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 CONSTITUTION 441 upon information of the respective chief, in the case of subordinates. nth. Tograntleaves of absence, retirements from service, licenses and privileges of pension, all in accordance with the laws. 12th. To watch over the collection of the public revenues and to decree their disposition, in accordance with the laws. 13th. To exercise the dispensation of patronage to the churches, benefices and priests, in accordance with the laws. 14th. To approve or prevent, with the approbation of the Council of State, the execution of decrees of ecclesiastical councils, papal bulls, briefs and rescripts, but if such contain general provisions, their enforcement can be approved or prevented only by means of a law. 15th. To grant pardons to individuals, with the approval of the Council of State. Cabinet ministers, Councillors of State, members of the Standing Committee, commanders in chief and governors of provinces, accused by the Chamber of Deputies and condemned by the Senate, can be pardoned by Congress alone. i6th. To dispose of the land and naval forces, organize and dis- tribute them, as he shall judge proper. 17th. To command in person the land and naval forces, in accord with the Senate, and, during its recess, with the Standing Committee. jj_,_ 18th. To declare war with the previous approval of the Congress, and grant letters of marque and reprisal, 19th. To maintain political relations with foreign powers, receive their ministers, admit their counsels, conduct negotiations, make pre- liminary stipulations, conclude and sign all treaties of peace, alliance, truce, neutrality, commerce, concordats and other conventions. Treaties must, before ratification, be submitted to Congress for ap- proval. Discussions and deliberations on these subjects shall be se- cret, if the President so desire. 20th, To declare a state of siege at one or various points in the Republic, in case of attack from abroad, with the consent of the Coun- cil of State, and for a determinate time. In case of internal disturb- ances, it belongs to the Congress to declare one or more points in a ' state of siege; but if that body be not in session, the President may do so, with the consent of the Council of State and for a determinate time. If at the reassembling of the Congress, the time specified shall not have expired, the declaration made by the President of the Repub- lic shall be considered as an ah^ of law. lt^y,^,A,r^^dtXi--*^ 2ist. All matters pertaining to police add alj public establishments are under the supreme superintendence of the President of the Repub- lic, in conformity with the particular regulations by which they are governed.