WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
244
include this passport in his selection from the Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas. The manuscript collection of Diplomatic Correspondence, Texas State Library includes a translation of this document into the Spanish language. "Andrew Neill. See Volume II, 62.
TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1
Executive Department, Washington, February 5th 1844.
To the Honorable, the House of Representatives: The Executive returns herewith to your Honorable Body, with- out approval, a bill "for the relief of Jeremiah Tinnon." He has already on more than one occasion, explained the motives and adduced the reasons which compel him to enterpose his nega- tive to the passage of bills for private relief at this period. A candid and dispassionate consideration of the circumstances which now surround the country induces him to pursue this course as one of his most solemn duties. Were the numerous bills for private relief which have been presented to him during the present session of the Honorable Congress, to become laws, it would be entirely impossible for the Treasury Department to comply with their requirements and at the same time support the necessary expenses of the judicial, legislative and Executive branches of government, even upon the most economical and contracted scale. And upon the issue of paying individual claims or sustaining the institutions of the country, the Executive cannot hesitate for a moment to decide. As a nation, we are yet in our infancy and have many things to do, deemed necessary for our peace, protection and prosperity, which require the use of all the available means which we can command. We have troops to support, fortifications to erect, and internal order to preserve. When we are relieved from these burthens-when we are stronger in population and our citizens are better able to pay taxes, we may consider favorably the claims of individuals for relief at the public charge. Until that period arrives, the Executive as far as he may be called on to act, must in conscience, and in view of the general good, withhold his assent from bills of this character. Sam Houston. 1"Messages of the Presidents," Co11yressio1rnl Papers, Eighth Congress; also Executive Record Book, No. 40, pp. 331-332, Texas State Library.
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