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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1855
of the claims of the individuals, I do believe that the Government has rendered itself responsible to the individuals for indemnifica- tion. If the decision is wrong, the honorable Senator from South Carolina says we ought to submit to it. [Mr. Butler. After agreeing to submit the matter, good faith requires it.] Mr. Houston. In good faith and good principle, I would do no such thing. Where the rights of an individual are concerned, I would demand nothing but what was right, and I would submit to nothing that was wrong, no matter from what source it comes. Upon that principle, and believing that the United States are responsible to these individuals for having compromised their rights without their full consent and acquiescence, and without an opportunity to exhibit their demand fairly before the umpire, I shall vote for the bill. 1 Congressional Globe, 1854-1865, Part 1, pp. 413, 414. The bill concerning which these remarks were made was a proposal to direct the Secretary of State to examine and adjust claims of citizens of the United States growing out of the destruction of the privately armed brig General A1·mstrong, which belonged to the port of New York, by a British force in a neutral port, Fayal, September, 1814, and settle these claims upon principles of justice and equity. It was not denied by any party that the destruction of this vessel was a flagrant violation on the part of Britain of the law of nations; but it was a matter that international law required to be handled by the neutral nation within whose territory, or three-mile limit of coast, the offense had been committed. The offending belligerent was responsible to the neutral nation, not to the enemy injured; so the matter was a question between the bel- ligerents and the neutral nation, Portugal. The matter was finally submitted to the Emperor of France as arbitrator, and the French Emperor had decided that the aggression was on the part of the American vessel. CONCERNING THE GAG SYSTEM, JANUARY 30, 1855 1 Mr. Houston. I desire to occupy as little time as possible, But I feel called upon to make some reply to gentlemen who have spoken. As the day, however, is far advanced, I move that the Senate do now adjourn. [The motion was put and not agreed to.] Mr. Houston. Mr. President, thus far in the session I have not seen so much urgency displayed. However, it is not the first time that I have seen the gag system enforced, in the discussion of matters of great importance. I well recollect during the last session, at the hour of three in the morning, when a majority had control of the Senate, it seemed convenient for them to deny
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