The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-16


oTs And II Il be intended for something else am op
posed to IT, Is ii conended that such an Office is neces
sary IN time of pro found peace Show that il i,
Reeessary-show me that il will add efficiency dignity
aud use euness to the army to the nation in any way
and may go Tor IT, But when see nothing to Justify il
when we have gone through several wars and have re
cehuy come out OF war, without such office; when
long time has passed away without any idea OF confer
ring H. II seems to me strange that such distinction should
De proposed when we are at peace with all the world.
we are told by the senator from Kentucky [Mr CLAY
thar we ought 10 have these high grades in the army and
IN the navy in order that military and naval com
manders. IN meeting those of other nations may have
years in our political history without these ranks-with-
outthe rank OF admiral, without the rank OF lieutenant
general except tor short period under peculiar circum-
stances; and do not apprehend that in any meeting
with foreign officers ancable hostile officers viii
ever fail to obtain respect for the OF that rank Our
gallant officers OF the navy have failed of victory
tor the want OF it, gallant generals haye failed
for the want OF il and lido not think they will fail Why
then, should create the Officer conceive there
be no necessity for il.
1t is said that this rank is not mere baube a mere
title OF distinction II il is not, should like to know
what il is. And If IT is empty title, dis
lnction. OF what use is it, and what right have we to
grant 1t Ii the title which is proposed TO give to Cen
Scott adds nothing to his efficiency increases his use
funess, nor imposes dulies-gives nothing but a
title or badge OF honor call il what you willwhether
il be little gold lace different cut or shape to
garment, loftier plume. star garter-o my
plain republican, view OF the subject and
the plain, comon-sens view OF the subjec, by the pee
hike badge OF honor, distinction not designating any
particular duties, but setting him apart and above his fell
low-ctzens 1t would be very like ue of nobility.
When and where have before conferred rank without
corresponding duties! Such distinctions are discoun-
tenanced by the constitution by our sentiments and
feelings; and why it should be conferred
in this particular instance.
But again if this thing is TO be DONE would ask gen.
temen if this the most opportune time to do it, and if
is proper for the distinguished individual referred TO at
this particular juncture receive from the Senate OF the
ia n Shu
our eyes to The circumstances in which this matter is
brought forward would not say do anything to
detract from the merits of General Scott any other
distinguished Of his country but the time
would not do anything to disturb his proper position in
public estimation Let i stand for what it is worth.
Give him all his merits; there let him stand | do not
intend by any shall give to give him strength or
the contrary wish to let him remain just as he is.
The honorable senator from South Carolina seems to
be willing to in this resolution because he thinks
ought TO write and write honoraby, the history Of
the great achievements of this individual cannot agree
with my honorable friend that il is the proper province OF
the Senate OF the United States to write the history Of
any man Nor do think they ought to travel out of
their ordinary duties to nermeddle with it, 1t will make
no difference with the history OF the great events to which
he audes That history must depend on the subjects
themselves, and not the votes OF the members Of the
Senate OF the United States
For these and protesting the utmost respect
and gratitude for the dstng services of General
Scott feel myself constrained to vote against this
luton
Besides there is another objection to the resolution II
baed if it had reference TO particular individual,
but his not mentioned in it, Ii is not confined 10
one particular individual its terms embrace all The
power is to be discretionary with the President and the
Senate of the United States. and il may be extended
twenty individuals well as to one can see no neces
sty for it, and opposed 10 il for the varioss objec
MIR. DAWSON. MI President
Mr. FOOTE. Will the senator from Georgia allow
me to make single remark in reply to my friend from
Mr DAWSON Certainly.
Mr.. FOOrE am much obliged TO the senator from
Georgia Tor his courtesy and will only occupy the floor
long enough TO say, that whilst there who
terains habitua respect for the opinion Of my
honored friend from Louisiana. Mr. DowNs,l yet am
sure that he is in error if he sapposes this rssolu-
hon 10 be mere political device. set on foot to
benefit politically any man party. Certainly, sir,
should scoIn TO participate in such movement,
and ! know that nothing was more distant from the
thoughts OF him who originally moved It, or OF
those who have advocated II. trust that my posi-
tion before the country too well understood 10 make il
necessary that | should say even thus much ! am not
engaged in the business OF President making the leas,
possible degree nor do | intend 10 be until feel that
the republic itself is My OBJECT in voting for the
resolution has been already explained and as 10 my mo.
tives trust all who know will do them justice.
feel bound 10 say that my friend from Alabama, Mr..
CLEMENS with whom this resolution originated, is one
OF the last in the world to be acuated by such mo-
tves have been suggested
Mr. DOWNS | did not intend to charge any such
motive.
Mr.. FOOTE. know ihs, my friend did not directly
marks might, without explanation Of them be mis-
understood. Having made these remarks will conclude
By saying that gentlemen actuaed at all by wish
txeep General Scott out Of the presidency, they had bet
ter my judgment, evnce disposition to do him ordi-
nary Justice Tor nothing Is more certain than that any
appearance Of ilberalty injustice the part OF this
body towards him will strengthen instead of weakening
him before the country.
Mr. HALE Mr. President
The PRESIDENT. The senator from Georgia is en-.
titled to the floor.
merely one observation connected with this matter and
should not have said anything but Tor the observation o
my friend from the State OF Louisiana.
Mr. HALE. rise to question OF order, sr, ana one
which think has been decided differently heretofore
question OF order whether senator may use and addres,
the Chair and resign to somebody else to speak and
when he gets through still be entitled to II.
The PRESIDENT Certainly not. He can resign the
floor TO no senator make speech; but TO make mere
explanation has been the usual practice TO yield the
floor simply for that purpose
Mr. HALE. wish TO put the question distinctly 70
the Chair understand the practice oil the senate 10 pe
this: n senator rises 10 correct any remark oil senator
speaking the rule has been the Chair has stated bu
il has been ruled the contrary way npon me heretofore
when have obtained the floor and given way TO another
person to explain not something had SAID but some
hing else for il ruled that thereby lost ihs noor
Such think, has been the practice of the Senate
Mr. BUTLER | rise TO a question OF order tnlns
there il rule of the Senate which says that no nempe
some members disposed to claim privileges not al
The PRESIDENT. That is the rule. when any o'he
senator desires to speak
Mr.. DAWSON My neighbor from New Hampshire
has great difidence and consequently great d'ncuy
getting the Chair
Mr. HALE lin his seat) II was the floor wanted
n liz ~tto pa n