Speech #630442542

I do not believe. however. that the Constitution contemplated that the President should have the right to influence the legislative body to the extent that on many occasions Executive influence has been exercised. and we have very recently had an illustration of such influence both with relation to the passage of a bill and also with relation to a veto message that. in my opinion. violates the spirit of the Constitution. and if the tendency that has gradually been growing up In the last few years for the President to dictate. If not dominate. the Congress is not discontinued the time will soon come when one of the great political parties of this country will declare against what will be termed " Executive interference." and the people will indorse the party that makes such a declaration. Within a very few days the present Congress passed the immigration bill. It was sent to the President. and after considering it for a liumber of days. in his wisdom. using his discretion and the power given him by the Constitution. he saw fit to veto the bill. and he had a right to veto it if it did not meet with his approval. There.