Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 3 (of 16)United States. Congress
History
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 3 (of 16)
United States. Congress
Law -- United States; United States -- Politics and government
With regard to the Treaty of St. Ildefonso, Mr. N. said, he should
have no objection to its being laid before the House, if it was in the
possession of the Executive. In all probability, however, this was not
the case, as it was known to be a secret treaty on other subjects of
great importance between France and Spain. As to the deed of cession
spoken of, he really did not understand what was meant, for he imagined
it was not expected a formal deed of bargain and sale had been executed
between two civilized nations, who negotiated by means of ambassadors. If
there were any other papers which could give gentlemen more information,
he had no objection, either, that these should be laid before them.
Not indeed for his own satisfaction, but for that of those who were
not already satisfied, if there were any of that description. One very
important paper, he knew from high authority, was certainly in existence,
and possibly might be in the power of the Executive. This was a formal
order, under the royal signature of Spain, commanding the Spanish
officers at Orleans to deliver the province to the French Prefect, which
he considered equal, perhaps superior to any deed of cession; for it was
equal to an express recognition on the part of Spain, that France had
performed all the conditions referred to in the Treaty of St. Ildefonso.
It was an acknowledgment that Spain had no further claims upon Louisiana,
and would show that any interference on her part ought to have no
influence on the American Government.
Mr. MITCHELL said he rose to express his sentiments against the whole
body of the resolution under debate. But his disinclination to adopt it
did not arise from any doubt of the right which the House possessed to
call upon the Executive for information. He had no hesitation to ask the
President for papers whenever it was necessary to obtain them. And it was
equally clear to him that whenever that dignified officer was properly
applied to, he would comply cheerfully with the request of Congress,
or of either branch of it. He owned that in some cases it would be the
duty of the House to pursue this mode of inquiry, and equally would it
be the duty of the head of the Executive Department to give his aid and
countenance.
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