The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-06
Opening OF the Second Session OF the Thirty
fifth Congress.


fifth Congress.
The second session of the Thirty fifth Congress
of the United States opens to-day, and closes, by
limitation, on the fourth day of March next
There have been few sessions of Congress at
which there was SO large an amount of pressing
and important business to be transacted as there
is at this. Our foreign relations are just now in
very delicate and complicated condition. We
have hostile squadron preparing to ascend the
waters of the Parana, and to exact apology from
the Dictator Of Paraguay for an insult offered to
Our flag and for wrongs done to our citizens
Our relations with the States of Central Ameri-
ca are to the last degree complicated and en-
barrassing. On the one hand we have the trouble
of keeping certain of our own citizens from vio-
lating the neutrality laws and joining expedi-
tions against the integrity of the Central Ameri-
can republics. and on the other hand we have to
coerce these same republics into recognition of
our rights as against them, and at the same time
to exclude foreign interference with all parts of
this continent. If Congress had nothing to at
tend to, in regard to our foreign affairs besides
the Central American difficulties, those would be
of themselves almost sufficient to absorb its at
tention during the coming three months.
But it is not alone with respect to Paraguay
may be called upon to adopt line of policy or
to maintain the course of the Executive. Mexico
is as difficult and pressing question as any of
the Others. And it must be met That unlor-
tunate country is torn from one end to the other
with internal dissensions and internecne war.
Carnage and pillage have grown to be the promi-
nent elements of her condition: and matters are
daily growing worse and worse. In the interests
Of Mexico, in the interests of the United States.
and in the interests of humanity, we are appealed
to to interfere and put stop to this condition of
things. Mexico herself, through the few rational
and conservative people that have survived
the universal wreck there, appeals to US
The interests Of our own country, which might
be seriously affected If riot, rapine and murder
are allowed much longer to revel in Mexico, ap.
peal to us to interfere. What character our in.
reference is TO assume must be determined by
Congress. A protectorate is suggested. That,
however. might be deemed at variance with
the principles of our constitution If Mexico
could be placed, In respect to us, by treaty
with the nominal government there. in the
same condition rs our Territories are, order
would soon be substituted for anarchy.
prosperity for stagnation, and in some
years hence its various political divisions
or States might be duly and honorably annexed
to our existing confederacy of States. Whatever
course il to he taken ought to be speedily
adopted before every element of civilization is
entirely wiped out of that unfortunate portion of
the continent, and before the reign of the Indians
is restored there
Congress will have to see TO this, nor leave the
matter indefinitely postponed.
In connection with this same subject IL certainly
bchoves our national legislature TO take measures
to strengthen the national arm. Difficulties
Of serious nature may arise out Of our relations
with Mexico and with the Central American
States 1t is very likely that they will arise.
and that We will find ourselves called upon 10
maintain the American position against more
powerful opponents than those we would meet
with in the governments or people Of those coun-
the frs, cares Of Congress should, therefore be to
have all the vessels of war in our different navy
yards put into the most effective condition-to
have the Collins and Vanderbilt and other suita-
bic steamers secured for the use of the govern
ment, and altered, armed and equipped for the
service of war; and thus to have large and cfrl.
cient squadron stationed in the Gulf Of Mexico.
watching events, and prepared 10 act when the
occasion arises. To lie thus prepared Il the
surosi way Of maintaining our policy Of secur.
ing respect from other Powers, aud Of preserving
peace
Outside ofthcse. our foreign relations, Congress
viii have much to do. Domestic questions are
both numerous and pressing New States aud
Territories have TO be admitted and organized
the Pacific Railroad scheme is to be matured-
ocean steamship lines and postal reform will o.
pressed upon the attention Of Congress-tbc
tariff may have to be revised. and the revenue
laws viii have to be codifcd legislation for the
protection Of cmgrants and Of sailors, and 10 en-
sure greater safety on board steamers win have to
v attended to-tbe public land sysiem may have
70 he altered pension bills viii have to he con
sdercd-thl Patent Office laws need revision
French spoliation bill and other claims on the
government will require action-thc proceedings
81 investigating committees will have TO bc dis
posed of-and various other measures Of greater
or lcss importance will be presented to Congress
of It's present session.
In another portion Of our paper to-day We give
an analysis Of the annual estimates Cor the ex-
pCnse Of the government for the fiscal year end
ing June 80, 1850. They amount TO s73,2l7,9i7
4c being elimination rs against the present
ycar 81 ss4G,sOs 81. The Presidents Message
will y delivered today, and probably published
il our evening edition.
W the hope that our representatives In Con
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