Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1826-10-28

co. ouf'nS ue whoie OF the Seminole war, he
tramPled, without equivocation, upon the Consti-
tuition, and made an inroad on that sacred Charter
OF our Liberties which il is impossible for him to re-
par' ana which has no precedent in the history of
our country. Ia support of this assertion, we are
Obliged to refer to the Constitution itself which, 10
article ist' section 9th, declares, "That Con-
gress " alone" shall have power TO declare war.
grant letters Of marque and reprisal, and to make
rules concerning captures on land and water" To
the common reader, Of common Understanding, this
provision contains mystery; it is as PLAIN and as
clear, as the midday path to Heaven, apd those
VINO framed 1t, never contemplated that il would
justify, or induce, mere officer of the United
States army, a Military Chiefain, to first make
war, and then wait for Congress to sanction the
measures by him adopted. 1t does not even grant
10 the Chief Magistrate of the United States much
less to subordinate officer, the right of declaring
war, or Of infringing on the pacific relations. be.
tween this government and any other power
The trainers of this Sacred Charter, in their wis
dom, foresaw the danger of coniidlng 10 the Chief
Magistrate Of the Republic, power so liable to be
abused ny head-long aspirani for fame, and they
confided II to the control Of Congress assembled.-
The President Of the United States is bound by the
laws OF the land, and by his OATH 10 preserve the
Peaee ol INC country-no matter what aggressons
may be committed against it, unless it be openly in.
Vaded-until Congress is convoked, and, III delibe-
raiYe assembly, declare it to be in a state of ar,
and The Chief Magistrate is empowered to issue his
reclamation. While the country remains 10 a
state of peace, he only use the military forces 10
three specified cases.
IL VIII not be pretended, that Spain Invaded
the United States, or that Congress declared war
against that nation and Of course the relations of
peace did exist between the two COUNTRIES at the
time Gen. JACKSON took possession of the Spanish
possessions IN the Foridas. These facts beng nd
nted and they cannot be denied, IT IS asked ,vbe.
"o' "eh' JACKSON by his MILITARY conduct, did |
ao', on ms own authority, and in violation OF the |
Oniled States laws, declare war against Spain -
Ana 1t 80, was he not entitled to the execrat,on ana
condemnation OF every lover ofhis country. -ofeye.
~ man who regards the constitution as the bull
mark OF our hberties--the "shield. de ence md
trong tower" ofour independence.
we thus beholda daring adventurer, assuming
o himself trusts, which the wisdom of the nation
eemed expedient to enrust 10 the keeping of the
eopie only; and to accelerate his own private
'ns anu ends, marching the lines of neu tral
eope' stormins their ctadels, and subjectiny them
almost every indignity. The capital OF Spanish
Fovince was taken by sword, a fortress invaded
M oomoarded, lives wantonly destroyed, and a
'oP'e, who had been guilty OF no offence ruined
their best interests, and by an overpoweriny
c, headed by a lawes, Military Chief,ain, trans
'r'eI TO foreign cline, driven, they knew not
"'her' to suit the carrcious whims and avarice of
eir proud conqueror.
For these mad acts, Gen. JACKSON has attempt :,
TO excuse himself, by arguing that he considered
mset authorised to pursue the course which
'rked his progress, because Spain had mott obser-
d her treaty stipulations with the United States.
II related to the Florida Indians and whose
aceable conduct she was bouud to guarantee TO
IS country:-Ihat she had furnished the Semi
les with arms, ammunition. and supplies, neces-
y to carry on the war. Whilst we would not ap.
n us the apoloeists for the conduct of Span and
ugh there cannot be doubt that the policy -,
Isued by her, gave this government ample cause
declare hostities against her yet the fact did
warrant Gen. JACKSON in assuming the power "
warning against nation, who had deliberately -
d openly violated her pledges and faith to the
nth American Government. g
10 the Congress ofthe United States this priyi- 81
e ana right belonged; and, although General -
CksoN' II his own assertions are TO be depended -
Oh' might have been induced to the course he
'pted, by sense of moral obligation 10 his coun.
men, anu just appreciation of the indignities
'red to our flag still, the fact did not lessen the
gnilude OF his offence. or abrosate the inroaas -
made upon the Constitution. is
Ana here, it will be well enough to remark. if 81
JACKSON can possibly be justified in his con. ~
u or his maxims are to be swallowed a. ster- w
CON- our situation is, indeed, lamentable. and
liberties tot:er on the parapet of utter prosti,u.
J. lihe be correct, then are we at the mercv of -
ana every military despot, who may take upon '
iscli the task ofredressing his country. wrongs.
hout FIRST having received any instructions from
representatives, of the people to do so, and we
iastapproaching that scene of anarchy and con.
on, which must, sooner or later, cnyulph us in
yortex. 'o
Let those who idolizc Gen. JACKSON as q yo,.
commander remember, that the statesman ro-