conslilution, and lo convene Lhem as soon after the election as may be convenient. The judicial deparlmenl, as now partially exercised, consists of Lhc municipal judges, alcaldes, and ayu11tamientos of the old provisional Government, and the appointment of a judge under Lhe present adminislralion for admiralty causes 111 the district of Brazoria. The judges are, however, reslriclcd by a law of the provisional Govcr.nmcnt from all civil jurisdiction, except in claims againsl absconding debtors, where process of sequestration under Lhe civil law, similar to wrils of atlachment with us, may issue against the properly; but no process of ne exeat, nor any other proceeding in personam is admitted, except in criminal matlers, of which the courts take cognizance as under Lhe laws anterior lo the revolu Lion. The alcaldes are merely nominal conservalors of Lhe peace, and have only au Lhorily in litigated aclions lo call the parties before them for imparlance or arbitration. The ayunlamienlos were small corporations of the respective municipalities, into which the province was formerly divided, and had the regulation of the police. The jurisdiction of the alcaldes and that or the ayuntamientos is now scarcely or never invoked, and the whole system of jurisprudence under Lhe old forms had gone entirely out of use. The appointment of the district judge for Brazoria was, by virtue of the powers conferred upon the Executive under the organic law, and in conformity with the 4th article or the constilulion; it was made more especially for prize cases, several of which have already been adjudicated. With the exception of Lhe patriotic excitement occasioned by the present movements of the army, and the interest manifested in the cause of independence, the country is tranquil; and her citizens zealous in sustaining Lhe Government, good order, and the laws. In pursuance of the authority given in lhe Executive ordinance, the President, wilh Lhe advice and consent of the cabinet, has issued his proclamation for the election of a President, Vice President, Senators and Representatives lo Congress. The election is lo lake place on the first Monday in September next, and will comprise fourkcn Senators and
291
Powered by FlippingBook