Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-18

enterprise, worthy Of the profession in which he
had been trained. aud servant 10 be sought after,
II the interests Of The government are 10 be con-
sidered. In becoming Texan, he did not cease
TO be an Amercan--the Texans were all Ameri-
cans
Sir, / am indicating the character Of Com
modore Moore. Here are the testimonials Of
his own countrymen in public meetings assem-
bled. Here are the testimonials of his own
legislature, his own Congress, time after time
expressed. Here is the testimony of an honest
officer of the American navy. Here are other
testimonials, to which | might refer: but
come to one higher than all, and above ALL and
which eclipses all. l come to an authority
which none will dispute, and none gainsay. /
will read the testimony of the distinguished,
honored, and illustrious hero of San Jacnto--
the senator from Texas, Mr.. HoUsToN) land
he will pardon me while read it
"Some of the most gallant commanders of the
American navy, who had distinguished themselves,
and added nslre to the character Of the country
during the last war, had been taken from our com
mercia marine, ard had, Of course, been without
any previous training in maritime war; and yet
they sustained the honor of the American flag as
proudly and as CALAMITY on the briny surge
could have been done after the most assiduous
preparation. He trusted American officers ever
would do SO; and he was prepared TO pledge him
self that those of Texas never would disgrace that
beloved star-spangled banner which throws its
folds TO the wind in every sea. If any of them,
owing 10 sickness or any other providential inter
vention, had been prevented from that personal
experience which they might have obtained in ac-
tive service; and if others, following the bent Of
an ardent temperament, and weary OF the mac
tivity of peace, had voluntarily engaged in the
service of foreign friendly power, was it to be
made an objection against their being admitted TO
place and a command in The American navy?
AS well might objection be made 10 those who
resisted the invasion ofhe Texan soil, and achieved
and maintained the independence of the Texan
Republic, that they were moi graduated at West
Point. As well might Texan citizens be excluded
from seats in the two Houses of Congress because
they had not received collegiate education, nor
enjoyed the same facilities with others of consult
ing Libraries, and becoming familiar with the clas-
scs If a doctrine like this was TO be established,
Texas might not be fully represented in either
House of Congress. But it was not by such
test that the merits Of this bill were 10 be tried"
"Some of her officers had devoted themselves
for years to naval pursuits alone, and had thereby
been cut of from all other avocaons. Norcoud
they in point Of morals, demeanor, OF honorable
conduct, disgrace American officers as associates.
They were themselves Americans; their origin
was the same; their political and moral ira ming
the same; nor would they disappoint the just ex-
pectations of those with whom they were TO be
connected"
After this need say no more on this point.
But, let me refer again, very briefly, to the
points involved in the amendment Of the SEN
ator from Texas. Mr.. RusK.] think we are
bound by every consideration Of justice, and
equity, and magnanimity, to incorporate these
men into the American navy. 1t does no wrong
to any man, it does no injustice to any man; it
postpones no man. The question is, are they
worthy of this association? leave you, sir
| leave the Senate-and leave the world, to
Judge from the records of the country whether
they are worthy or not.