WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
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a quorum present. It seems to me that we ought to retain some semblance of the customary forms in our legislation. [The President and Mr. Dodge speak.] Mr. Houston. I do not question the importance of this harbor. My objections are twofold: first, that there is not a quorum here; and second, that the work is proposed to be done under the direc- tion of the War Department. I think that no· improvement of this kind ought to be done under the direction of the War Depart- ment. Where that is the case, it is generally done by incompetent persons, who are entirely theoretic in their knowledge, and have no practical skill or efficiency in making such improvements as are adapted to the wants of commerce. It seems to me that if this improvement is so very important to commerce, duties on tonnage at this point would complete the improvements contem- plated by the proposed appropriation of $17,500. I believe it to be my duty conscientiously to call for the yeas and nays on the engrossment of ,the bill. 1 Congressional Globe, 1st Sess., 34th Cong., Part 2, 1855-1856, p. 1728. These remarks were made on a bill introduced by Mr. Dodge, proposing to appropriate $17,500, to be expended under the direction of the War Depart- ment, for continuing the improvement of the harbor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan.
To M. D. PHILLIPs 1
Washington, July 23rd, 1856 Dear Sir: Your letter of the 21st inst is received and in reply I have to inform you, that no "amendments have been made to the Constitution" of my State since the period you mention. Your letter of the 13 Feby. must have miscarried, or if received, was mislaid, as I have no recollection of having received it. Sam Houston [Rubric] M. D. Phillips, Esq., Henrietta, N. York. 1E. W. Winkler Papers, Austin, Texas.
AUGUST-DECEMBER, 1856 To ROBERT A. IRION 1
Senate Chamber, 1st August, 1856. My dear Irion: I have only time to write a note, and send your spectacle case. I am out for Fillmore and Donelson. You will
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