Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-12-29
CONGRESS-

officers of the army in Mexico, dated at Puebla,
aad headed by Worth, Scott, and other names of
distinction, praying for the establishment Of re-
tired list in the service, and that adequate prov-
sion be made for the widows and orphans of soldiers
who have fallen in battle. Mr.. Hale, of n. H.,
presented the resolutions of instruction adopted by
the Legislature OF that State, relative to the Will
mot Proyso, which were ordered to be printed
Mr.. Niles, of Conn.,. presented similar resolutions
from the Legislature of that State, relative to the
Wilmot Proviso, which were also ordered to be
printed. Mr.. Cahoun's resolutions coming up
next in order, he moved their postponement until
the first Tuesday in January Mr.. Allen stated
that he wanted to know whether Mr.. Calhoun in
tended to GO against all acquisition of territory
Mr.. G. said that was not his intention in offering
the resolutions They involved no other matter
than that of the conquest of Mexico and that is the
real question before the country. That was the
question he intended to discuss. After warm de-
bate, the further consideration of the resolutions
was postponed until, and made the special order of,
the 4th proXimo.
In the House, the Speaker announced that petit
tons were firstin order; and several petitions and
memorials relating TO different Subjects were then
presented. Mr. Goggn offered resolution author
izing an inquiry TO be made into the return of San
ia Anna into Mexico. MIR. Petit, of Indiana, offer
ed series of resolutions in favor of internal i'm
provements. Mr.. Sims, of South Carolina, moved
that they be laid on the table, which was negativ-
ed-yeas 20, nays l24.
In the Senate, on Tuesday, but little business of
public nature was transacted
In the House, Mr.. Wentworth submitted the
following resolution, on which he called for the
previous question, and the House seconded the call
Resoircd, That the General Government has the
power TO construct all harbors and improve all II
vers necessary TO the protection of our navy and
commerce, and for the defence of our country
The yeas and nays We're called and taken on the
passage Of the resolution and stood as f6llows:-
Yeas l3S, nays 81.
Mr.. Bolts offered series of Resolutions, which
are in substance that it is the duty of Congress
LIST. To adhere 10 the national integrity, obey
the Constitution, and resist Executive encroach-
ments.
2. That territory acquired by Congress is in vi
genius and spirit of our institutions
3. That the war with Mexico was not brought
on by Mexico.
a. But was brought on by the unauthorized act
of the Executive in ordering our army to Mexican
territory.
5. That we have no right to claim indemnity
for the expenses of a war brought ON by the i'll
1v.co Il II
tionares.
b. That the honor of the nation does not require
the exaction of territory from Mexico, TO which we
have no claim, and yielding to Great Britain ter
ritory the title to which we declared to be cea. and
unquestonabe.
Z. That to exact territory from Mexico would
devolve upon us the necessity of making similar
demand in all future wars which would involve us
in interminable difficulties
8. That no more territory can be annexed to the
United States by virtue Of the war without invol-
wing the agitation of domestic difficulties, bepet-
ting sectional animosiiies and weakening the ties
that connect us together.
g. That if conquered territory be not the objec,
OF the war, we can perceive good reason for con-
tinuing troops in the heart of the enernys couu
try, by which their lives are exposed and our re-
sources uselessly expended.
TO- That conquerng nation has nothing to ap-
prehend from an exhibition Of magnanimity TO q
defeated foe.
ii. That the withdrawal of our troops unde,
preliminary arrangements, offers the only hope Of
speedy and lasting peace.
IL. That our Institutions, founded upon the
rights of man, repudiate the doctrine that .smoht
makes right"
l3. That if upon the restoration of peace. il
shall be found that we need harbor on the Paci.
fic, we are able and ought to be willing to purchase
it,
Ia. That fit shall be determined by the Repre-.
sentatives of the People that this war shall be fur
ther prosecuted, 1t will then become the duty OF
men of all parties to furnish all needful supplies to
carry on the war with vigor and effect.
In the Senate, on Wednesday, numerous memo.
faIs and petitions were presented and REFEREED
Among them was one from the widow of Alexan-
der Hamilton, praying Congress to purchase 1000
copies OF the papers Of Vie deceased Statesman
Mr. Cass, from the Committee on Military Affairs.
reported bill to raise, for limited time, an add
/ tiona number of troops, and gave notice that he
would call it up as soon as it should be printed.
In the House, the bill to supply deficiency in
the appropriation for the subsistence department
was passed through IFS several readings.
After short sessions, on Thursday, both Uorses
adjourned over TO Monday.
The first annual meeting of the Virginia Hsto-
ricai Society under its new organization, was held
in Richmond on Thursday the 10Th instant. The
Hon. w. G.. Rives was elected presiden, FIR tho