WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1844
536
taking care of our public vessels, they will be abandoned, and in that event, inevitably be lost to the country. The estimate now furnished is made upon the lowest possible scale, which could serve any useful purpose. Sam Houston. 1 "Messages of the Presidents," Congrcssionctl PuJJers, Texas State Library; Jow,ials of the House of Rc11rescntat-ivcs of the Republic of Texas, Seventh Congress, p. 375. The enclosures were not printed in the House Journal, but they are to be found with the message of the President among the Congressional Pave,·s. TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1 Executive Department, Washington, January 29th, 1844. To the Honorable, the House of Representatives: The bill "for the relief of Jonathan Bird" has received the consideration of the Executive; and for reasons which he deems sufficient, he returns the same to the House without approval. The total inability of the nation to pay these claims at this time and sustain its government, must be apparent to all who have examined into our present financial condition. There are numerous claims which the country would willingly discharge, were it able to do so; but which must be deferred from the force of necessity to some future period. Many other citizens of the Republic have expended their means in erecting forts and block houses for the protection of themselves, their families and neighbors. If, therefore, the nation is able to supply the relief intended by this. bill, others equally entitled should not be over- looked. Partial legislation cannot but be considered a great evil, and in a country struggling with every difficulty, it cannot but be productive of discontent and increased embarrassment. Sam Houston. 1 "Messages of the Presidents," Conu1·essional Pa])ers, Eighth Congress; also, Executive Rec.ord Book, No. 40, p. 320, Texas State Library. Joiwnals of the Ho11se of Rep1·csentcttives of the Revublic of Texas, 8th Cong., 1st Sess., pp. 390-391. TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESt Executive Department, Washington, January 29th, 1844. To the Honorable, the House of Representatives: Were the Executive not so deeply impressed with the impov- P.rished condition of the government, in regard to its finances,
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