Tri-Weekly State Times (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 34, Ed. 1, Monday, January 30, 1854 Page: 1 of 4
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VOL. 1.
FIFTH liKOISIiATUBI
DEBATES IN THE SENATE.
J. T. WIAWT Reporter.
Tuesday Jan. 3.
The bill to be entitled An act to amend
un act supplementary to an act to incor-
porate the Vicksburg and El Paso Kail-
road Company 1 eing before the Senate
upon its second reading the question was
upon the adoption of the report of the
Select Committee.
Mr. JOWERS Mr. President: 1
have said but very little upon this ques-
tion but I now feol called upon as one of
the special committee to make a few re-
marks. I shall not attempt to follow the
gentleman fiom Henderson (Mr. Martin)
through all of his moandorings in the dis-
cussion of this question for in one breath
he tells us that the supplementary act is
unconstitutional; in the next breath he
tells the Senate that the Vicksburg and
El Paso Railroad Company is a hydra-
headed monster that would be in the wav
of the construction of the Pacific road.
If it is acting under an unconstitutional
charter how can it be in the way of the
construction of the latter road. I must
Bay ihat I do not like the course which
he (Mr. Martin) is pursuing to defeat this
measure. He says that the directors of
the company were satisfied that the char-
ter is not constitution.il and therefore
came here to heal the wound. Now that
is not their object in seeking to get this
bill passed. The gentleman has not nor
can he show to this Senate that the char-
ter is unconstitutional. If it were it
would be of no effect and the gentleman
would not have to trouble himself to de
feat this bill. The gentlcma
against this charter on an other
argues
ground :
he says it will be in the way of the con
Btruction of the Pacific road. That might
be a good argument for its repeal but
that proposition is not before this Sen-
ate and if it were we could not repeal it
without paying them for the franchise.
The charter is upon our statute books
and such rights as the company may have
under it must be respected. Neither this
bill nor the supplementary one passed in
February last gives them any new rights.
I believe the supplementary bill a valid
one and that the company had the right
to meet at Tyler or any other place un-
der it to organize. 1 would be sorry that
it is so if I thought that they would in-
terfere with the construction of the Paci-
fic road. I know that he desires to see
that great road built ; I can appreciate
that wish but to affect their rights he
must go back to their original charter
and argue that the interests of the State
demand its repeal. Well I must say
that under present circumstances I do
not like it myself and if it were before
this legislature again on its passage 1
would vote against it ; but sir it is my
humblo opinion that the charter is a valid
one that it possesses all the vitality that
a charter should have and my friend
(Mr. Martin) with all of his arguments
cannot interfere with it one jot or title.
Let U3 lose sight of that charter and
come down to the question whether the
bill before us will interfere with the loca-
tion file of the route for the road made
by tho company. If he .satisfies ino that
it validates that location I will vole with
him. lie has not done that but is de-
termined in his opposition. It is a most-
magnificent plan to dei'eat any question
to cry out raw head and bloody bones to
members to bo cautious how they vote
to say it is a dangerous measure if
you pass it you are ruined. Yet such is
the plan which he adopts to defeat the
bill. I must be convinced that it gives
tho company rights which they do not
now have or 1 shall vote for it. Let him
Batisfy tho Senate that it is tho monster
which he says it is by showing tho facts
and ho will have no difficulty in defeating
it. I have no doubt thero would be an
overwhelming majority against it. He
is so very enthusiastic for tho Pacific road
that ho would attack any thing which
might Bcem to come in conllict Avith it.
I am glad to seo him thus jealous of it
but think he is going too far in this
case ho loses sight of tho original char-
ter entirely and tho rights which the
company have under it in his argument.
I bad tho same feelings that ho had when
AUSTIN TEXAS MONDAY JANUARY 30
the committee met; if I had the same still
I should be bound to approve this bill ;
but when I took up the matter and ex-
amined it impartially 1 was not able to
discover any thing wrong in it therefore
as a matter of justice 1 withdrew my op-
position to it. I hope that the opposi-
tion to this bill will be able to show mo
wherein it is so dangerous show me
wherein it is such an outrage show mo
wherein it is unconstitutional and 1 will
take pleasure in voting against it with
them. They make good arguments but
it seems to me foreign to tho question be-
fore tho Senate. Ho comes to the con-
clusion in the latter part of his remarks
that this is a doubtful question and there-
fore that he ought to defeat it. If 1
thought it doubtful L would investigate
it still further and not cry out raw head
and bloody bones. I am sorry that the
company made that file in the Land Office
for if it had not been made I do not think
the opposition would have seen the raw
head and bloody bones which have so
much frightened them.
Mr. SCOTT Mr. President: I see
that the Senate has become wearied with
this discussion therefore I have not tho
disposition to continue or prolong it at
this time. T had expected to make some
remarks upon the merits of tho bill upon
its engrossment after the amendment of
the committee is adopted. I think I shall
be able to clear up all the suspicious cir-
cumstances which gentlemen have en-
deavored to throw around it if 1 have
an opportunity of addressing the Senate
when its merits will be the subject before
us.
