All this brings us to the conclusion that what we do should be well
considered and laid out in advance. I think, therefore, it is important
that the resolution should be recommitted, that we should have the
benefit of all the information we can obtain from the Department, and,
if possible, provide in advance the method, the arrangement, and the
way in which the collection should be indexed. As much should be done
in advance as possible. Sir, we may derive instruction on this subject
from what is doing in other nations. At this moment the French Emperor
is publishing the writings of his uncle, the Emperor Napoleon. The
collection has already proceeded to nineteen or twenty quarto volumes,
elaborately edited, the purpose being to bring together every scrap,
military, diplomatic, or personal, which can be found proceeding from
the First Napoleon. All is under special editorship. Some of the first
men of France are a committee superintending it. If we undertake our
work, I think we ought to do as well by it as the Emperor of France
does by the writings of his uncle.
The joint resolution was recommitted to the Committee on
Military Affairs and reported back with an amendment.
It finally passed both Houses, and was approved by the
President.[32]