Mr. Sumner. But these vested rights, according to existing law, are acquired in war with foreign enemies. And here is the precise point of principle. Certain property of fellow-citizens is taken, not by foreign enemies, but by rebels, and afterwards it is retaken. Several vessels are in this predicament. Even if the recapture were from a foreign enemy, English and American statutes treat it as a case of salvage, and not of prize. But the claim now made involves nothing less than the extension of the ancient rule of war to a new class. I am against such extension. I would have no amplification of such a rule.
I am disposed to go still further, and to reconsider the whole policy of prize-money in any case. Even if not ready for this larger question, the Senate will not hesitate to apply the limitation now proposed. Besides the hardship of prize-money at the expense of our own fellow-citizens, there is the uncivilized character of the whole system, which should make us pause.
The bill was passed,—Yeas 25, Nays 12.
THE RANK OF ADMIRAL.
Remarks in the Senate, on the Bill to establish the Grades of Navy Officers, July 2, 1862.
The bill under consideration was “to establish and equalize the grades of line officers of the United States Navy.” By this bill the rank of Admiral was established in the national navy. Mr. Hale moved to reduce the pay of admirals from five thousand seven hundred and eighteen to five thousand dollars.