WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1853
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congregate around them like loathsome birds seeking for offal. If a transaction of this character had taken place within the limits of any State or Territory, and the same outrage had been perpetrated upon an individual, and the penal laws of the country had been brought to operate upon the person who swindled him out of this amount, or robbed him, the swindler would have been put in the pillory, attached to the whipping-post, or consigned to the walls of the penitentiary. If we are determined to coi-rect the abuses that exist in our land, and assi~.t these people who look to us for help, and cry for justice and right, we have now the opportunity of insisting upon it; and I ,:vould sink beneath the foundation of this Capitol sooner than sanction such an imputation as that I had not listened to their voice of complaint, when called for justice... 1 Congressional Globe, Part II, and Avpenclix, 2d Sess., 32d Congress, 1852- 1853, pp. 1020, 1077, 1078, 111-112. REMARKS ON THE CIVIL AND DIPLOMATIC APPROPRIATION BILL, MARCH 3, 1853L I have just heard with a very great concern the discussion that has been going on in this body on this question. We are drawing to the close of the session. We have but little time, yet there is much dependent upon our action, more perhaps than we are aware of. At the first view of the question, and so far as I understand the difference between the two Houses, it is upon a point of etiquette and dignity. I am not sufficiently conversant with the rules of the Senate to determine how far the subject of etiquette ought to be considered in this matter; nor am I prepared to say how far our dignity is affected; but it is my opinion, that in this controversy, very little would be gained by either in a triumph. The country, on the one hand, may be essentially prejudiced in its interests. I look upon this transaction, unless we do harmonize it, as an apple of discord, that might not be consumed for years to come. Harmony and cooperation between the two branches of the National Legisla- ture is very important to the object of successful legislation; and I do trust that Senators coming up to their work will lay aside the first flush of indignation, and be disposed to look at this matter with coolness and calmness, and with that considera- tion which the importance of our position entitles it to. What would it gain, Mr. President, if we were on this occasion, on account of a few thousand dollars, perchance, that may be
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