The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-12-24
Correspondence of the n. Y, Tribune.
The Military Polka Dance An
nexatiOn of the Mexican ter
ritOry Exciting Debate.
IKashinaton, Dec. 0, 1916.

Washington, Dec 8, 1876.
The great Military Polka Dance has OPEN
ed in earnestin the House of Representatives
When Mr.. Garret Davis offered his resolu-
ton yesterday asking by what authority Cap
tain Stockton and Gen Kearncy had issued
their proclamations declaring California and
New Mexico territories of the United States,
and appointing civil officers over these terri
tories, the supporters Of Mr.. Polk seemed to
isncef at the idea that any man should dare to
question the acts of the Executive. The case
was adjourned over and came up as the reg
ular business of the day this morning. The
House was engaged in it for three hours, and
adjourned without coming to any determine
ton but there can be no doubt that Mr.Da-
yis's resolution will pass
Mr. HARRISON, of Ga, moved as an amend
ment to add provided it be consistent with
the public interest" This has come to mean,
in later days, provided it be consistent with
party interests
Mr., Douglass Of Illinois said he presumed
the gentleman from Kentucky meant to pave
the way for impeachment If so, he was
ready for the defence. This was useless
piece of information, for no President ever
failed to have supporters Even Tyler,whe
he betrayed principles upon which he was
elected, and was deserted by his own party,
found men among the Loco Focos to support
him in any and every position he choose to
take. Mr.. d. contended that the proceedings
in California and New Mexico were correct
that it was our territory by conquest,and that
if Treaty without boundary should be con-
cluded, it would be ours by right of conquest.
Mr.. Davis commended that Gen Wool and
Gen. Taylor had not appointed civil officers
over the territory they have conquered, and
he wanted to know why Stockton and Kear-
ncy had right to exercise powers which they
did not claim?
Mr.. Rhett, of S. G denied the assumptions
of Mr.. Douglass and Mr.. HARRISON. Califor-
MIA was not U S. territory, either by conquest
or otherwise. AS for Commodore Stockton,
nobody expected him to know any thing about
the Constitution. He said this with such a
bitter sheer as to have a visible effect on the
House. Stockton was satrap,a tyrant,
a despot
Mr.. Shenck of Ohio next got the floor, and
made one of his happiest etlorts He brought
up Mr.. Pilsbury, Of Texas, and asked him
whether part of New Mexico, included I'M
der the operations of Gen. Kearney's proca-
nation was not in Texas, as claimed by that
State, and whether he approved of this bust
ness.
The reply of Mr.. Pilsbury was characeris-
tic of Loco Focoism. He was not particular
what government did to the people out there.
Mr.. Shenck said he was particular how gov
ernment conducted itself Mr. S. then re-
piled to Mr.. Rhett very pertincntIy but the
best part Of his speech was criticism on Com.
Stockton's Proclamation,in which he declares
himself not only commandments Of the
Navy but Of the Army, thus being really an
amphibious animal lie concluded with some
whitening remarks on the progress of Loco
Focoism in its subseryiency to the One-Man
power.
Mr.. Winthrop here got the floor and gave
a regular broadsidc to the insolcnce contained
in the opening sentences of the Presidents
Message. Mr. Holmes of S. c. denounced
the whole matter in the sevcrest language
| trust you will be able TO find room for
report Of the debate hereafter. 1t was a rich
days work. The Peoples Representatives,
of both parties are beginning to rouse them
selves to protect their constituents against the
alarming inroads Of Executive tyra my. The
debate will be continued tomorrow.
RTCUFIJFJr