Henry Martyn Flint

Life of Stephen A. Douglas; to Which Are Added His Speeches and Reports Henry Martyn Flint

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ...communicating the treaty to the Senate, and the senator from Delaware has read that message and incorporated it into his speech, lie therefore knew that fact when he gave as a reason for withholding the Hise treaty, that it was made without authority. The treaty of peace with Mexico, to the provisions of which th« senator has also referred on another point, was entered into by Mr.-Trial, not only without authority, but in bold defiance of the instructions of our government to the contrary. The administration of President Polk did not feel at liberty to withhold these two treaties from the Senate, merely because they were made without authority or in defiance of instructions, for the reason that the objects intended to be accomplished by the treaty were desirable, and the provisions could be so modified by the Senate as to make the details conform to Hie objects in view. It may not be amiss for me to remind the Beiuttor from Delaware, that he was a member of the Senate at the time the Mexican treaty was submitted for ratification, and that he voted for it, notwithstanding it was concluded in opposition to the instructions of our government. If, therefore, the senator has any respect for the practice of the government heretofore, or for his own votes recorded upon the very point in controversy, he is not at liberty to object to the treaty upon the ground that it was concluded by our diplomatic agent without authority. 1 understand the rule to be this: whenever the treaty is made in pursuance of instructions, the Executive is under an implied obliga-'.ion to submit it to the Senate foi ratification. But if it be entered «tto withont authority, or in violation of instructions, the administration are at liberty to reject it unconditionally,...