WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1858
102
of Iowa, proposed an amendment to the Deficiency Bill by striking out the provision, "For surveying public and private land claims in California, including office expenses incidental to the survey of claims, which must be disbursed at rates prescribed by law for the different kinds of work, being the amount of surveying liabilities incurred by the Surveyor General during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1857, over and above that authorized under the appropriation of $50,000 for that period." ~Colonel John C. Hays (Jack Hays, of early Texas History), was the sur- veyor general of California. His surveyors, it seems, had done more work than had been expected in the given time. Colonel Hays, looking at the matter from a practical point of view, permitted this extra work to be done, because it was a very great advantage to the State, and the weather condi- tions there were usually such that little could be done; so Surveyor General Hays argued that "while the weather was good, do as much as possible." But the cost of the work exceeded the appropriations made for it. Senator Harlan was arguing that Hays was remiss in performing duty not required; he imputed to Hays dishonest motives, and argued that he should be left to pay for all work that exceeded the appropriations made, even though, as Senator Gwin, of California, argued, the extra work was worth far more to the State than the sum being asked for the labor. Houston's remarks were evidently in the interest of his old friend, Jack Hays. See the argu- ment on pp. 1774-1775 of the Congressional Globe, 1857-1858. Senator Harlan's motion was lost by a vote of 34 to 13. REMARKS CONCERNING THE INEXPEDIENCY OF NIGHT SESSIONS 1 April 26, 1858. Mr. Houston. I cannot say, as a general thing, that I am in favor of night sessions. We have had one this session, and I do not believe that we have gained anything by it. I rather think that we lost. Members felt deranged for two or three days after- ward; business was very lax; members were indifferent, and did not feel very well after sitting up all night. I remember that I was very much incommoded myself about three o'clock in the morning. Then, I had to render an excuse for acting like a decent man, and taking my natural repose. [Laughter.] Well, sir, I am inclined to think we made nothing by it. If we sit up tonight, I am satisfied that tomorrow we shall be in rather bad condition for business. I can see no urgent necessity for it. I do not believe that by sitting here tonight we shall expedite business in the least. We may occupy so much more time, but whether that would be an advantage would be questionable. This subject will be the un- finished business for tomorrow if we now adjourn, and it can then be taken up regularly. That is, perhaps, the best thing that can be done; at least I think so. If business cannot be transacted in the ordinary course of legislation without resorting to extreme measures for the purpose
! I
·i
i I
.,
:I ,
I
I
Powered by FlippingBook