Note 71 — FOURTH CONGRESS.—FIRST SESSION. (continued 5)

This course was long followed, no Indian Treaty being held except authorized by an act of Congress, which was the Legislative consent to the grants of money which such Treaties usually contain, and for the payment of which an Act of Congress would be necessary. And in the two great cases of acquiring foreign territory, (Louisiana and Florida,) under Presidents contemporary with the formation of the constitution, and which required large appropriations to carry them into effect, the consent of the Legislative branch of the Government was sought and obtained before the Executive began to act—the law in both cases originating in the House of Representatives as the proper initiatory branch when money was to be paid which the people would have to raise.