The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-12-22


liant counrymen foresses fell al their approach OF al
tack, and The capture OF the capital terminated the
paxn, aAd, IN fact placed the nation at mercy One
Incident which marked these splendid efforts gives them
deep interest and romantic character, which may
seek in vain IA The records OF national contests. For
many days our adventurous army losl 10 their
ymen and TO The world Relying upon The gallanlry and
superiority OF his troops, the General adopted the hardy
measurewise il proved by IFS success but rash as Il
would have been denounced, had il iailedo abandoning
his communications with the coast and therefore with
his country and OF committing the fate Of his army to
forward movement into the heart OF the enemys terri
tory. and TO vigorous attack upon the capital We all
remember with what anxiety this decisive movement
regarded, and how waited with almos, painful soliei
ude for tdlngs from brethren engaged IN Perilous
conflict, and shTouded from view by the cloud thai
rested upon them But ere long this obseuIy gave way.
like the veil that covered and then revealed the Trojan
hero .al.##
"Quum ciTeumfnsa, repente
selndit NUDES, ct in sthera purgat apsrtum,"
and flag upon the towers of Mexico, and the
campaign brought 10 glorious conclusion.
In these operations. gratifying 10 our pride and so
honorable TO character General Scott the leader,
the commander, responsible 10 his country for their pro-
leciion and their execution And well did he fuihl the
task assigned 10 him.
Bold and active in his movements, fertile in resource.
and prompt in SEEING every advantage Of the errors OF
his enemy, he displayed traits OF generashp which have
commanded the respect of the world and have placed
him among the great captains OF the age And these bril-
liant achievements have not only conferred imperishable
honor upon name but they have added To moral
strength and standing among the nations of the earth
by the display OF noble qualities which prove that an
American army able II is willing 10 stand be-
tween their country and her foes and 10 defend her ght
and her interests in any extremity OF difficulty and
danger. .s3'|.s ..ss t.as# ts# FL
For his share in these splendid ieats am willing to
make provision for comforting upon General Scott this
mark OF public appreciation and think he well merits il
MIR BORLAND. When this resolution was under con-
sderaton by the Senate before, offered remarks in
opposition TO IT, 1t is not my purpose TO 60 over those
remarks again, or 10 express all the sentiments then
p,esssd-lot that haze materially changed my opinions,
but have somewhat changed my purpose. Even in lis
present FORM as proposed to be amended, cannot
vote for this resolution IF i, was proposition directly
plainly, and substantially TO confer upon Gen Scott the
breve rank OF lieutenant general would vote Tor it, If
there be any honor IN this commission or distinction
which il is proposed 10 confer upon Gen. Scott will be
honorable only when conferred by The representatives OF
this nation, by the voice. and should hope the unan-
nous voice. OF the Congress of tie United Staes But
Geek TO avoid thu responsibility of proclaiming to the
world this high esteem which has been expressed here
by honorable senator's for the character and achievements
OF Gen Scott do not say that such is the purpose Of
honorable senator's who have put The proposition this
form but such il vii. appear upon Che records OF the
country in all time.
Now 10 show the view entertain OF it, and to put the
proposition in form for which can vote, and which
heeye Will more fully meet the wishes OF the American
people than any other, will send amendment the
Chair which offer by way OF substitute for the PROPOSE
ton now before us.
The amendment was sent to the table. and read As fol
lows;
Strike all aer the enacting clause, and inserts
That the President OF the United States be authorized
confer Major General Winfield Scout the brevet rank
of lieutenant general in acknowledgment OF his gallant
and merltorious services IN the war with Mexico"
MIR. SHIELDS. Will the honorable senator permit me
10 ask him whether that would be constitutional not
The committee had that matter under consideration, and
came TO The conclusion that could not appoint an ind
ydaal 10 this office; all that could do was TO cons
the rank and thea permit the President 10
not exercise his right to make the appointment, as he
should think proper.
MIR BORLAND II | had been satisfied that this was
unconstitutional should not have offered il; il be
satisfied that il is not constitutional, viii not press
il by way OF amendment But | do no, wherein il
is unconstitutional. VIII any senator point me-
If so will thank hm-ia what respect have The
constitutional power to confer this rank directly upon an
individual and yet have the power 10 create and esiab
sh the rank and then enable the President OF the Uni
led States confer it For the life Of cannot 40
any substantial difference exists the difference
between the two propositions. But do and feel, as
OF the American people who take deep interest in
the character asd achievements OF military men-as
one of them who goes as far any IN paying the
tribute OF admiration and gratitude 10 General Scott for
his disting shed servcesihat il give the full
force and value this mark OF distinction, must be as
the esentayes OF the peopby comforting this rank
upon him directly rather than by leaving ii the option
oil any gle individual, matter what may be his posi-
ton in our political system.
(To BE CONTINUED