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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1857
and his announcement gives it all the validity that a thousand resolutions could do, without law, without precedent, and, so far as I can see, without reason. I am against such resolutions. 1 Cong1·essional Globe, Part 1, 1856-1857, p. 649. The debate in Congress was concerning the election of President Buchanan, and Vice-President John C. Breckinridge, and the resolution upon which Houston spoke was as follows: "Resolved, by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the two Houses are of one opinion that the Constitution and the laws have been duly executed, and that no further declaration of these facts is necessary than the announce- ment that James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, is declared President of the United States, and that John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, is elected Vice President of the United States.''
To As~BEL SMITH 1
Washington, 11th Feby 1857 My Dear Smith, I have only time to thank you for your favor, and the enclosed copy to Col. B. I have heard nothing from him. I send you a letter from somebody in Baltimore. It is none of my business who it is! Write to me and give me the news. Thine Truly Houston. To Ashbel Smith, New York. 1 Ashbel Smith Pape1·s, The University of Texas Library.
CONCERNING INCREASED PAY FOR ARMY OFFICERS, FEBRUARY 17, 1857 1
Mr. President, I had no intention or desire to participate in this debate; I thought that the proposition before the Senate was so simple that every Senator's mind was prepared for action on the subject without entering into a general debate. Contrary to my expectation, however, the discussion has taken a rather discursive range. I regret extremely to be compelled to dissent from gentlemen whose experience in legislation and military af- fairs entitles them to my respect. The immediate point before the Senate is in regard to double rations and increased pay. As to that my mind is concluded. 'I am decided in favor of the in- crease of pay and retaining the double ration. If we, as a Gov- ernment, receive the service of individuals, it is right they should be treated as gentlemen, that they should receive a competency
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