Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-12-31

Mr. SHIELDS The honorable Senator takes very
practical view Of this matter He looks upon the money
as the substantial thing and upon the title the bau-
be but soldiers sometimes, without any reference to
money pecuniary advantages like and receive
such baubes. am happy to say that this substantial
interest is not as highly priced in the army it is in
| some civil branches.
Mr. PETIT. 1t is nowadays considered necessary to
have some regard to filthy lucre. Laughter,
Mr. SHIELDS. But, sir, as / remarked before, my
hope is that Gen. Scott will for the few short years he is
to remain among receive additional compensa-
ton. / think he deserves it, and ought TO have it.
MIR. PETIT. Is there any higher command which he
can have to entitle him to it?
! Mr.. SHIELDS. No. sir; there is no higher command.
That is very true. He cannot have higher command
than that of being the commanding general Of the army
next to the President, who is the commanderin
repeat that not only wish the title conferred upon
him, but expect that additional pay will also be granted
1 Mr.. WALKER. Mr. President the Senator from lIll-
is not doubtless that he has in the course OF
his remarks given perhaps the best justification for my
objection which he could have given He says that Gen.
Scott is the only officer who fought in the Mexican war
who has not received any honorary any htuar reward
Why let him advert to the constitution Tor an instant
let any Senator do it, and find if he land If he find
it let him point it to to the Senate,) where
there is any authority for tuar reward in that instru
ment Upon the contrary there is the most express pro-
hibon in spirit of any thing of the kind. The Senator
himself did obtain breyet for his services and no one
deserved il meritorously than that Senator.
MIR. SHIELDS Will the Senator from Wisconsin permit
me to ask him whether he does not recognise disnc
|
military titles and titles of nobility!
! Mr.. WALKER. l do not when the style of title is
conferred unassocated with the performance OF duty but
mark of distinction above and pre-eminent to
his associates The Senator has kcned this case to the
ordinary Of breves 1t is useless to speak as to the
policy the proprety the consttuonaty OF the bre-
vet system for it has been established by precedent put
think that if it to arise for the first time,
might well be the subject of very serious consideration
know Of many who have been breveted since have had
the honor of upon this floor 1t gave me pleasure
must say, far knowledge of the individuals was
concerned to those brevet bestowed In no case was
more pleased than in the of the honorable Senator
who introduced this resolution know of none who bet
ter deserved q brevet But, as to the constitutional
question, say if it were original one 1T might
well be the subject of more serious contemplation
The Senator said that if this be violation Of the Con-
stuton it had been violated since its formation.
He asks what is the difference between comforting the
brevet title of captain and that of general? said in my
first remarks that when individual is set aside for the
performance of duty he is from necessity to receive some
designation but it is always associated with duty When
we speak OF captain, speak of who has command
of company, and whose duty it is command it. When
speak of colonel it is of who has command of
regiment and whose duty it is to command that regi-
ment When we speak of general, we speak OF him as
associated with his me duty, and the performance of
it. The Senator has admitted that major general is The
highest military station that have for the performance
of military duty. Now, when we come to speak of lieu
tenant general with what service to the country either
civil military, do associate the title? Whenever
divest it of any association whatever with the per-
Torrance of duty, do not at perceive something
counter to the spirit Of the Constitution something that
is merely IDEAL something that mere style mere title
and intended TO elevate individual marked point
of pre.eminence above the of his fellow citizens
without imposing upon him any duty! 1t seems to me
| to be so.
am, however perfectly that opposition to the
passage of this resolution is hopeless believe will
be passed by the Senate by large majority. But, sir
have reflected upon the subject believe said nothing
in regard the last session. but thought of it then
have thought of it since, and most seriously of the
impression that it is violation of the spirit of the Con-
stitution.
Suppose sir, that some shall outstrp the gall
liant general spoken Of by the honorable Senator from IL
nos Suppose that when this country shall be in
imminent peril than it has been when the combined
tons with their combined armies shall be coming against
and shall be about hur from the high preein
which enjoy, there shall step forward
one who clothe himself with more glory than
Washington Scott what shall do for him All,
sir, there will then be serious reflection whether the
bestowa Of this title not the fatal step beyond the
performance of duty win then be seriously thought
whether cannot do something for that great
than for those who preceded him. 1t is in this light in
this point Of view, that cannot favor this step. hope
that shall never the time when there will be
cessy for calling upon any perform for greater
services than have heretofore been performed but if be
ever shall arise, what then shall do for him The title
Of lieutenant general will have been bestowed and
greater mark of distinction will have to be bestowed up
| on him. What shall il be?
Mr. MASON. Ibid not intend, Mr. President, to take
any part in this debate, although perhaps it might have
been expected representing do the State which had
the honor to give birth to the gallant captain upon whom
it is proposed to confer this mark Of distinction but that
suggestion has been made by the Senator who has just
taken his seat, that there something in conflict with
the Constitution in confering this breyet rank Sir,
think have been in the habit Of constituting the Cons
tuition and its powers strictly ds Senators this
floor but occurred me- has it occurred
those who have heretofore conferred brevet rankor II
the objection applies to the grade Of lieutenant general
it applies well to the subordinate gradesthat when
you increase military rank by military you there
by create title ofany Sort for at last but creating
new military rank by military name
The prohibition in the Constitution apprehend is per-
fectly ineligible. II is confined order and class
known as well to the law of the world any
other class or order. When you speak Of the nobility
upon the continent Of Europe or in England that sepa
rates class just as ehectualy the separat
ed The prohibition in the Constitution is against grant
ing title creating such class such distinction of
nobility, do not see, although am satisfied that the
honorable Senator from Wisconsin is sincere that there
really any thing substantial in the constitutional objection
which he has raised.
Sir, did not intend to snpny thing. could say no
thing that would add eth the opinion Of the country
or of the world cub to the gallant stature which
this distinguished achieved in the Mexican war If
to say he has shed luster upon our arms and
nown upon country, should but re-echo what has
been said only here but abroad but there fea
turc which has, confess impressed more strongly in
the Of this gallant captain in foreign country
than any which has been alluded II is the great
raj example which he set to the world in the conduct
invading army in foreign country. lie carried no de-
vastation ruin he sacked villages plundered no
people but cast them the Of his protection
wherever he When he seized their capital he
tablishel police law which will impress itself upon the
character Of that nation forever hereafter so far from
countenancing permitting the least license in his SOL
Isa hapo ~ a.