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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
365
see my letter:: in the Herald (N.Y.) in a few days. Fillmore is rising daily, and will no doubt get New York. He is gaining in many states. Tell General Rusk I think no Rail Road matters will be taken up this session. Present my affectionate compliments to Lady and kiss all little Irions for me and salute all friends. Joe Ethridge is here and sends best love to you. The papers have all, aye, more than all, the news. Thy Devoted Friend, Sam Houston 1 Sam Houston State Teachers College Collection of Houston Materials, Huntsville, Texas. The University of Texas Library has a photostatic copy of the letter. For Robert A. Irion, see Houston to Robert A. Irion, January 23, 1837, Volume II, p. 37. ::close search for the letter Houston mentions here has been made through all the issues of the New York Hemld (weekly) for August and September, 1856, but it has not been found. OPPOSING EMPLOYMENT OF ARMY OFFICERS ON CIVIL WORKS, AUGUST 14, 1856 1 Mr. Houston. I have designedly abstained from occupying the time of the Senate by any remarks of mine for some time past, because I desire that the public business should progress so that the Senate would not have to adjourn in a bustle or with any important matter deferred. This subject is one in which I have felt some interest; and after the discussion which has taken place, I should not deem myself discharging my duty if I did not advance such objections as I think exist to the general plan of selecting military officers from the Army for the purpose of discharging civil duties. In regard to the particular instances which have been discussed in relation to the extension of the Capitol, and the construction of custom-houses, and the Treasury extension, I think it very easy to obviate any objection by excepting them. I think it is necessary to adopt and recognize the general principle of exclud- ing officers of the Army from civil employment; and it is easy to except the superintendent of the Capitol, and the superin- tendent of the Treasury extension and the custom-houses. I would make an exception of those two gentlemen on this occasion, because I believe them to be highly qualified to perform the duties of the trusts conferred to them, and I doubt whether their places could be well supplied. Beyond these exceptions I cannot go, but recognize the general principle of restricting officers of the Army
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