\1 1RITINCS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1856
369
Mr. Bayard. The word "prerogative" is not mine. I do not suppose the President has any prerogatives. Mr. Houston. I think the reporter's notice will show that the gentleman used the term. Mr. Bayard. I think not; I spoke of the President's constitu- tional power, not of his prerogative. Mr. Houston. You may call it constitutional power, or consti- tutional prerogative, I care not which. But, Mr. President, those opposed to the principle of this provision object that it implicates the character of Captain Bowman and Captain Meigs. My re- marks have not tended to their implication, or to throw the slight- est reflection on their character. They stand, in my estimation, as high as gentlemen can stand in the Army or in the country. I am sure that no Senators who have commended them by their remarks have a higher appreciation of their worth as scientific, honorable, and useful officers, than I have; nor was it intended to implicate the character of the President of the United States or the Secretary of War. I believe it wrong in principle to allow the military department of this Government to regulate civil affairs, and spread the military power through all the ramifica- tions of the nation. That is my objection. The honorable and distinguished Senator from Michigan [Mr. Cass] admits that no estimate has been made which has not been exceeded. None has ever been made where the requisite amount for the completion of the work has not largely exceeded the 01·iginal estimate. That fact proves the utter incapacity of indi- viduals who are detailed from the Army, to make estimates; and if they are incapable of making the necessary preliminary esti- ·mates, I hold that they are liable to err in the execution of the work. I want men who are qualified, and who will come forward fairly, and put up the public buildings properly, and economically. If an officer makes an estimate, and that estimate is incorrect, he should be instantly dismissed from his position, I care not who he is; but I have not alluded to the increased appropriations that have been necessary for the completion of the Capitol, and the Treasury building, and the custom-houses. I have not sought to implicate any gentleman, or to involve the character of honor- able men by reflection or innuendo; and I wish it understood that I desire to move that the proviso be so worded that Captain Meigs and Captain Bowman shall be exceptions to the rule. I insist, however, upon the rule, and I shall vote for it upon prin- ciple. I do so because I think it necessary to the protection of the country. In every official department of the Government, the
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