WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1857
438
connected with it, and every consideration that would be involved in the creation of a second military academy. If the tender is to continue a particular ·time, and Tennessee has a real desire that it should be accepted by the Federal Government, she can extend the time of discretion left to the Government of the United States. No detriment will thereby accrue to the public interests, for the sum appropriated on this occasion is, I understand, but $5,000. No preliminary directions can be given for some time as to the examination and survey of the place in order to ascer- tain what improvements would be necessary. There is, as yet, no estimate of the cost that will ensue, on its acceptance, nor any circumstances that would enable us to form a judgment on a subject involving not only a vast expenditure of money, but also collateral considerations. But, Mr. President, I am not going to discuss the subject. I think it would be well if it were first had before a committee, and a thorough and elaborate investigation made of it. Commis- sioners should then be appointed to examine the place. This proposition to establish a second military school should be thor- oughly understood as a radical measure, and that it is not to be an off-shoot from the present Military Academy. Thus far upon the subject of the expediency of accepting this donation. Now, Mr. President, I wish to make a few remarks in reply to gentlemen who have spoken upon this subject, and chosen to make a comparison between the illustrious character of Wash- ington and General Jackson. I understood the honorable Senator from Louisiana to say, that when Washington's awful form was compared to that of other men since his time, they shrank into pigmies and insignificance. I wish to draw no comparison be- tween the characters of General Washington and General Jackson; but others have seen proper to do so. Another Senator said that he admitted that Jackson was inferior to Washington. Sir, I have a recollection of Washington, for I lived in his day, though but a child. The first manifestation of grief and sorrow ever made upon my mind, or that impressed my heart with sensibility, was the crepe I saw worn upon my father's arm, doing honor to the memory of Washington, after his decease. From that time I revered him as one of the greatest and best of men. In my estimation, he was something superior to other men, and hardly less than a demi-god. I am still willing to accord to him all the reverence and veneration that is due to his mighty deeds. I
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