Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-03-24

In refusing to ratify the Nicaragua Treaty
the Senate kept out of the hands Of the Presi-
dent the power to make war when and how he
pleases upon thatcountry. Recent occurrences
on the Mexican coast will justify the opinion
that that power was properly withheld.
Mr. McLanc, cur minister to Mexico, has to
some extent recognised and co-opcrated with
the so-callcd Liberal Party represented in the
field by the army headed by Juarez. This par
ty cannot be said to be in power in Mexico. 1t
is not in possession Of the capital nor of the
archives of the Mexican government. Precise
ly how much of the territory of Mexico it con-
trolls we do not know, but we believe the area
is comparatively limited Juarez has his pres
ent headquarters at Vera Cruz. Opposed to
him is Miramon, the leader Of the church party
This general has recently been preparing to at
tack Vera Cruz. To this end he had two war
steamers, the MU0Dton and MasYuez, fitted out
at Havana and sent to blockade Vera Cruz as
well as to assist his attack lay land. As these
vessels we're appearing before that place with
out any colors the commander of the United
States Gulf squadron, hailed them. Receiving
no answer he sent e boats crew to ascertain the
object of his inquiry, whereupon one of the
vessels fred upon the boat At this juncture a
broadsde was discharged from the Saratoga
and general action ensued, which soon termi-
mated in the surrender of the two Mexican
steamers. These vessels have been brought to
New Orleans.
Great excitement existed at Vera Cruz in con-
sequence of the conduct of the American com
modore in this affair, and the French and Span
ish residents were particularly indignant. The
exequatur of the American consul at Vera Cru,
had been revoked, but no reason is assigned
The American commander undoubtedly actet
under Instructions in attacking the vessels o
Miramon, as Mr. McLane, who is on his wa,
out, is instructed to disregard the blockade o
Vera Cruz by Mramon, on the ground that i
is an obstruction to commerce, and also to lane
force for the protection Of the American con
sulate and the property of American citizens a
Vera Cruz from the effects of the attack of Mir
anon.
The late war with Mexico commenced il
events of less significance than these, and
may now be found that the administration, t
draw attention from the exposures of its cor
ruptions which are sure to soon make their ap
pearance and to arrest the wane of the demo
cratic party, is determined to get up scrimag
with our weak and distracted neighbor. If S
Congress will be called upon, not to declare wal
but to provide means for carrying on one al
ready begun by the unconstitutional act of tn
President. Constitutional checks and provis
ions are of but little more account than com
pacts and compromises when they stand in tn
way of manifest destiny" notions of moder
democracy. If Congress really has any powe
in the matter we think it quite as well to retail
it as to permit a President to hold both tn
purse and the sword.
Congress seems disposed to inquire into th
matter. In the Senate, Wednesday, Mr. Hal
offered resolution, which was adopted, tht
the President of the United States inform ii
Senate if any instructions have been given I
officers of the navy, by which, in any event, tt
naval forces of the United States were to tax
part in the civil war in Mexico, and by whit
authority certain Mexican steamers were cal
) tured and their officers and crews made prison
5 ers.
: In the House, Mr. Stanton of Ohio submittC
resolution of inquiry into the circumstanc,
attending the recent capture of two Mexico
vessels by our Gulf feet whether the captu,
was in pursuance of orders from our govern
ment or not, which was agreed to-