WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837-1841
52
Heretofore, the greatest calamities to our service, have arisen from disobedience and insubordination. The fall of the Alamo- the massacre of Fannin and his men, the assassination of Colonel Teal, and the destruction of our navy, have all resulted from disobedience. These evils are calculated to illustrate the necessity of obedience to the Law Martial, and regulations growing out of it; but these are not the only evils, it has involved us in expenses of a weighty character in the present condition of our finances. The last cruise of the navy and the capture of the Eliza Russel contrary to orders, and the demands against us by the British Government, cannot possibly cost this Government less than $20,000; and until this adjustment does take place, it is not to be presumed that England will recognize our independence, unless this is made an antecedent arrangement to our recognition. In the official correspondence of our Minister, he has had to endure the galling epithet of pirates! applied to his countrymen, in consequence of the conduct of the Navy towards the English vessel "Little Penn," and her cargo off the "Alacranes." By the reference to the commissions of officers, which are copied almost literally from those of the United States, it will be clearly shown that the ·President has the right of removal: it reads thus, when speaking of the commission: "This (commis- sion) is to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the Republic of Texas, for the time being." This form has obtained in the United States for more than half a century, though party spirit has often been stimulated by the greatest inveteracy of feeling, and while those out of power were endeavoring to strip the Executive of his legitimate powers under the Constitution. The law of Congress declares that no commissioned officer "shall be discharged but by order of the President of the Republic, or, by order of a General Court Martial;.this clearly concedes the right of dismissal to the President, and it will be remarked that the President has the power to approve or disapprove the pro- ceedings of a general court martial, making- his power superior thereby, but not inferior to that of the court. It is much to be desired for the prosperity of our country as well as its salvation, that the co-ordinate departments of Govern- ment should aid and sustain each other, in the discharge of their duties; for by these means the institutions of the country will be established and preserved, but, without it, no beneficial results can be anticipated. The co-ordinate departments of Government
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