WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
351
Now, Mr. President, can any one doubt that this is satisfactory evidence that Commodore Hull was not sustained by the Depart- ment, and was left in the awkward dilemma of being overruled, and having a triumph awarded to those who were generally desig- nated in the navy as mutineers? And those four mutineers com- posed almost one-third of the naval retiring board. I will r·ead further from the same letter of Commodore Hull: [We omit the quotation.] Now, I will read the last extract which I propose to present from Commodore Hull's letter, to show that to his last hour he felt it as a fatal blow to his influence, fatal to his honor, and dangerous to the well-being of the navy of the United States. He says: [We omit the quotation.] Mr. President, I have read these communications because they are important, and they contain a clear refutation of what was suggested by the venerable Senator from Delaware, when he said that the whole transaction was closed by the retraction by the Department of the first reprimand. The Committee on Naval Affairs inform us that they have thoroughly investigated this subject, and they have reported the results of their examination, and I understand it is a unanimous report. They have suggested remedies for the reform of all the errors which they think exist, and they appear now determined still to retain cognizance and jurisdiction over the subject. I am opposed to committing the investigation which I think is neces- sary to that committee, because it is impossible that an impartial investigation can take place before them. They have expressed their opinion. If we were selecting jurors to try a culprit, or to determine a civil cause between individuals resting on merely pecuniary considerations, impartial men would be chosen, who had expressed no opinion in relation to the facts or justice of the controversy. In any case affecting life or property, men would not be selected to adjudicate it who had already expressed their opinion upon it; but those would be chosen who were impartial, and free from bias of every kind. I desire to have a committee appointed who can, without being tied down by former biases or committal, determine whether or not injustice has been done by this board. I have not said that the officers of the navy were rascals; I have not impugned their honor; I have not doubted their chivalry and gallantry; but I admit that I have not entertained a favorable opinion toward the board and their action. For that I nm respon- sible to my own judgment. I have a right to express my opinion
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