The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-02-13

| We had already for this purpose, given the
President seventy thousand men, and twenty
eight millions ofdollars. And now we We're
asked 10 put under his entire control three
millions more, and we We're asked to pass the
BILL without alteration or discussion. To this
he could not consent The people had Il
right TO know TO what end the President nsk-
! ed for this extraordinary power. We had, in
the excitement of the moment, put into the
hands ofthe President the means TO prosecute
the war. We had gained victories; but how
! far had we advanced towards the termination
ofthe war? lie believed that this war could
! be terminnted-that it would be terminn ted
! in manner consistent with our national
honor. Our military operations had united II
distracted people, and the determination of
the Mexican people 10 resist had be en-
her incentive TO resistance, For this pur ose
he would now submit the amendment which
! he had few days ago laid on the table.
| lie was ready to vote all ncedlul supplies
to prosecute this war 10 an honorable conclu-
sion. This principle had regulated his per-
sona conduct from tho beginning. lie did
not vote for the act Of May 18th, or against
! it. lie entertained them and now, tho belief
that the war was brought upon us unn cccssa-
rily g. by the net of the President, in rcmOv-
| ing the troops from Corpus Christi TO the Rio
]
ordered under the menaccs OF hostilit les from
Mexico. and her refusal to receive otr minis
ter; for in June preceding, an order marked
confidential" was given To General Taylor,
! i'm which il was stated that the destination of
the army was the Rio Grandc. That move
ment was not only indicative of hostile intent
hut it was an act ofhostity. This was the
origin orthe war; but it now exists, and Com
grcss had recognized it, and was pledged TO
carry it on. lie was willing therefore, to vote
men and money To carry Oh the war. But he
did not intend to yield his judgment, without
reflection or consideration, TO the discretion
Oft President The doctrine of the Scua-
tor from Michigan was more startling than Il
thousand declarations of war. The doctrine
was, that after war was begun, the power of
Congress ceased over the subect-thcy had
no longer any control over oblects-and they
must Weld implicit obedience Ia every de-
mand for money from the President. IL this
was true then our constitution was nu,Iilied;
il was reduced To a military dictatorship. Blu,
il was not true. The war power was given
to Congress in order that they might superlh-
tend its general conduct, and limit and direct
its objects.
On motion of Mr. Il. Johnson the Senate
then adjourned.
The House spent an hour in committee of
the whole on the civil list bill, and then pass
ed the same.
SENATE. SATURDAY, Feb. 6. Mr. Din
presented the preamble and resolutions from
the Legislature of the State of New York
with regard to the existing war with Mexico
and in opposition TO the establishment of
slavery in newly acquired territories.
Mr. Bagby offered n resolution declaring
that the said re solutions transmitted from the
Legislature of ew York were in contravcn-
Lei, n
the United States, and opposed to those States
wherein slavery already exists.
The three mil lon bill to assist in the nego-
tiation of peace with Mexico was taken up.
Revcrdv Johnson made Il speech in favor
of the vigorous prosecution of the war.
Mr. Cass remarked that he shonId vote u
ganst his own amendment; likewise against
that of Mr. Rerrien, and any other that might
he offered to the bill.
HOUSE. Mr. Wentworth ofIllinois, pro-
ceeded to ulake speech in reply to the at
tack in the Union ofYesterday. which accus-
ed him of having "dcsered the Democratic
ranks. and uniting with the opposition party
and opposing the measures Of the Admins
tration for the prosecution of the war" Mr.
I w. was finally declared to be out of order,
and his remarks were suspended.
Resolutions were presented from the State
| I legislatures ofNew York and Pennsylvania,
n yanst the extension of Slavery in newly ac-
! ol ,ired territories. Referred to the Commit
tee ofthe Whole.
A bill making appropriations for Revou-
ticnnry Pensions was reported
A lill was reported, and read twice, TO in
crease the number oftroops composing the
marin G power ofthc navy.
SENATE. MONDAY,Feb 8. The House
bill to pay interest on the public debt was
Dosscd THE West Point Academy appropr-
ation bill was amended and passed. The
three million bill was taken mp at one o'clock.
Mr. Morehead spoke againstthe bill ms setting
n MOST dangerous precedent. When mr.
NIorehead concluded, Mr. Cnlhonn obtained
the 1oor for tomorrow. The COMMITTEE OF
Conference reported an agreement wHlchthey
had come to with the House Committee III re-
lation to the army bill Its principal feRtnre
is, that the President can appoint company
q fficers'CluriCg the recess of Congress, btu
must appoint gield officers while Congress Is
in ses.7ion.
Mr. n, huntington spoke in opposition to the
report. lie thought 1T unconstitutional TO
empoyer til 9 President TO appoint any ottc-
ers in the recess ofCongress. After further
debate the question was taken on agreeing to
the report of the Committee, so far as relates
to amendments, ant, decided in the negative
yeas II, nays %. 4 he resi- OF tne report
WINS agreed 70, Mr. Benton then gave notice
that he would probably nsk leave tomorrow
to bring in an entire new bill 20 raise the ten
regiments, and thus go over the whole thing
again.
HOUSE. A resolution was offered ny hir
Douglass, for eXpelIing the reporters 81 inc
Union newspaper, for false, scapdalous,''i'u
disrespectful report ofthe proceedings OF tiIe
House on Saturday, during the attempt OF MI