WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1826
68
Mr. Houston was opposed to.the resolution. 2 He could not con- ceive for what end this matter should be sentl to the Department of War. When it was up for discussion last session, he under- stood that the House were in possession of fu!l information re- specting it: it could not be intended to get new facts; and if it was merely to obtain the sanction of the Department to some of the items of the claim, he imagined it would have very little effect--it certainly would never change his vote. Why should not the subject be diseussed now, as well as at any other time? If the claim had merits, let it rest on its merits, and receive accordingly: it certainly could acquire none from the Department of War. He was opposed to the reference. • [Mr. Bartlett then, in compliance with the request of Mr. Buchanan, consented to let the resolution lie for one day.] Friday, December 15, 1826. Mr. Buchanan at whose request a resolution offered yesterday by Mr. Bartlett, in relation to the claims of Massachusetts, had been for one day laid on the table, moved the consideration of that resolution at this time- a motion which he said was due as an act of courtesy to that gentleman. The motion prevailed, and the subject was accordingly taken up. The question being on the adoption of the resolution-- Mr. Houston observed that he should be glad to see this claim, which had been so long and so often discussed, finally disposed of; nor should he oppose the course now proposed by his friends, could he view that course as fair or expedient. But he was utterly opposed to referring the subject to the Department of War. It had been referred there once already, and the proper officer had reported on it: since then it had been sent session after session, to committees of this House. It was now proposed to send it back to the Department. He could see no necessity nor propriety in such a measure. If the claim was to be settled on the principles declared in the resolution, there could be no need of submitting it to the Secretary of War. It has already every advantage for such a settlement that it will have afterward; but if it is not to be put on that ground, it may be audited and settled at once. He could discover no object in sending it to the Depart- ment, unless it were it might be examined by the Secretary, and returned to the House with an imposing sanction in its support. He w·ould not be so much opposed to this course if it had not been already in that Department, and the Auditor had not already
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