The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-01-25
CONGRESSIONAL.
THURSDAY, Jan


as to the line proper to be occupied by our
troops referred to in his letter to the Secretary
of War.
Mr. Calhoun moved it's amendment so as to
embrace the reports from any other officers on
the same subject. Mr.. Berrien accepted the
amendment, and the resolution was then laid
over.
Mr.. Anterior introduced bill to modify
the Sub Treasury system.
Mr.. Jefferson Davis, from the Military Com
mittee, reported bill to increase the efficiency
of the army, by the establishment of retired
list for disabled officers.
The Senate then proceeded to consider the
resolutions submitted yesterday by Mr.. Man.
gum, calling for the instructions under which
and also his opinion as to the efficiency of his
means to carry the same into effect. The reso-
buttons led to sharp debate between Messrs.
Mangum, Cass, Crittenden and Allen.
Mr.. Mangum stated that he had two objects
in presenting these resolutions. First, to
know the extent of the Executive purpose on
the subject of the conquest of Mexico
Secondly, to ascertain the opinions of the
highest military authority as to the means of
carrying out this purpose. He expressed his
surprise at the tender footedness of gentlemen
on the other side, whenever light was sought
for.
Mr.. Casa said he was not tender of the
Executive, but of the honor Of the country.
He did not wish to enlighten the Mexicans.-
DESTROYS, as he was, to give every informa-
ton to Congress, he hoped the President
would come out fully and plainly and say
it Is his design to conquer the whole of Next
co but as to holding Mexico, that was a diff
ferent question.
Mr. Crittenden replied in tone of strong
sarcasm, on the subject of the Executive with
holding light from Congress lest the enemy
should be benefited by it. All that was here
asked for was only information necessary to
enable the Senate to form a correct judgment
Mr.. Allen said the secret desires and opin-
ions of the President were of no consequence.
Congress alone would determine the policy to
be pursued. But as the Senator from North
Carolina might learn the opinion of the SEN
ate by this resolution he would not oppose.
The resolution was then modified by Mr..
= u,ifh
the President to omit any disclosure which,
in his opinion, would be detrimental to the
public interests, and in this form it was
agreed to.
The Senate then proceeded to the considera-
ton of the Ten Regiment bill, and Mr.. Foote
resumed his remarks. He rebuked the charge
of falsehood made, he said, not directly but
by inuendo against the President, by Mr..
Pearce and others. He expressed pain at
being put in conflict with Mr.. Calhoun, for
whom he entertained the most profound re-
spect, and who, he believed, possessed the
entire confidence of the people of Mississippi.
He then examined the proposition of Mr..
Calhoun, and contended that the tendency OF
our policy is to re-nationalize Mexico, and
showed that his (Calhoun's predictions, made
at the last session of Congress, in regard to
the practicability of taking Vera Cruz, the
City of Mexico, ct cetera, had not been verifi-
ed.
Mr.. Calhoun explained, and said that in an
interview sought by the Executive, he had ex-
pressed the opinion that if Vera Cruz and the
Castle of San Juan de Ulloa were attacked and
our forces defeated, the inevitable conse-
quence must be our withdrawal to defensive
line. This he repeated. In his speech last
session, he had never doubted our ability to