The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-02-15
PEACE RUMORS.

The intelligence from Mexico which VIC pub
lished yesterday, is important in one particular,
that which relates to the offer Of peace having been
made by Mexican Commissioners 10 Mr. Trist.-
That funclionary having been despoiled of his of
fetal character by the President had no power TO
treat with the MeXicans. He did not, however,
give them fat refusal, but forwarded their prop
ositions 10 Washing on, for the consideration of
the President and the Senate. 1t was doubtless
this transaction which has given rise to the rumors
Of peace which have been rife for the last two or
three weeks.
The President has doubtless received the des-
patch which Mr. Trist SAYS he forwarded, but the
President has taken no notice of If, and probably
will Hot-so the matter cannot be brought before
the Senate The question then ARISES, What
ought Congress to do 2 Has it no power but to
vote supplies of men and money, whenever the
President asks for them! No. Congress has also
the power to withhold supplies, and we sincerely
trust, that until the President shall inform Con-
gross what it is the Mexican Commissioners have
proposed, what that nation is willing 10 do-they
will refuse to vote more supplies.
ltappears to us that we have reached the point
now in which the Representatives of the people
should stand upon their constitutional rights, and
give the Executive TO know that thew have other
powers TO exert and duties TO perform than the
mere registration of his edicts and the carving on
Ol his war he IreSldent doubtless beliyeS that
this war is so popular in the county, the thirst fol
blood so keen, that he will be sustained, however
high-handed and tvrannical his course NAV be-
We say, let the question be tried. Let us know
whether the people of this republic have so soor
forgotten the lessons of ther revolutionary prcce
dents their truth-loving and truth-acting teachers
According to all accounts we have now a chance
TO make peace, IAN honorable peace" Lut the Ex.
ecutive remains dormant and refuses to act Then
VIC say, let Congress act, and not play second to
him. We have no doubt-indccG we were inform.
ed by distinguished Mexican officer, who wa:
taken prisoner by General Scott, and who is on
his pa ole of honor, Mt Washington-that if q
Commission composed Of such men as Clay, Van
Buren,. Webster, Clittenden and Calhoun. were
appointed that peace might lie obtained from Mex.
leo instantly, and upon the most favorable terms
But neither the President or his friends at heart
desire peace The whole of Mexico is what they
aim at, and hence they will take no steps to attain
peace. 1t is the duty Of Congress, therefore. 10
force the administration 10 accept or offer terms
But with mere nominal majority in the House
and with 4 clear majority in the Senate against
us. the Wings can hardly expect TO carry any of.
iirmativc proposition-Still We hope they will try
1t. This war is such Il severe bliehtupon the best
Interests of the nation that 10 end it is worth much
lalor and severe trial. Let the Wings of Congress
do What good they can-and above all, let the
Wings of tic whole Union, from this day forward
pcrseTere and nrrease their strength for the ercat
Presidential struggle. in whirh We firmly believe
Is involved every thing that is worth preserving
IN our Constitution and Governmental Aaas