The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-12-19
G. 0 N G R E SSIONAL.
CORRESPONDENCE of the Boston Atlas.

The beginning of the end has at length
been made. The last Session of the 29th
Congress has convened, and Mr. Folks Mes
sage is now before the world.
i In both parties there is general admis-
sion that this docum cIrt even when compar-
ed with the first Message, is not only inferior
i'll execution, but feebItr in every other re.
spect There is nothing IN it from the first
to the last letter, that gives token ofstatesman-
ship or official ability, ana there is a manifest
absence of that dgnified bearing, which a
Chief Magistrate should at least attempt, ifhe
chnnot fully compass--"assuh1s II virtue, if
! you have it not The elaborate effort to
Justify Mr. Folks war was anticipated, but
the self condemnation which every line es-
lablishes was not expected. Taking his
premises for granted, the President has de-
monstrated that cause of war existed against
Mexco-he has made out this case, to his
own satisfaction at least. Well, then, .assum-
ing this TO be SO, why did not the Exc cutive
communicate with Congress, as directed by
the Constitution, and require formal de;lar-
alton! How came he TO transcend his pre-
scribed, powers, and make war in derogation
ofthe right expressly conferred on Congress?
Although both Houses were i'm Session and
IN daily intercourse with the President, not
one syllable of this long list ofgrievances was
Elsped until the blow had been struck. Then,
II was necessary TO trump up an appearance
Reconsideration. and hence this array ofMexi-
'can outrages, which was be fore permitted to
siumber. The testimony is now conclusive,
under Mr. Folks own hand, ifit was before
questioned, that he made the war with Mexico
OF his own accord. and for his own purposes,
in defiance of Congress and the Constitution
ofthe United States. Truly has Mr. Webster
said, it is an "impeachable offence and was
there any reasonable prospect of an impartial
trial, 1t would be tested as il ought TO be.
Santa Annals admission into Mexico is adj
mitted, i'll the hope of sitting investigation, las
to the particulars connected with that disrep-
utable intrigue. The administration may as
well make up their mind to have this matter
probed to the bottom, If there be power e.
nough in the Senate and House to effect it.
While carrying on an offensive war for
the reparation THE most fragrant outrages,
as alleged by the Executive, and while that
war is tagging upon the part of the enemy,
for want ofresources and for want of patriot
ism among the people, Mr. Polk, through. his
agents, enters into a negotiation with an ex-
lied Chieifain. known TO the world to be as
destitute offaith as he is crafty in planning
the means of his ambition and INSCRIPTIONS
in executing them, 10 return to Mexico in Or
der to supercede the prevailing authority, and
thus contribute, as he says, to the advance
ment OF peace. What guaranty did Sunta
Anna give for the fllilment of his pledges?
None. This simple administration of ours
took his word, and has found itself Justly dup
ed for the pains The result has turned
put as every body anticipated Santa Anna
wanted nothing better than to return to Mex
leo, in the midst of popular disorder incident
TO war without the Rinews TO conduct it
his was the only way by which he could ex-
Dect to reach again to power, and once there
ne was bound to place himseifat the head of
he hostiiities. in obedience to the popular
will.
Mr. Polk is not only culpable for making
he war, but he is also answerabe for protfacf
ng it, and for the consequences that have en-
,ued and that will ensue from it's continuance
He restored Santa ANNA to the Mexican ma
ion, at the very time when despair was seiz-
ng the public mind, and the conflict was a
,out to be abandoned. His appearance I'M
Ter such circumstances, was calculated to
the support his friends, and to
lisarm the opposition of his enemies. Re- !
.arded as the Savior oftbe country, all par
les rushed to his standard-a new spirit was I
infused among the people. and the prosecu- {
ion ofthe war, before desperate, was resunl- !
d with energy and alacrity. Such is the eff >
eet, thus far, Of Santa Annals return TO Mex Y
CO. ... a.-N. .N'
And now suppose Congress had placed at
he disposal of the President,the two millions