WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1844
401
VALEDICTORY TO THE TEXAS CONGRESS, DECEMBER 9, 1844 1 Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives, · and Fellow-citizens: This numerous and respectable assemblage of the free citizens of Texas and their representatives, exhibits the best possible commentary upon the successful action and happy influence of the institutions of our country. ·we have met together for no purpose but that of adding another testimonial to the practicability of enlightened self-government-to witness a change of officers without a change of office-to obey the high behests of our written Constitution in good-will and fellowship, as members of the same great political family, sensible of our rights and fully understanding our duty. I am about to lay down the authority with which my country- men, three years since, so generously and confidingly invested me, and to return again to the·ranks of my fellow-citizens. But in retiring from the high office which I have occupied to the walks of private life, I can not forbear the expression of the cordial gratitude which inspires my bosom. The constant and unfailing support which I have had from the people, in every vicissitude, demands of me a candid and grateful acknowledgment of my enduring obligations. From them I have derived a sustaining influence, which has enabled me to meet the most tremendous shocks and to pursue, without faltering, the course which I deemed proper for the advancement of the public interests and the security of the general welfare. I proudly confess that to the people I owe whatever of good I may have achieved by my official labors, for without the support which they so fully accorded me, I could have acquired neither advantage for the Republic nor satisfaction for myself. It is true that collisions have existed between the Executive and the Legislature. Both were tenacious of what they deemed their peculiar privilege; and in the maintenance of which both may have erred. In various instances, the Executive was constrained by what he believed to be his most solemn duty to his conscience and his country to interpose his prerogative to arrest immature,· lati- tudinous, and dangerous legislation. Under the Constitution, his weight in the enactment of laws is just equal to two-thirds of either House of Congress. Were it otherwise he would be but little more than a mere automaton, and the balance of power and the co-ordinate character of these two divisions of Government would be utterly destroyed. The Executive has never denied to
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