372
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1856
be displayed in a more formidable aspect than the insinuating carelessness that appears now. The President is the head of the military of the country. He ought to require every officer to wear some badge to distinguish him-to tell that he is an officer in the American service. Sir, I want the power of the Department of War in this particular limited. I want the appointing power restricted by an amendment to this proposition, that will except the two superintendents alluded to, who are engaged on the Capitol extension and the extension of the Treasury building. I desire to see those exceptions made. I am prepared to vote for the principle; and I believe that I will vote for it in all cases rather than lose it i~ any. 1 Congressional Globe, Part 2, 1855-1856, pp. 2109-2112. The amendment to 1·estrict army officers from being employed on civil projects was agreed to by the Senate. AGAINST RETROACTIVE PROVISION TO INCREASE SENATORS' SALARIES, AUGUST 1'5, 1856 1 Mr. President, I rise to make an objection which was fairly and properly presented, I think, by the Senator from Louisiana. We came here, at this season, with the understanding that we should receive as our per diem a certain fixed sum. We have continued our labors until we are now about to terminate the session. We have acted on the same understanding. I cannot vote for a retroactive provision of this sort. I do not object to an increase of salary for the future, because I think that is just. I believe members cannot live on the amount which has been allowed them heretofore. But I cannot vote for the present bill with its retroactive provision. If we were to do so, and the' bill should pass, I could not regard myself justifiable in taking the money, because it was not part of the contract between the Government and myself when I came here. For that reason alone, I object to the House bill in its present shape, although I think the compensation of Senators and Representatives is insuffi- cient. I shall not further occupy the time of the Senate. icongressional Globe, 1st Sess., 34th Cong., Part 2, 1855-1856, p. 2154.
To SAM HOUSTON, JR. 1
Senate Chamber, 15th Aug. 1856.
My Dear Son In three days I hope to be making ready to be off from here, and on my way home, and soon to embrace my little family. You, my Son, will be at school and progressing well,
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