68
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
this little item when we find that there is great waste generally throughout the expenditures of Congress. We are to set an example by retrenching this mere trifle of expense. I have no disposition to enlarge the sphere of expenditure and extravagance; but I consider this a matter that concerns the feel- ings and the reputation of the Senate. Three gentlemen of our companions here have lately left this body; they were all respect- able; they were not undistinguished, any one of them. It has been the practice heretofore to publish the obituary addresses delivered on the occasion of the death of gentlemen who have died while members of this body. When there has been such a manifest calamity visiting this body as the ·death of three distinguished members of it in one year, I do not see that we should begin retrenchment here. Retrenchments ought, in my opinion, to be prospective and not retroactive in their effect. If it is thought proper or wise by the Senate to stop this practice, let them make it a rule from henceforth forbidding it, and let it be understood; and then no disrespect can be offered to any one, as it can point to no one in particular. In this case, I think it would be reflection on the memory pf these three gentlemen, for the Senate, at this particular time, to adopt a measure of retrenchment which would be retroactive in its action in relation to them. The expense is a mere trifle, and will not exceed, I am assured, two thousand dollars. These gentlemen have friends and acquaintances throughout the United States who are anxious to know what their position was here, the particulars of their history, their birth, their origin, their progress in life, and what were the sentiments of their asso- ciates in this body in relation to them. I will not pretend to say how many applications have been made to me for these obituaries, for they are numberless. I think the Senate will be but discharg- ing a-duty which it owes, and it will be a proper respect for the memory of the deceased, to publish these obituaries. I consider the expense to be comparatively nothing. If the committee recom- mend the adoption of a measure of reform, hereafter to be brought into practice by the Senate, it is well; but let it not go back to affect the memory of our lately deceased colleagues. I should con- sider it a direct reflection on their memory and the feelings of their friends if we were now to depart from the custom that h_as prevailed in this body heretofore. I am not disposed to take up the time of the Senate. I will simply say in conclusion, that I think it is due to the memory-
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