I haveno i 11 feelings towards the Sen-
ator from Henderson (Mr. Martin.) I
have the pleasure of rooming with him
and I esteem him as a friend and it is
but a few days since he in this chamber
expressed profound friendship for me.
lie dosed me with sugar coated pills to
his entire satisfaction; but he is extreme-
ly unfortunate in his course upon this
bill and particularly in his effort to-day.
We had quite a crowd in the chamber
when the gentleman commenced his
speech even tho ladies had honored us
with their presence but before the Sena-
tor was. through the ladies and other vi-
sitors left and there was barely a quorum
of Senators left to hear his conclusion.
I am sorry for the Senator and would
offer for him the apology which the Ara-
bian nobleman upon a certain occasion
offered for an English lord who was
thrown from a firy Arabian steed. The
circumstance was as follows : The Ara
bian had invited the Englishman to join
a party engaged in a chase on horseback
the Englishman accepted and was mount-
ed upon the best and most spirited horse
belonging to the party; the consequence
was that tho Englishman who was not
accustomed to riding on horse back was
very soon thrown. The noble Arabian
made haste to the relief of the unfortun-
ate man and knowing that to be thrown
from a horse was considered among the
Arabians a disgrace he was troubled for
an apology or excuse for the Englishman.
But before the company came up he be-
thought himself and concluded to say
that he was drunk which is not consid-
ered a disgrace among tho Arabians.
Now I Avill not say that the Senator
is drunk but every thing indicates that
thero is evidently a screw loose some
where about him.
Mr. BURKS Mr. President: I hope
the postponement will not be made. We
are now ready for the fight. We have
made our preparations to bruise the ser-
pent's head at every point where he may
endeavor to escape. Wo do not desire
to give them time to cover up and hide
the "snake" coiled within this bill. 1
am
satisfied my friend from Anderson
(Mr. Jowers) does not now seo the snake
more particularly as he does not wish to
see him. It is but recently however
Unit he ha cut his snakeship's acquaint-
ance. It is from no want of sagacity that
ho fails to discover tho existence of the
reptile for it was no longer ago than tho
introduction of the bill that he discovered
tho trail of tho Borpent at a glanco and
proclaimed its existence. I do not in-
tend to argue tho question with the Sen-
ator from Smith (Mr. Lott.) That
would bo too much like throwing water
on a ducks back with tho hope of wetting
its body one doxtorious shake and it is
STATE TIMES
.wvtjry.yWH.r(
as dry as ever. So it is with that Sena-
tor or rather ho would dodge the blow
at once for 1 am told that such is his ex-
portness in that line that he can dodge a
bullet. As far as concerns the Senator
from Harrison (Mr. Scott) 1 have but
one word to sy
Here the noise and laughter prevent-
ed the reporter from hearing tho remain-
der of the sentence.
Mr. JOWERS Mr. President: I am
sorry that I have said anything to call
out the sarcastic remarks of tho gentle-
man from Bowie (Mr. Burks.) It was
not intentional on my part nor am I
aware of savincr anything shat should
have called them out. Now sir the gen-
tleman's allusions are such as I would not
make myself of any one such as no gen-
tleman has the right to make of mo.
Mr. BURKS I have no apology to
offer. That the Senator did see an enor-
mous "snake" and divers other buggar-
boos in this bill when it was referred I
can substantiate by others who heard
him proclaim the fact.
The motion to postpone was lost.
A motion was then made to postpone
the bill and amendment until day after
to-morrow at 12 o'clock.
Mr. SCOTT said that if gentlemen
were not willing to postpone ho would be
obliged to move a call of the house as
there was barely a quorum present.
Mr. GAGE Mr. President: I am
willing to give the gentlemen a fair fight
therefore move a division of the question
so as to postpone the amendment until
day after to-morrow at 12 o'clock.
Mr. MARTIN I now see the object
of gentlemen. It is to bring other mat-
ters up and make new issues. No man
need dodge the question.
Senate adjourned.
Wednesday Jan. 4 1 854.
Mr. SCOTT Mr. President : I felt
on yesterday that I was attacked person-
ally ; that direct allusion had been made
to my personal character and to the com-
pany of which I am a member and the
people of my section of the State. Se-
cret conclaves and condescensions on my
part were spoken of as means used ot
secure the passage of this bill by the
Senator from Henderson (Mr. Martin.)
If I am in order I demand that they shall
be retracted ; that he (Mr. Martin) shall
detract those direct personal allusions
made of myself the company and the
people of that section. I shall pause for
a reply.
Mr. HART Mr. President : I would
like to know what the question is before
the Senate ?
Mr. SCOTT I only yielded the floor
to give the gentleman from Henderson
(Mr. Martin) an opportunity to explain.
Mr. HART I think both of the gen-
tlemen (Mr. Scott and Mr. Martin are
alluded to) committed breaches of order
on yesterday which I was very sorry to
see.
