Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-12-17

Mr. Davis dlsclaimed such intention. He wan
ted to know if the President had acted contrary to
the law Of nations and to the constitution; if So
he was prepared for Interior measures.
Mr. Douglass invited fall investigation of the
Presidents course. lf Interior measures meant in
the gentemau's mnd-impeachment- gentlemen
should have full sway and opportunity. The Pres.
dent had done his duty according 10 the law OF
nations in ordering temporary governments in con-
quered territories.
Mr. DAVIS reioined, and said the President had
usurped power He admitted that he had the pow
to establish military regulations, but denied that
he had the right to establish civil government.
Mr. Harason said the discussion was premature.
Mr. Rhett, of South Carolina, said that the con-
quered territory was not part of the United States
If it were the President would not have the right
to establish civil government; but being militia
ri occupation, the conduct OF officers was per-
fecty justifiabe.
| Mr. Schenck, of Ohio, contended that New Mex
leo was within the United States by the Presidents
own showing.
Mr. HARRISON withdrew his amendment.
| Mr. Winthrop, of Massachusetts, proposed 70
wait for the Presidents answer. He denounced
the portion of the message advocating the justice
of the war.
| Mr. Vinton, of Ohio moved an amendment en-
curing whether part of the conquered territory
belonged to Texas.
THURSDAY, Dec. 10.
| OENATE. INr CrlttcOuCH, OI hentuCkyJ OhCIeu
a resolution that provision should be made to in
crease the pay of such officers, musicians and pri-
Yates, both Of the regular and volunteer corps, as
had distinguished themselves in the Mexican war;
The same Senator also gave notice that he should
at early day introduce bill for the improve
ment of the Western rivers
Mr. Lewis, of Alabama offered resolution au-
thorzing the Vice President to appoint all Standing
Committees. This was warmly opposed by Messrs.
Westcot, of Florida, and Mangum, Of North Car
DINA TO these Mr. Lewis replied. The motion was
put and lost, by vote Of l5 to 90.
Mr. Ashley of Arkansas notified the Senate,
that Inc intended shortly to introduce bill for the
graduation of the saesof public lands. The res
olution offered yesterday by Gen. Cameron, gran
ting 100 acres of land to each volunteer, or his
heirs and an increase Of pay, was adopted,
House. The motion of Mr. Garret Davis, OF
Kentucky, requesting documents, &c. Of the Pres
ldent, was the first business in order. The motion
was modified as to make further demands of the
President, calling him to state, through the Sec
rotary Of War, whether the present war with Mex
leo waged with view TO conquest, or to wha
extent he designed to prosecute it. 1t was also ad
ded, that the information communicated should bt
received with closed doors. Mr. Darragh, of Penn
sylvana, being entitled to the floor rose and made
"A speech OF an hours length, in favor Of the reso
luton. He went into examination of the Pres
idents Message and denounced it in severe terms
The message, said Mr. Darrogh, Is cunnngly de
vlsed instrument; war is to be denounced as
dreadful and unnecessary evil. He dwelt witt
much sarcasm and bitter comment on the reason
assigned by the Executive for permitting the re
turn Of Santa Anna. The gentleman sat dowr
and was replied to by Mr. Stanton of Tennessee
who contended that the resolution had for its OBJ
ect, designs much deeper than appeared tn
face Of it, Tie defended the course of the Presi
dent With regard to tbe'question under cons:
Grafton, it was answered in the message. The wa
was not one Of conquest; solely to eni0rc
justice on Mexico MIR Sedd)D, of Virginia, though
the discussion altogether premature. He coul
not exactly agree with The views of his democrats
friend on this subject. He stated what he consd
cred equity and tho laws of nations demand of US
They demand that we should punish Mexico an
enforce indemnhcatlon for the wrongs we hav
suffered. These claims did not necessarily look t
conquest. The right of the Executive extends n
further than to establish professional governments
which he has done ;-bul Legislative RICH, may ate
and amend them. He commended that the messag
was strictly in accordance with national law.