Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-03-29

FROM WASHINGTON.

FHOM WASHlNGTON.
The Protocol The Washington correspond
ent Of the Philadelphia North American says OF
Mr. Benton's movement:
Mr.. Benton made his first movement in Elk
ecuive session, in reference to the PROTOCOL by
offering resolution calling for a more specific
lrarscrlp OF the papers than had been transmit
ted, in reply to the original call of Mr.. Mangum
He regards the evidence as essential to the ar
gument which he proposes to submit to the Sen
ate in review of the whole transaction, beginning
with the late Executive and ending with the ne
gotiation oil the Commissioners. 1t will be shown
that the ratification of the Mexican Congress-
uDon which so much stress has been laid by the
Union and other defunct organs, was a nulIity
according to the constitution OF Mexico, without
concurrence of the Executive. BY that instru.
nient, the Congress is made part OF the treaty.
making power under certain limitations. Its ac-
ton is preliminary aud it is distinguished by two
peculiar attributes. Ii may prevent the consun-
nation Of treaty through The Executive, by re-
lection, or it mny advise, in which case the ulti-
mate approval would be absolutely referred to
the Executive. IE the case OF the protocol, the
Congress approved, but the Executive, in the
exercise OF his constitutional functions, refused
to ratlty, until the American Commissioners en-
tered no certain formal stipulatlons, denying the
efficacy OF the amendments made to the treaty
by the u. s. Senate Without the assent of the
Executive it was no treaty, and with his qualf
ed assent II became treaty under the condi.
lions officially stipulated by the Commissioners.
To say under such circumstances, that the pro.
tucol Is mere foim-an empty codicll-a nom
ms uDbrd, IS at once ridiculous and absurd II
the American negntintors intended a fraud upon
Mexico, 1t is qulle clear that the Mexican Sec
retary of Foreign Affairs knew his part, and
managed II so as 20 commit the Government be-
fore the world, of having practiced II deliberate
deception. or being bound to fulfil the conditions
of the contract. The Senate is bound IN good
faith aud honor, to take one of two courses; eth
err to ratify the protocol, or to deny the authori-
~ Of the Commissioners. One or the other is
absolutely necessary. 1t is understood that Mr..
Benton inclines to the former policy, aud that a
considerable portion of the Senate leans to the
latter view. The Senator from Missouri is de.
tcrmined to make the issue, and from an indica-
ton to day he will be sustained in the effort by
majority Of the chamber. Mr.. Foote endeav.
ored to have the motion Of inquiry laid on the
table, but was fecbly seconded"
The Washington correspondent Of the Herald
says that conference was held on The 20th inst.
by the Loco-Foco Senators, at which it was de-
terlnned that there be 10 longer any confidence
placed in Mr.. Benton. Messrs lIamlln and
Bradbury, although sorey against their will, are
compelled TO oppose Mr.. Benton, on MIR. Cfford's
account.
Correspondence of the Journal of Commerce,
WAsHNoToS, March II.
The Senate did not dispatch much business
10 day. They were in Executive Session but q
short time.
They will have many more nominations to &C,
upon, and they have not yet acted upon all Of
those before thea.
They talk Of adjourning sine die, on Tuesday
but they will not probably be able To do so.
1t Is somcn What singular, but true, that the Sen
ate have not yet confirmed the NOMINATIONS o.
the Mexican Commissioners
There is no objection 10 Mr. Evans He viii
be unanimously confirmed. But objections arc
to be raised, though they will be insufficient, tt
the nomination of Col. Payne and Mr. Caleb
Smith
The Senate, have to-day. confirmed the nom
nation of Mr. Leroy, of New York, Navy A
gen, at that place. Mr. Leroy is Mr. Webster.
brothet in law. 1t Is viewed here as a strong
aud good appointment
WAsuiNGroY, March 10.
The Hon. Mr. Benton made, in secret session
to day, his threatened attack upon the late I'D
minlstration The assault was made on the pro
tocoi accompanying The treaty, and his speecl
occupied the Whole day. he will not close hi
argument, probably, for two days.
| lie promises 10 be able to prove that the pro
tocol preceded the ratification of the treaty b,
the Mexican Congress, and was not subseQuen
to it, us appeared by Mr. Polk in his message
| lie gives two reasons for his present course
| FIRST because the dignity of the Senate should bt
asserted; and secondly, that we owe it to tn
credit OF the country to treat weaker country
| like Mexico, with magnanlmity He mGintane
that the treaty ouid never have been ratiiie,
by Mexico, with the protocol, and that the sign
ing OF the instrument was a nonstrous aSsump
ton OF power on the part of the commissioners
| lie asp argued that the protocol is in direct con
trnvcntoh OF the treaty, aud vltaeS those por
los OF 1t to winch it refers. He charges Mt
Polk and his administration with direct false
hood.
The Wing Senators, will, it Is believed, remain
passive in the aifir; but the democratic Sena
tors are boiling with Indignation. They declar
that Mr. Benton is making this protocol brldg,
TO carry HIM over the stream that divides the tw
parties, and that the first instrument of The pric
OF his adhesion to the Wings, was the appoint
ment of his son-in.law, Mr.. Jones. They de
nounce II as monstrous periidy and baseness Il
call up those charges after The administration
has been scattered to all parts of the Union an,
when its membcss are no longer in posltio
officially to rebul the charge.
Mr.. Benton will, in all probability, vote alon
on his side OF the Chamber
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, March 90.
In the Senate to-day Mr. Smith offered reso
luton for printing 5000 copies OF the late decs
ion of the Supreme Court in relation to emigran
passengers. II was debated by Messrs. Benton
Webster Calhoun and olhers-Mr Benton bein
in opposition, The resolution was finally mod
fed so as 10 require 10000 copies, aud was the
| adopted.
The presiding officer laid before the Senate
letter from the Clerk of the House Of Represen
tatives, announcing the death OF Rodulphu
Dickinson, member of the last House, and mem
Der elect of the next, from Ohio. Mr. Chase, @
Ohio pronounced euIogy upon the deceased
The funeral is Tomorrow. Mr. Dlcklnso
was born In Massachusetts.
The Senate adjourned without any executiy
Session.
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, March 81,
The Senate met at the Usual hour this morn
ing, Mr.. Aichson, the President pro ten. in III
chair, Alter the transaction Of the customar
preliminary business, U.essige was receive
from the President by the hands of his privat
secretary, Col. Bliss.
On motion of Mr.. Badger, the Senate went il
to Executive session.
The message of the President in reply 10 III
resolutions OF Mr.. Benton, calling for lniorma
ton in regard To the Protocol, was then read.
| ff onh limit