The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-10

MIR. DAvIss resolution calling on the President 10 E
copies OF all orders generals commolores relav
to the establishment of civil governments in territories
conquered during the with Mexico, up in OF.
der. The question being en- lis adoption,
Mr.. HARALsoN, of Georgia, presented as IN amend
ment, the words"f not incompatible with the public
interests He questioned the oxpsdiency of npera
tive call the Executive for information of this charec
ter The publication Of the Official correspondence might
prove detrimental to national interests by giving tho
enemy possession Of the views and plans adopted in the
prosecution OF hostlies.
Mr. DAVIS dsclaimed any desire or intention of pro-
curing the publication Of any thing calculated to have
that tendency. He wanted merely obtain information
as to orders directing the establishment of civil govern
ments in conquered territories. He proceeded to speak
at length to the effect that il appeared that the President
had acted contrary to the constitution he r Davis
was prepared for such Interior the integrity
of the constitution and the safety Of this Union might
mand.
Mr. DOUGLASS of Illinois. invited full investigation OF
the conduct of the Executive. II, by "ulterior
sures, the gentleman from Kentucky (r Davis meant
impsachment-if the opposition contemplated the i'm
parchment Of the President, they would have full sl-
tude Tho Presldent's conduct 10 the nspec-
ton OF the world and in ordering the essb shment of
temporary in conquered territories lac had
only performed the solemn duty required Of him by his
oath of Office and the law OF nations.
MIR. DAVIS rejoined. He repeated that the Presiden
had committed usurpaton of power not authorized by
the constitution, the law OF nations Power to esiab
lish military regulations for governing possessions held
by right Of conquest admitted. but there was 10
right to establish civil governments in such poss essions
and he Ir Davs) challenged the President to produce
such right in the law Of nations or the constitution
Mr.. HARALsoN followed in defence Of the President.
Mr.. DouoLAs explained and defined his position.
Mr. HAnALsoS suggested that the discussion was pre-
mature II would be more judicious to postpone it, un
til gentlemen had ascertaned facts in tho case.
Mr. RHErr Of South Carolina, remarked that the con-
quered territories formed part Of the United ststes
they did then the President would have no more right
to establish governments in them than he has to orga
nze government in Oregon Our occupation Of Cali
fornia and New Mexico being merely military the con
duct Of the officers Of our government is perfectly jus
fable.
Mr. ScHENcx, of Ohio, commended that, by the Press
dents own showing, the resolution II related to
New Mexico. embraced nothing but what we claim q
within the boundary of the Union. He referred to the
message of yesterday, proceeded to eontrovsrt Mr..
Rhetts position, cited Commodore stocktons proclams
ton, and other matters which excited much laughter
MI. HARALsoN withdrew his amend ut.
Mr. winthrop. of Massachu sets. suggs,.ea that the
proper time for this discussion would srve when thu
desired information came before .ns House He ds
nounced that portion Of the Messsre in which thu ,us
tice Of the advocated and the boundary of Texas
defended.
Mr. VIrroS, Of Ohio, moved TO amend the resolution
10 as enquire whether any part OF the conquered terri
tories belonged to Texas
MIR HOLMES, of s. c., followed In defence of the 60
vernment
MIR. DARRAGH, of Pennsylvania, obtained thu floor
when the House adjourned