362
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1852
commanding officer-that they should not be subject to his caprices and whims, but that their rank and position should be defined explicitly by law. This is the reason why I introduced the proviso, that they should take rank in all matters of cere- mony or authority, so that they may know precisely what their situation is, and that it may not be dependent upon the will of the officer who, for the time being, commands them. These offi- cers have had no rank heretofore, and it has given rise to heart- burnings and discontents. The officers of the line, or in the naval service proper, are disposed not to accord to the staff officers any high rank. It is all regulated by chance, and by favoritism. This matter has been settled in the Army, and is well understood and defined there ; and I propose for the har- mony and benefit of the service, that it shall be settled in regard to the naval officers the same as in regard to the military offi- cers of the Unitel States. It is an evil so easily remedied, that I do not see why the Committee on Naval Affairs should take so long about it as my friend from Florida suggests, and therefore, I hope the Senate will now adopt the proviso. 1 Cong1·cssional Globe, Part III, 1851-1852, 1st Sess., 32d Cong., p. 2453. REMARKS ON THE LIGHT HOUSE BILL, AUGUST 30, 1852 1 I must say that, until a measure of so much importance, in- volving the expenditure of so much money, is recommended by a committee, I am unwilling to go for it. I care not for the opin- ion of any board whatever, nor for its action, for I am satisfied, from the best information which I have been able to obtain upon this subject, that the expenditure will not be less than $4,000,000, and it will be a continued and increased expenditure upon the nation. If the lights are now sufficient to operate as beacons to vessels, so far as the curvature of the earth does not interfere with them, I see no necessity for any improvement. I will never vote for a measure so universal, in which so many are interested, and which comes forward in such a manner as not to permit us to discuss it on this floor. If it were a minor matter, thrust upon us at this moment, without discussion or time for reflection, I might be willing, through courtesy, to permit it to pass; but I cannot support any legislation of this character, that involves millions, when we know that influences out of the House are pressed upon Senators to rush it through, under the present pressure and haste of circumstances.
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