265
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
mints here to coin gallant hearts. No, sir; the generous, noble heart is coined in nature's mint, and struck in the die of Divinity. It is there that we are to look for seamen. It is an impress which can never be given by the present organization of the Navy; but degradation and dishonor will be brought upon it. My friend the chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs has said, that Commodore Stewart's·dead body might, upon a ship of war, cause Victory to perch upon her pennant, but that you might fill her with Maurys from keel to deck and it would not cause one thrill in a sailor's heart. Was that remark intended to disparage the just claims of Maury to admiration? His scientific attainments are too great for that; but he has qualities aside from his scien- tific attainments. He was a sailor who performed his duty--0r his comrades belie him-so long as he was at sea; and he was at sea a fair proportion of his time. He was a fine sailor and a fit man; but the nation could not dispense with his services in his present position, or he would have participated in the war with Mexico, and there have shown his gallantry and daring. [Senator Mallory here stated that he recognized and had ex- tolled Maury's scientific attainments. He did not, however, un- dertake to discuss the deficiency of any individual for a position of command.] Mr. Houston. I am very much gratified at the gentleman's remarks, for they are instructive. He has told us in a few words all that the chairman of the naval retiring board and its members have told us. He has told us nothing of the objections made to Mr. Maury. I have this to say of Mr. Maury: That he has proved himself a sailor, ready for service; and he is one of the first men of his age, and is so recognized throughout the worlci. If he has distinguished himself in science, and under the orders of the Government of the United States has been de- tailed for shore duty, it certainly does not disqualify him for active service, because there is not employment for one half, or one third, or one fifth of the officers of the American Navy, I believe, by manning all the vessels which we have. If he is employed on shore, there are others who, for the increased pay, are always anxious to go to sea. There are more than can get employment. And while he is profitably occupied for the benefit of the country, and while he is shedding a halo around its name, and rendering it illustrious as far as Christendom extends, I think it a small offense that he is a votary of science; and h~
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