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TEXAS STATE LIBRA.RY
But in the present case, the appropriation is allready made; and it only remains for the Executive to carry out the law. And wherefore should it not be done? 'J'he detention of the money can be of no bene- fit to the Country; for the Legislature cannot annul the appropria- tion, and apply the fund to the payment of its own or other demands; neither can the Executive employ it in the public servise [sic]. It has to remain in the Treasury as so murh idle capital, greatly to my injury, and without profit to any one. Why then should it not be delivered to its rightful owner?- The law is explicit; and it ought to be exe• cuted in good faith. 'fhe preservation of the public character requires it as much as my individual interest. No popular contempt of my rights can sanctify official delinquency. It may furnish a temporary protection to the prostitutor of power, but it cannot shield the country from the dishonor which finally attaches to all public injustice. If I have in any manner forfeited my right to the undrawn portion of my salary, as a matter of course, my demand should be repelled; but if th«} money still belongs to me, as perfectly now, as when the appropriation was first made, there can be no apology for its further detention. It has hitherto been withheld, from the worst of motives. The whole country is aware of the fact; and the truth of the charge is my excuse of making it. Your Excellency, however, has never been wronged by any public authority, and therefore may not be Rble to make a due allowance for the utterance of unwelcome truths. But I must sincerelv assure your Excellency that no portion of my language is intended to be disrespectful to you- Very far from it indeed. My sole object has been to place my rights before Your Excellency in as plain a light as possible, and leave the matter to your own decision. Whatever that decision may be, however opposed to my own notions, it will meet with a cheerful acquiescence on my Part. My confidence in your disposition to do whatever may appear to be just and lawful in the premises, cannot be effected by a mere difference of opinion. No two minds can think exactly alike upon any subject; and that which seems obviously right to one person, may wear a very different aspect to another. With this explanation of my views and feelings, permit me to subscribe myself Your Excellency's Obt. Servt. Mirabeau B. Lamar. No. 2220 1846 Jfay 14, or AZAWAYl B. LAMAR, BROOKLYN, [NEW YORK] TO MfIRABEAUl BruoNAPARTE] LAMAR, POINTISABEL,TEXAS His own desire for securitv for a loan to Lamar and for titles to his Texas lands ; terms of sale; ·news from Taylor; the declaration of war against Mexico by Congress. A. L. S. (carbon). 2 p.
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