The sun., 1891-07-12
Tho Mexican Constitution.

Constitutions A handbook containing all
such fundamental organic laws would be OF
obvious utility to thoss who have to deal
with International relations or to comment
upon foreign politics. 1t Is plain enough,
for instance. that had King HUMBERT's Min.
ister Of Foreign Affairs been familiar with
our Federal Constitution, he would have dis.
cussed moro intelligently the duty Of our
national Government with regard to the
New Orleans massacre. No less clear Is 1t
that q knowledge Of the text Of the Chiian
Constitution is essential II wo would deter
mine which Of the two parties now contend
ing for supremacy in that country is tcch-
nically In the right. We are glad to see that
tho Importance Of placing the organic laws
OF parliamentary countries in the hands ol
habitunl observers OF events Is recognized by
IN American publication, the Annals of the
American Academy. which has made a be-
ginning in its July number by reproducing
the text OF the Mexican Constitution.
Before marking some points Of difference
between our own Federal organic law and
that Of the United States OF Mexico. word
should be said as to tho genesis and history
OF the latter instrument. Mr.. BERNARD
MosRs has contributed to the periodical just
named succinct account Of the constitu-
tional evolution OF Mexico since the first
outbreak Of the struggle for independence
in 1910. For us. however, it will suffice to say
that tho Constitution now In force was for
mulated by Constituent Congress convoked
In 1885, and finally adopted on Fob. S, 1857.
1t was, OF course. suspended throughout the
greater part OF tho country during the
military and ecclesiastical reaction which
eliminated in the episodical regime Of MAX
MILAN. With the collapse. however, OF the
imperial experiment. tho Constitution Of
1887 became again the fundamental law Of
the land, and so continues, although it has
received several important amendments.
For the purpose OF comparison, let US
glance in turn at the provisions OF the Mexi
can Constitution with regard to the legisla-
tive. executive, and judicial departments
We would merely premise that the Mexican
Constitution, like our own, contains Dec
laration OF Rights and embodies guaran-
tees against centralization. all powers not
expressly granted to federal authorities be-
ing reserved to the several States. The
Mexican Congress. like our own. con-
sists Of two Houses. to wit, Chamber
OF Deputies. chosen for two years by
the people, and Senate made up
OF two Senators from each State and two
from the federal district, chosen by an in
direct election in which the State legisla-
ture ultimately participates. The Senators
are elected for four years. but In such sort
that half Of the Senate shall be renewed
every two years. There are three striking
differences between the federal legislature
of Mexico and our own. Thus, under the
Mexican Constitution the right to present
bills Is not confined to members OF the two
Houses, but is shared by the President
OF the Union and by the legislatures
OF the States. The latter may sub
nit through deputatIons the drafts of
desired measures. which drafts will
be referred Immediately to the appropriate
committees. Again. the veto power OF the
Executive is less decisive than with US. A
two-thirds majority Is not needed to over
rule Executive objections. II bill rejected
by the President is confirmed by an absolute
majority OF both Houses. 1t becomes a law.
A still further precauton Is taken to assure
the preGmlnence OF tho legislative depart
ment. The powers OF the Mexican Congress
arc never altogether dormant On the con-
trary, during the recesses the Constitution
provides for a permanent deputation, COM
posed OF fifteen Deputies and fourteen Scna-
tors, appointed. OF course. by their respective
Chambers. This deputation has the power
to report upon all unfinished business, to
give its assent to the use OF tho National
Guard, to confirm ad interim appointments,
and to determine by itself. or on the pro-
posal Of the Executive, the convocatlon OF
one or both Houses OF Congress in extra
tho President OF the Union shall be
responsible to the federal Congress;
but during his term Of Office he may be
impeached only for the crimes OF treason
against the country distinct violation of
the Constitution, attack on the freedom OF
election and for grave crimes OF the COM
mon ordor. Yet, as we shall see, these ar.
to secure the preponderance OF
the Legislative element are counterbalanced
In some degree by the extraordinary powers
conferred In certain contingencies on the
of the Union by Article 20 OF the
Federal Organic Law.
The President OF the United States OF
Mexico Is chosen. as with US, by secret bal
lot and by indirect lection; that is to say,
q certain number OF Presidential electors
are designated by the whole body OF citi-
zens, and these electors In turn, Uamo the
President. The term Of ofIlcs is for four
years. but the occupant Is now eligible for
The constitutional period Immediately fol-
lowing, though he will remain thereafter in
capable OF holding the Presidential Office
until four years shall have passed.
In tho case OF temporary vacan-
~, the citizen who may have per-
formed the duties OF President. or OF Vice.
President. OF the Senate. or OF tho Permanent
Deputation in the periods OF recess. exer-
,ises the Executive functions. But, as arule.
such provisional President must within fif-
cen days Issue the summons for tho new cleo
lion, at which he will not himself be eligible.
II, however, the vacancy should occur within
he last six months OF tho constitution
n term. the functionary taking the
place OF the President snail sorve out this
'eriod. In Mexico the President does not
'equire the confirmation by the legislature.