Weekly national intelligencer., 1847-04-17
THE "oRDER IN COUNCIL.

While one sees, with deep modification, the hot
haste with which mere party men, following the
lead OF the Government, rush to the support of
every Executive usurpaton; and while one sees also
with regret and pain, that some other men, not de-
voted to the Administration in their natural exulta
ton at the success Of our arms, do not pause to
consider whether the iaasfutons of the country and
the public liberty have not fallen into reckless
hands, it is yet consoling to find that there are men
of all parties wise and patriotic enough to prefer
the Constitution of their country to the triumphs
of Party, or the triumphs of War. 1t is with
feelings gratifed by an instance of this honorable
independence and devoted public spirit, that we
lay the following letter before our readers. 1t is
written by gentleman Of character, of much expe-
rence in public affairs and not likely to be particu-
larly prejudiced against the Administration, having
been an early and important friend of Gen. JACKSON
and filled high stations under him and under his
successor, Mr.. VAN buren,. The reasoning of this
letter is close and to the point His reference to
constitutional provisions correct pertinent and,
we think, most conclusive.
Sentiments so just, SO well stated, and so i'm
portant, ought to command the attention of every
man who prefers the safety of the Constitution to
Military triumph and Party ascendency.
"DEAR Sin If will not encroach too much upon your
time you will do great favor by giving me your opinion
the power Of the President establish revenue system
in the ports Of Mexico captured by the armies of the United
States
"My opinion certainly not worth much is that he has no
such poDer The constitution provides that the Congress
shall have power-"s TO raise and support armies no
nc .to
term than two years
90 To make all laws necessary for carrying into execu-
ton all other powers vested BY this constitution in the Gov
of the United States or in anu depdrment on
OFFICER thereof
3. TO declare war, &c., and make rules concerning cap
lures on land and water
Under the last clause the power assumed by the Pre-
sdent make rules concerning captured por &C. Con land
oen Congress by the constitution expressly, and, there
fore, NOT THE President
Second The President that in order to carry out
his powers commander chief he has the right make
edcs decrets, laws which shall govern the people of
all the world having commercial with Mexico
Now, under the constitution, might be said that CoSGnEss
had the power make such edcts decrees laws if they
became necessary and proper carry the powers of the
President officer Of the Government of the United States
"1hird Congress is to raise and support amies but for no
longer by appropriation than years. Now, the Pre-
sident assumes the power by system, to continue long
he peases TO support He alone having the power
to negotiate he may continue this system during the residue
of his term Of Office if Mexico should sue for peace
and offer just terms
II seems to be power contrary the letter. and GER
ainy the whole spirit, of this clause of the constitution.
"The Fcdcrast, No. 50, says: I'd. The President
is to be commandern-chief Of the army and navy of the
United States. In this respect his authority would be
minaly the with that of the King of Great Britain
but in substance much inferior to it. 1t would amount to
NOTHING than the supreme command and direction Of
the military and naval forces first general and admiral of
the Confederacy, while that Of the British King extends 10
the declaring Of and to the raising and regulating of
fleets and armies all which, by the constitution under con-
slderation, would apper,an to the Legislature"
good story is told, il is said by Mr.. Secretary Marcy
about the shipment to Vera Cruz Of the mortas and shells for
General Scott There forty Of the be sent
Ten were sent by the Tamaroo, and the remainder by other
vessels The ten by the ramaroo arrived aud used
the others did arrive The Secretary says the is
that the Tamaoo paid b, the job and therefore made the
best OF her way but the other vessels paid by the day.
and took plenty of rom B1Hiu,ors p1friOf.