Mr. SCOTT lam willing on my part
so far as I went beyond the bounds of
courtesy to make an explanation. I re
collect but one allusion to the gentleman
Mr. Martin which might be considered
uncourteous and that was made more in
jest than otherwise. That was when I
requested time for the gentleman to con-
tinue his remarks as ho would plait a
rope with which to hang himself. That
was intended to be applied merely to his
remarks and nothing further. If I made
any other remarks calculated to offend
I would bo willing to make anv reasona-
bio explanation.
Mr. JOWERS Mr. President: I
think that both of the gentleman did to
some extent transgress the rules of deco-
rum on yesterday during the discussion.
The Senator from Harrison (Mr. Scott)
did make a remark which from conver-
sation with the gentleman from Hender-
son (Mr. Martin) I tho lght was made with
tle view of bringing him into disrepute.
From the intimacy that has heretofore
existed bctheen tho two Senators I hope
mutual explanations will bo made. '
Mr. BRYAN Mr. President : I arise
to a point of order. There has been no
resolution at all introduced in regard to
this mattor. I dony that any member
has a right to call upon another member
in tho Senate hero to make retractions of
what has beon said in dobatos. This is a
matter botween themselves ; lot them sot
1854.
NO 34.
ile it
among
themselves. Thero is no
question before the Senate. If this body
j
uy resoiuuon
The President said that it was custo-
mary to make explanations of this kind.
Mr. HART 1 would be glad to see
anything done that Would settle any un-
pleasant feelings. The Senator from
Harrison lias no right to ask the Senator
from Henderson to retract from or ox-
explain anything but what was said of
himself.
Mr. MARTIN Mr. President: X
thought that thepcremtory demand mado-
of me by the gentleman from Harrison
(Mr. Scott) a few moments since some-
thing that I would not notice in tho Son-
ate Chamber but as he modified it and
said that he had doubtless said somo
things which were unpleasant to me mt
not with the intent to wound my feelings
I will say a few words by the way of
explanation.
Mr. President I recollect that 1
made some remarks which were no doubt
unpleasant to senator Scott; but they
were not made from any unkind feelings
towards him. Senator Scott and I have
been like brothers since wo came to tho
Capitol; ho has known and experienced
my feelings of friendship towards him
and when I alluded to him in the manner
in'whieh I did it was because I believed
that his close reflection was at me and
my position I felt it my duty to show
some feeling to show my position if he
intended to bring me into disrepute by
talking about extendieg a rope to me to
hang myself with. It seems that ho
used that expression only in referonce to
my argument and not as a personal in-
sult in a parliamentary body that noth-
ing wrong was intended by it. If I have
said anything that is offensivo to him it
was not intended not that I retract or
swallow anything that I said during that
discuss-ion but that I did not say it to
wound the feelings of senator Scott; my
object was to defeat tho amendment and
not to wound senator Scott's feelings.
Mr. SCOTT Mr. President: 1
wish to make a fc w remarks more as I
have been inforim d that there were other
senators who did not understand what I
said on yesterday as I expectod it would
be received. I made those allusions to
Mr. Mai tin only in jest merely to mako
capital out of it and not with the intent
to insult him. Senator Martin has as-
sured me that he did not intend to injure
my feelings that being the case nothing
remains to be answered but the argument
which I will notice whenever I may have
an opportunity.
Mr. MARTIN Mr. President: I
am willing to let all personal allusionB
and feeling pass but I did not think that
thcVfriends of the bill showed mo much
liberality during the discussion. I re-
collect that there were three efforts mado
to tcar me down by calling me to order.
This I will notice when the subject comes
up again.
4 m m m
Russia and Persia. The overland
mail has arrived from India bringing con-
firmation and intelligence that the Shah
of Persia had left Teheran with an army
of 30000 cavalry one thousand pieces of
cannon and three thousand camel loads
of ammunition for the assistance of Rus-
sia. The latest accounts state that tho
army had passed Tabrase Tabris ? on.
the way to form a junction with the Rus-
sian army. The Shah had also sent an'
envoy to Dost Mohammed to point out to
that prince the advantage of siding with
Persia and Russia.
Some curious developments have been
brought to light witli regard to this alli-
ance indicating that tho Emperor of Rus-
sia has long been preparing for tho pro-
sent crisis. A large expedition had been
secretly organized under the protenco of
a campaign against the Khan of Khiva.
These facts are stated in despatches from
Constantinople of the 19th.
Kossuth has been invited to Constan-
tinople by the Sultan. Ho is making
arrangements to carry a largo number of
exiles with him. Tho Turkish camp will
soon be the head-quarters of tho revolu-
tionary leaders of Europe. Tho mora
effect of this upon the Turkish causo will
bo considerable.
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Ford, John S. Tri-Weekly State Times (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 34, Ed. 1, Monday, January 30, 1854, newspaper, January 30, 1854; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth78425/m1/1/: accessed May 6, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.