218 MEXICO. 9. To assign military pensions, &c. in conformity to the laws. 10. To dispose of the armed force of the country, both by sea and by land, for the better security of the Federation. 11. To call out the Militia for the same purpose, the force required being previously determined by the Congress, or by the Council of State, should the Congress not be sitting. 12. To declare War in virtue of a previous decree of the Congress, and grant letters of marque. 13. To frame a concordat with the Holy See, under the restrictions prescribed by Article 50. 14. To direct all diplomatic intercourse with foreign coun- tries, and to conclude Treaties of Peace, Amity, Alliance, &c. ; the ratification [of any such Treaty being preceded by the consent of the Congress. 15. To receive the Ministers and Envoys of Foreign Powers. 16. To demand of the Congress the prolongation of its Ordinary sessions, for the term of thirty days. 17. To convoke the Congress in an Extraordinary session, in case he should deem it expedient, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of the Council of State. 18. To convoke the Congress in like manner, when two- thirds of the Council are of opinion that it is expedient. 19- To watch over the due administration of justice, and to see the sentences of the Supreme Court, and other tribunals of the Federation carried into execution. 20. To suspend for three months, and deprive of the half of their salaries, any of the Government officers guilty of disobedience, or infraction of the laws. 21. To concede, or deny, his " Pase," (or Exequatur) to all decrees of Councils, Pontifical bulls. Briefs, and Rescripts, with the consent of the General Congress, if they contain general regulations ; and with that of the Senate, the Council
