I9I2] OF THE UNITED STATES. 401 



"In deliberating upon this subject, it was impossible for me to lose sight 

 of the principles which some have avowed in its discussion, or to avoid 

 extending my views to the consequences -which must flow from the admis- 

 sion of that principle. 



" I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a disposition to 

 withhold any information which the constitution has enjoined it upon the 

 president as a duty to give, or which could be required of him by either house 

 of congress as a right; and with truth I afifirm, that it has been, as it will 

 continue to be, while I have the honor to preside in the government, my 

 constant endeavor to harmonize with the other branches thereof, so far as 

 the trust delegated to me by the people of the United States, and my sense 

 of the obligation it imposes, to preserve, protect and defend the constitu- 

 tion will permit. 



" The nature of foreign negotiations require caution, and their success 

 must often depend on secrecy; and even when brought to a conclusion, a full 

 disclosure of all the measures, demands, or eventual concessions which may 

 have been proposed or contemplated would be extremely impolitic ; for this 

 might have a pernicious influence on future negotiations, or produce imme- 

 diate inconveniences, perhaps danger arid mischief to other persons. The 

 necessity of such caution and secrecy was one cogent reason for vesting the 

 power of making treaties in the president, with the advice and consent of the 

 senate, the principle on which that body was formed confining it to a small 

 number of members. To admit then a right in the house of representatives 

 to demand, and to have as a matter of course, all the papers respecting a 

 negotiation with a foreign power, would be to establish a dangerous pre- 

 cedent. 



" It does not occur that the inspection of the papers asked for, can be 

 relative to any purpose under the cognizance of the house of representatives, 

 except that of an impeachment, which the resolution has not expressed. I 

 repeat that I have no disposition to withhold any information which the 

 duty of my station will permit, or the public good shall require to be dis- 

 closed ; and in fact, all the papers affecting the negotiation with Great 

 Britain were laid before the senate, when the treaty itself was communicated 

 for their consideration and advice. 



" The course which the debate has taken on the resolution of the house, 

 leads to some ol)servations on the mode of making treaties under the con- 

 stitution of the United States. 



" Having been a member of the general convention, and knowing the 

 principles on which the constitution was formed, I have ever entertained but 

 one opinion upon this subject; and from the first establishment of the govern- 

 ment to this moment, my conduct has exemplified that opinion. That the 

 power of making treaties, is exclusively vested in the president, by and with 

 the advice and consent of the Senate, provided two thirds of the senators 

 present concur; and that every treaty so made and promulgated, thence- 

 forward becomes the law of the land. It is thus that the treaty-making 

 power has been understood by foreign nations ; and in all the treaties made 

 with them, we have declared, and they have believed, that when ratified by the 



