WRITINGS OF SM,f HOUSTON, 1827
83
careful not to recommend such persons as did not deserve to re- ceive the benefit. Responsibility is a great matter, and the Repre- sentatives are all responsible: they must go back to the People- they must return to the very vicinity of the Editors concerned; and there they must meet the influence of the Editors who are disappointed, and render up a strict account to the People, of the reason of their recommendations. They are not situated like the Secretary of State, who stands aloof, and uses his power for his personal purposes, regardless of any expression of the People's will. It is on grounds like these, Mr. Speaker, that I am induced to hope the resolution of the gentleman from North Carolina will be adopted by the House. It demands from the head of the STATE DEPARTMENT, the causes which have led to the course he has pursued: If he has any cause to shew, which will justify the course- this very extraordinary course- which he has adopted- the House will, ~o doubt, be satisfied; and doubtless, if he has such reason to produce, he will not hesitate to lay them before us. But, if he is to remain totally irresponsible, if his robe is not so much as to be touched, if his person is sanctified, and he has all the infallibility of the Pope, then, Sir, let this House, and this People talk no longer of their privileges. · But if he has no such reason to give, then let the People know it; the resolution can effect no evil- no evil, I mean to the People; if it produces any to the Secretary, "evil be to him who evil thinks." [At this point, the hour assigned for the consideration of reso- lutions having expired, the Chair suspended the discussion.]" 1 (Washington) Daily National Intelligencer, February 3, 1827. Gales and Seaton, Registe1· of Debates of Congress, III, 918-922. These sources give identical reports. This copy was taken from the Da.ily Nat·ional Intdligencer, February 3, 1827.
To SAMUEL L. SOUTHARD 1
COPY Feby 15th 1827 Sir, In reply to your note of yesterday, declining to return me an answer to General Jackson's letter,· to you of the 5th ultimo unsealed, I have to say: that inasmuch as his letter passed through my hands open, and his request was, that the answer should be received unsealed and for me to take and retain a copy of the same, leaves me but one course to pursue; I shall therefore
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