WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
70
Indeed, in response, I did not complain of their domineering dis- position, a disposition to oppress the minority. Now, I think, without consuming time for the purpose of delay, if there be a fair majority in favor of the measure, and there is no hope of gaining anything by the expedients re~orted to, it is due to the members who have not had an equal advantage with others who have taken their dinners, it is due to those who have not taken any refreshments of any kind save a glass of cold water for break- fast-it is due to them, as well as to their colleagues, that we should go on and vote, and let the majority rule, as they will ultimately do, with all the annoyances that may be inflicted upon the members of the body. [Mr. Bayard and others spoke.] I am very much astonished that the honorable Senator lashed himself into such an unwonted passion at any remarks of mine. The only difference between the Senator and myself is this: that in his allusion to improper conduct, and trickery outside the Chamber-that was not his language, but it was the idea-and to combinations formed into caucuses, he said, was the only pos- sible way he could account for the manner in which Senators are now acting. He made the remark generally, and it applied to all who supported the measure of the Senator from Virginia. I alluded to facts which the gentleman has not denied. I have not done him injustice, either in the application of my remarks to the facts which have existed, nor have I reflected on him to an extent b~yond what he has done on all the other members, either individually or collectively; for, if it was done by a combination; it must have grown from individual corruption or improper con- duct, or they never could have become associated together so as to prejudge a measure, or bring it improperly, or too urgently before the Senate. I disclaim the fact, as far as it could be applied to me. I retaliated nothing but facts. I said nothing offensive or disrespectful to the Senator; for, of course, if he were in the caucus, other gentlemen were with him, and the reflection would be upon all; so that it was not intended to be personal; and I wish the gentleman to know that it was not; and that he has strained its construction in endeavoring to make it so. [Mr. Bayard and Mr. Douglas speak.] I will remark that I have never heard of a caucus upon the subject that is now before the Senate. I have never heard a con- versation upon it. To-day, I remarked to the senior Senator from Virginia [Mr. Mason], that I thought well of that measure; and I doubted whether it would not be the most expedient to take it
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