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efficiently, which was not done before at all; because, heretofore, when the Secretary wished to send an officer on a distant cruise, particularly to the coast of Africa, or other objectionable duty, he had to appoint three or four before he could get one to go. As I remarked on another occasion, now everything is alacrity. The officers seek sea-service, because they see a disposition to render promotion dependent on sea-service." Now what has become of that esprit de corvs-of that disposi- tion to seek service, when the Department had to send a com- mander to supply the place of a captain, while over thirty captains were "waiting orders"? Is not this an important fact to ascertain? Is it not proper that we should understand it? Is there anything unreasonable in this request? Do not the Senate require it for their enlightenment if they are to act further on this subject? Mr. President, these are my reasons for desiring the informa- tion which the resolution calls for. I have no disposition to pro- tract the debate. I desire the information, and therefore I wish the sense of the Senate taken upon the resolutions declaring whether the information asked for, under the circumstances and facts of the case, is not such as justifies the call made.
1 Congressional Globe, Part 1, 1856-1857, pp. 503-504. 2 See these remarks, July 15, 1856, in this volume, p. 356.
CONCERNING THE BEST METHOD OF CONTROLLING INDIANS, JANUARY 31, 1857t Mr. President, I had very little disposition to make·any remarks on this subject; but the position taken by the honorable-Senator from Georgia [Mr. Toombs], for whose judgment I generally have great respect, induces me to enter my protest at least against the doctrines which he preaches. If I understood him, he said the only way to contror the Indian, was to whip him into subjec- tion. I have no doubt that he honestly entertains this opinion, and it is a misfortune that it is entertained upon our frontiers generally. We have lately had an illustration of this in the con- duct of the Governor of Washington Territory. Nothing can be more inconsistent with the truth of history than to suppose that the Indian is to be subjected without great sacrifice of money and human life. That is a policy which has not been initiated by men of reflection, but has been entailed on this country by the intemperate feelings of rash, inconsiderate, and vicious men. If you wish to conciliate the Indian, the way is open for it. He
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