly and
without being entirely overcome paralyzed by any
opposition oppugnaion, either reasonable
sonabe, which II may be my fate TO encounter.
: Mr.. DAVIS, of MisSissjppi. | wish col
league one question: WIFI he let the notes OF the
ofE s he habit
following the reporters and correcting any mistakes
into which they may have fallen, in consequence OF
unnecessary be specified Perhaps shall do this
occasion. But am that shall not cause any par
OF the debate be marred and maDged by alterations
of anything said by do injustice TO any human
being Of this. am incapable, however others may
misjudge me on the subject.
was proceeding TO say, my colleagues opinion has
been expressed, but think he has made nothing like
plausible showing in support Of on the present
son therefore expect confidently to be able TO stem
the tide of his eloquence and to bear up against the
influence Of his and character, both here and else
where in connexon with the matters at present IN con
troversy between us AT any rate, am willing, rs
said before, risk the conseq before my
stitnents and the country 800
bssn pon,edly referred to. there nothing my pas
history which, reasonable could seriously la
mset. have been charged sometimes remember, and
with NO little pride) with rskng myself little toe
much certain localities upon great national questions
involving the welfare OF the republic, have been
charged by who have not been much inclined to do
re justice, and whose favorable estimation OF me
public man should regard AS deeply dlshonoring. with
misreprsseniing The known opinions Of my constituents
believe nobody has found me qnaing yet under TIN,
accusation, grave its character and think tina
have not yet evnced any OF that hrmness OF mind
and that sell -colecedness OF demeanor, without which
the occupant of seat here is but worthless and
empbls creature The illusions, therefore, OF the hon.
oTabIs gentlemen 40 me, in the high public capacity IN
which am nov acting. have fallen as harmessy at my
feet IA have certain other missiles hurled at me this
morning from the same bow gave the history OF this
resolution furnished me by the honorable from
Illinois. ! said thai understood the proposition now
before US TO have originated with my friend from Ala
bama not now in his seat and such Is the fact and
even the statement OF my colleague himself supports me
ia this position Indifferent the precise routine
through which the resolution may have been faed TO
travel since its origination but the main and only
nal fact Of the has been correctly stated for the
ator from Alabama is entitled 10 claim the paternity OF
this movement never the resolution myself either
in print or in wiring before this morning but under
stood IRON the senator from Alabama that simply
Al least manly complimentary when about the
period Of its ince2ton he did me the honor OF coming TO
10 request my support of IL have been informed
this morning that in its original form il provided for The
bestowaI of large additional recompense for General
Scott do not think, IL al present advised could have
given II my support in that form, without some special
rsaaons, which have not yet heard assigned.
Thsss has been complaint here, sir, that invdi
oos comparisons have been instituted between General
Scott and other military gentlemen, Well. cir, have
instituted none, am sure | had read Shakespeare 10
but little purpose had learned from the famous Dog.
berry that 'cOm oaoreus and hope that