The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-08-28
WAR MATTERS.


The New Orenus papers contain trnnsla-
ions Of number of Mexican documents of
interest, relating TO the state ofpubc affairs
IN that country. The following is an abstract
Oft the report made 10 the Mexican Congress
from the Committee on Foreign Relations,
10 whom was referred Mr. Buchanun's late
letter.
lst-The Committee state that, by the
ll0th article of the Constitution, the power
to make treaties with foreign nations is YES
ted in the Executive.
2d-Thc same Constitution places among
the powers of Congress that of "approving
treaties of peace, of alliance, of friendship,
ofiederation ofarIned neutrality, and every
other kind whatsoever which the President
may conclude with foreign powers"
3d-From all this they conclude that Con-
aress does not possess the power to entertain
the communication which the Government
Of the United States has transmitted, with II
view to entering into negotiations for peace,
and of naming n Minister for that purpose.
Ath-Ncvcrthclcss, Congress as the faith
fl representatives of the people, who have
been Outraged by the most I'm ust of all ag-
arcssions are determined not to consent that
an ignomlnious treaty shonld secure to our
neighbors the possession of the territory IL
surped, and with 1t the dominion Of this con
tneut, terminating at the same time our po-
litical existence in n manner which would not
even entitle us to the compassion of other
ycople. Congress has uniformly opposed ev-
sything which should seem to open the way
Or n peace, which would at this day he eve
y way ignominious, and it has exercised the
most Jealous care and precaution to prevent
even the remotest danger ofsuch disaster"
Jlh-Eor these reasons, the Committee
propose that this letter of Mr. Buchanan be
returned.
This report was accepted, by vote fifty
Two to twenty two.
The MeXicnns adhere to their determine
ton not 10 negotiate while the enemy Is in
their territory. The New Orleans Picayunc
says in reference To the documents:
Wcnced hardly say that this report APP
pears to us an authoritative declaration on
The part Of the most intelligent political par
" in Mexico in favor ofthc continuance of .
the war. 1t is the declaration ofthc mniori- .
" of the present Congress, and ofthe party,
called Moderados, which would prevail in .
Mexico but for the interposition of The mill
lary
We infer from this report that the embar-
Tssments which have purposely been thrown
in tue way ofncgotiaious, are sanctioned by
the intelligent liberal class in Mexico: that
they were expressly designed to guard against
the possible corruption Of their leaders, who
might be induced to entertain thoughts of
peace, As the report almost in terms aleg-
cS The people have given expression in the
hU, not so much to an abstract theory of
eoycrnmcnt, as to Il general feeling ofintcnsc
miionality-a feeling in favor of the abso-
Nte integrity ofthe Mexican territory at all
hazards. The executive has the power by
the constitution to negotiate and prepare II
treaty for the sanction ofCongress, but there
is an existing law ofCongress declaring that
man Il traitor to the country who shall pro.
pose peace. Santa Anna is understood 10
have demanded, or at least expected the re-
peal of this law by which his hands arc now
lied. Congress has not yet yielded to his iu-
Stances, nor does he feel himself strong c.
uough to tranrpIe the law under his feet.
The Bulletin understands that division
Ofthe Mexican army is to be Withdrawn
from the capital to operate in the State Of
Vera Cruz, to cut off our communications
entirely. According TO the same paper, ex-
iensive preparations were making to harass
the train that left Vera Cruz on the 9th.
A letter in the Delta from Monterey, dated
dh ult. says n move on San Luis Potosi is
finally decided on. All the departments con-
nccted with General Taylor's column were
actively prcpurng to march on the LIST ofScp-
'cmbcr, which was the time fixed for the for
ward movement.
Gen, Pierce was at Julapa on the Goth,
waiting for provisions.