494
TEXAS STATE LJBR.\RY
changes is to me wholly unaccountable; if wrought by the president, it must have been done by other arguments than those contained in his excellency's veto messag-e: for in that document, if my memory is correct, he makes no constitutional argument, lrnt confines himself mainly to the considerations in favor of the policy of freeing our prisoner. These changes are doubtless founded on conviction of error, but still it is extraordinary that without any change of cir- eumstance, or addition of new evidence, gentlemen should so suddenly renounce opinions deliberately matnred by reflection. Xor is it less extraordinary that the chief magistrate of this republic, in so respon- sible a matter, shonld get his own consent to take a step which he is unwilling to submit to bis compeers in the cause of free government. I cannot pos.5ibly divine this objection to the senate's co-operation with him in the final disposition.of Santa Anna, if the measure be of doubtfnl policy, that very doubt should make him seek its participa- tion. If his vie1rs be approved he will be doubly fortified-if other- wise, he should not desire to carry them by force against the Senate's remonstrance. Such a course w01.1ld be at war ,vith the spirit of our government and might lead very justly to the same difficulties that so embarrassed the preceeding administration. I should think really in a matter of such serious import involving such lasting consequences, his excellenry would as a prudent functionary, be pleased to avail l1im- self of the wisdom and counsel of the assembled senate of his country. + am surprised at his wish to act independently of its authority: Sir, this body can have no motive to betray its trust, or to prove recreant to the public interest. Why then should its voice be absolutely slmnnetl in the settlement of the all absol'bing question of the disposi- tion of Santa Anna? The very unwillingness which was displayed in its having any par- ticipation, evinces -a distrust of the integrity of the Senate which renders it more important than its councils and concurrence should be had in the matter. Sir, There is bnt one question fairly and legitimately before this body, and that question is this-shall the executive be permitted to make a treaty with Santa Anna for liis release without the co11se11t of the Senafe'I Those who are in favor of having such treaty submitted to this body for its ratification will support the resolution before us; it will be the duty of those to oppose it who prefer trusting the affair exclusively to the president without requiring senatorial sanction, this is the true ')Uestion and it is the only one properly before us. But gentlemen have thought proper to drag other matters into this tlclrnte, instead of confining- themselves to discussing the resolntion, they rush into the consitlerations of·the policy and propriC'ty of turning Santa Anna loose, with this we have nothing at present to do, let 11s adopt the resolution declaring that any treaty made with him shall he sub- mitted to this branch of congress; and when the president shall deem it proper to make a treaty all(} submit the same to this hody for its consideration, the policy and propriety of the measure will come prop- erly hefore us; and certainly not 1111til then: yet 11everthcless, since gentlemen nrc so anxious to meet this point at present; since they seem uotermincd in defiance of nil order to go into a debate on the ques- tion, I am necessarily forced to enter the list against them.
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