Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-05-07

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Mr.. BORLAND. When this subject was under con-
sideration in the Senate former occasion offered
few remarks in opposition to the measure Ii is not nv
purpose go those remarks again. or to ex-
press all the sentiments then expressed. Not that nv
opinions have been materially changed but that have
somewhat changed my purposes. In its present form,
however, new proposition cannot vote for it.
If was proposition directly plainly and substantial
lily confer upon General Scott the breyet rank of lieu
tenant general would vote for it. If there be honor in
this commission distinction which 1T is proposed
confer General Scott il will be honorable only when
conferred by the representatives Of this nation by the
voice. and should hope the unanimous voice, Of the Con-
gress of the United States But in the proposition
before the Senate it seems to me that we seek toavod
the responsibility of proolaming TO the world this high
estimate which has been expressed here by individual
Senator's of the character and achievements of General
Scott Such, sure, is not the purpose of Senators
who have brought forward the proposition in his favor
But thus viii appear upon the records of the country
in all coming time
To show the view which entertain and to bring for
ward proposition in form in which can vote for it,
and which believe will be more agreeable to the views Of
the American people, desire to offer the following amend
ment
Strike all after the enacting clause, and insert
That the President Of the United States authorized 10
confer upon Major General Winfield Scott the breve rank Of
lieutenant general in acknowledgment of his gallant and
meritorious services in the with Mexico.
Mr.. SHIELDS. Win the Senator permit me to ask
whether that will be constitutional? We have consider
ed that matter III the committee, and we felt that we
could not designate the individual in any way but that
we might create rank and leave the President to fill it
as he should please.
Mr.. BORLAND. If / could be satisfied that nv pro-
position is unconstitutional, would neither have Offer
ed it, insist upon it but confess have been
unable wherein it is unconstitutional If any Sc
nator will point its unconstituti onay will
thank him for it, shall be glad to be informed how it
is that have not the constitutional power to confer
this rank directly upon individual and yet have the
power to establish the rank and enable the President Of
the United States to fill it. For my life cannot see, So
far the exercise of the power is concerned, any sub
stantia difference between the propositions. But %
feel, of the American people, deep interest
the character of military men and will 60 rs fs
any one in paying the tribute of my admiration an
gratitude to Gen. Scott for his distinguished service
If however to give full force to this distinction
1T must be by conerrlng this rank representatives
the American people, rather than by putting it whii
the option Of any particular individual however high h
station may be.
Mr.. CHASE When this resolution was originally be
fore the Senate two years since, Mr. President,
felt myself constrained to against it. then gay
silent vote but now propose TO state briefly the rea
sons which control me.
The object of the resolution has been distinctly avow
ed by the honorable Senators from Illinois and Michigan
1t is to create rank in the army for the purpose
of distinguishing particular individual by conferrng
that rank upon him Now, is it expedient that the
American Congress should create this rank, which has
BEEN stated by the Senator from Michigan, but once
created in history, and then for particular pur-
pose Sir the reward Of duty the consciousness of
duty done. That is the highest reward and suppose
it is that which the soldier well the civilian most
covetshat consciousness which will sustain him at all
times and under all circumstances amid opprobrum as
well us applausethe reward which he finds in his
breast and which it impossible that any take from
him. Sir wishes to take leaf from any laurel
which Gen Scott has or worn. No man desires to
deprive him in the smallest degree of any honors which
grateful country has bestowed upon him, of that
worldwide in which he is held wherever the fame
of his achievements has gone and that fame has gone
wherever civilized men exist, and indeed, may say
wherever any language is uttered
Mr. our In is ID
Of the which called upon to perform. said
moment since, repeating what had fallen from the Sena-
from Michigan that this rank has been but once crea
ted in history and then II created for the pur
pose Of comforting it upon who above all his
compeers. The Senator from Michigan is justly jealous
Of the fame of Washington and would not have the Office
by which he was distinguished revived. He proposes,
therefore, " that the Office be now created"
But submit that mere change OF phrase will accom-
plish his object The thing remains; the fact is there
you create the office which was created for Wash
ngton for the sole purpose of comforting upon another
individual 1t matters little whether you style it the
" creation or the revival of the Office
And let remember, sir, that the lead of
armies through the of the revolution not thought
sufficient for the creation of Office with
which to distinguish Washington lie conferred upon his
country the highest OF all national benefits He assured
her. by his services in the field freedom and ndepend
ence, and, than any other man. under the blessing
Of Divine Providence secured the institutions which
we enjoy; and yet, whoever thought of identifying
him by new title new military rank, by any of
create and which Legislatures take away? No, sir
his reward of different description. His reward
found in the consciousness of noble heart that he
had conferred great benefits upon his country and upon
the world His reward found in that grateful
acclaim of the people which surrounded him wherever he
went, and distinguished him . first in war; first in
peace and first in the hearts Of his countrymen That
his distinction. No trappngs of office no mere
military title paltry honors which can be conferred
taken away by Legislatures constituted any part Of it.
II flowed from the great fountain OF his own services and
was returned to him in the gratitude Of the people.
Sir am averse, will say TO distinguishing any mar
with the title which conferred upon Washington
and wish here remark-and believe the history
the country will sustain in statng-that the rank
lieutenant general conferred upon Washington him
self only because it supposed that he be i'm
mediaely called into the service Of the country in wa
with France have read the affecting and noble lette
in which he signifed his acceptance Of the commission
but he accepted it. not trapping, not mere IT'LL
but commission under which to render new services
to his country in new and perlous field
recolect very well that when this subject undr
consideration before suggested the part Of tie
opponents Of the resolution that orginatinga
policy; that Offering titles, titles,
wards for public service and asked where wou
end? We're we to create admuals and marshals? AID
also recolect very well that distinguished fayorer
the then said that proper should occr
he was willing to grant the marshars baton he wae WI
ling to confer whatever rank distinguished soldiers r
sailors in the Old World could wn for the purpose of
showing the gratitude and admiration Of our Republic b.
wards her successful warriors.
My honorable friend from Michigan does not seem TO
think that there is any danger in ular distinctions
IL the rank remains the same, what is the bcrm OF
higher title? If the substantial poweris the where
is the danger of a distinction? Let ask, not
the substantial power Of Louis Napoleon two months ago