Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/193

Rh Articles 69 to 105. Define the powers of Congress, and regulate the promulgation of new laws.

Articles 106 to 151. Relate to the executive, and to the responsibility of the different authorities.

Articles 152 to 174. Secure individual liberty, oblige magistrates to examine accused persons within forty-eight hours, and to commit or set at liberty within twenty-four hours following.

Articles 175 to 211. Relate to the powers of the different states, and give regulations for the formation or admission of new ones.

About a month after this publication, the constituent assembly dissolved itself, with the intention of re-opening its sessions in the following February. At this period it again met and united with the senate and other constitutional bodies. The two candidates for the presidency were Arcé and José del Valle. The popular elections had terminated with a small majority for Valle; but on various pretexts which were at the time subjects of considerable controversy, the Congress decided that the majority was not absolute. In this case the constitution leaves the decision to that body, and it decided in favour of the former, who although a native of San Salvador, was esteemed less democratic than the latter. José del Valle and his friends protested against the decision, but were unable to get it reversed.