The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1847-08-21
Mr.. Duchanan,s late Letter.

eiqn Relations Of the Mexican Congress- 10
which had been referred Mr.. Buchanan's late
despatch. After setting forth that Congress
does not possess the power to entertain, sand
cannot rightfully entertain the communication
which the Government of the United States
has transmitted with a view to entering into
negotiations for peace" and that the Executive
alone, has the authority, under the Constitu-
ton, Of "directing diplomatic negotiations,
&C.," the Report adds:
Nevertheless we are not blind TO the fact
that instead Of being a political theory, it has
been a sentiment Of the p%utest, noblest palrIot-
ism in its origin, which has interposed SO many
difficulties in order that upon a subject OF 50
vast Importance that course should be strictly
followed which the commands Of the constltu-
ton so distinctly marS out. Congress, as the
faithful representative Of the wishes OF the
people, who have been outraged by the most
unjust of all aggressiOns and are determined
not to consent that an ignominious treaty
should secure to our neighbors the possession
Of the territory usurped by them, and with it
the dominion Of this continent; terminating
at the same time our political existence in a
manner which would not even entitle US to the
compassion of other people-[Congress has
uniformly opposed every thing which should
seem to open the way for a peace, which would
at this day be every way ignominious, and it
has exercised the most jealous care and precau-
ton to prevent the remotest danger Of such a
disaster.
The committee participates in these feelings,
and would only observe that this constitutional
power conferred upon the Executive cannot be
assailed by us, nor does it afford occasion fol
well founded alarm, nor in fine is it possible
that Congress should itself discharge this duty,
The management of diplomatic negotiations
demands such reserve, so much discussion, an
activity 30 well timed, a system Of designs SO
well prosecuted, that it would be impossible
to carry them on with certainty, if their man
agement were entrusted to a numerous body,
The policy of all nations confirms this truth,
and there is no doubt that Congress itself re-
nounced the power of negotiation when in
amending our original constitutional pact, it
determined that there should be no alteration
in the provisions we have cited, and left them
to stand as they were.
On the other hand, in perfect consistency
with there provisions, the Executive can con-
clude nothing definitely, it possesses no au-
thority to consummate any arrangement which
shall be binding upon the Republic; and Con-
gress very we'll knows that the Executive even
in the exercise of its constitutional exclusive
faculties, under a representative system finds
itself constrained to pursue such a course as
may be designated by public opinion and the
legislative body. In the position truly strong
and respectable which our constitution gives
TO Congress, it possesses abundant peaceful
and legal resources, without exceeding its du-
whatever manner they may be compromised.
For these reasons, therefore, the majority of
the committee cannot propose any other course
than 10 return to the Government the des-
patch.
The report was adopted by Congress, by a
vote of 50 to %. We subjoin the remarks Of
the Picayune:
We need hardly say that this report appears
TO us an authoritative declaration on the par
) Of tine most intelligent political party in Mexi.
co in favor of the continuance of the war. /
is the declaration of the majority of the pres
ent Congress, and of the party, called Modera
dos, which would prevail in Mexico but for tn,
interposition of the military. The same lin
Of argument which is maintained in the repor
e the Repulicano has strenuously pursued hither
r to.
q We infer from this report that the embal
in the way of negotiations, are sanctioned b
/ the intelligent liberal class in Mexico; tina
: they were expressly designed to guard againt
e the possible corruption Of their leaders, VIII
d might be induced to entertain thoughts of
peace. AS the report almost in terms allcge.
o the people have given expression in the Law
= not so much TO an abstract theory of govern
= ment, osto a general feeling ofintense nationa
lty-a feeling in favor of the absolute intel
!" rity Of the Mexican territory at all hazards
The blind obstinacy of the nation to oppose
t. peace is now definitely incorporated in the Law
b. The Executive has the power by the %constitr
IN ton to negotiate and prepare a treaty for III
m sanction Of Congress, but there is an existin
law of Congress declaring that man a trait,
c. to the country who shall propose peace. I'll
g. Executive must set this law at defiance in r
IT. commencing a treaty for the sanction of Coz
he gres. Santa Anna is understood to have demal
as ded, or at least expected the repeal of TIL
its law by which his hands are now tied. CO..
ye gress has not yet yielded to his instance, nc
n does he feel himself strong enough to tramp,
ne the law under his feet.
sr- We have then the spectacle Of an obstinat
selt-willod, suPerstitious and ignorant peop