The Sun.
London, England, 1861-02-12 00:00:00

TILE UNI7BD STATES.

The following appeared in a portion of our impression of
yesterday evening :

The following are the principal items of intelli
Bence brought by the Asia, which has arrived ai
Liverpool, bringing news dated New York
Jan. 30 :

THE EXECUTIVE.

The special Message of the President, relative to
the mediatorial proposal of Virginia, is as follows :
To THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE UNITED STATES.
I deem it my duty to submit to Congress a series of reso-
lutions adopted by tee Legislature of Virginia on the 19th
inst having in vieiv the peaceful settlement of the exist-
ing questions which now threaten the Union. They were
delivered to me on Thursday, the 24th inst., by ex-Presi-
dent Tyler, who has left his dignified and honoured retire-
ment in the hope that he may render service to his country
in this, its hour of peril. These resilutions, it will be per-
ceived, extend an invitation to all States, whether slave-
holding or non -slaveholding, as are willing to
unite with Virginia in an earnest effort to adjust the
present unhappy controversies in the 'spirit in which
the constitution was originally formed, and consistently
with its principles, so as to afford to the people of
the slave-holding States adequate guarantees for the secu-
rity of their rights; to appoint commissioners to meet on
the 4th day of February next, in the city of Washington,
similar commissioners appointed by Virginia, to consider,
and, if practicable, agree upon some suitable adjustment. I
confess I hail this movement on the part of Virginia with
great satisfaction, From the past history of this ancient and
renowned commonwealth, we have the fullest assurance that
what she has undertaken she will accomplish, if it cin be
done by able, enlightened, and persevering efforts. It is
highly gratifying to know that other patriotic States have
appointed and are appointing commissioners to meet those
of Virginia in council. Wben assembled, they will consti-
tute a body entitled, in an eminent degree, to the confi-
dence of the country. The General Assembly of Vir-
ginia have also resolved "that ex-President John Tyler
is hereby appointed, by the concurrent vote of each
branch of the General Assembly, a Corcroissioner to the
President of the United States, and Judge John Robertson
is hereby appointed, by a like vote, a Commissioner to the
State of South Carolina, and the other States that have
seceded, or shall secede, with instructions respectfully to
request the President of the United States, and the autho-
rities of such States, to agree to abstain, pending the pro-
ceedings contemPlated by the action of this General Assem-
bly, from any 'arid all acts calculated to produce a collision
of arms betiveen the States and the Government of the
United States: However strong may be my desire to
enter into such an agreement, I am convinced that Ido
not possess the power. Congress, and Congress alone,
under the war-making power, can exercise the discretion
of agreeing to abstain from any and all acts calculated to
produce a collision of arms, between this and any other
Government. It would therefore be a usurpation for
the Executive to' attempt to restrain their hands by an
agreement in regard to matters over which he has no con-
stitutional control. If he were thus to act they might
pass laws which he should be bound to obey though
in conflict with' his agreement. Under existing circum-
stances ray present actual power is confined with-
in narrow limits. It is my duty at all times to
defend and protect the public property within the
seceding States so far as may be practicable, and especially
to employ the constitutional means to protect the property
of the United States, and to preserve the public peace at
this, the seat of the Federal Government. If the seceding
States abstain from any and all acts calculated to produce
a collision of arms, then the danger so much to be depre-
cated will no langer exist. Defence, and not aggression has
been the policy of the Administration from the beginning
Bat whilst I can enter into no engagement such as that pro
posed, I cordially commend it to,Congress, with much con-
fidence that it will meet their approbation, to abstain from
passing any law, calculcated to prodace a collision of arms
pending the proceedings contempt:deg by the action of the
General Assembly of Virginia. lam one of those who will
never despair of the Republic. I yet cherish the belief
that the American people will perpetiltate the Union of the
States on some terms just and honourable for all sections of
the country. I trust that the mediation of Virginia may
be the destined means, under the Providence of God, of ac-
complishing this inestimable benefit. Glorious as are the
memories of her past history; such an achievement, both
in relation to, her own fame and the welfare of the whole
country, would surpass them all.
(Signed)
Washington City, Jan. 213, 1861.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

THE MISSION OF THE UNITED STATES
SLOOP OF WAR BROOKLYN.
The Portsmouth Transcript of Friday contains the fol-
lowing in reference to the sloop-of-war Brooklyn and her
mission:—

"We learn this morning that the United States steam
sloop-of-war, which had been lying off Fort Monroe
since her return from Charleston, went to 80a yesterday
on another peaceful mission. She is ordered to intercept
government vessels heretofore authorised to go into Pen-
sacola and _prevent their doing so, in order to obviate
trouble, first, by the attempt which the Floridians might
make to seize and hold them ; and secondly, as consequent
upon this State action, bloodshed and other serious losses.
Before leaving Hampton Roads, however, she received on
board from the fort two companies of artillery, under- Cap-
tains Vedges and Laugbane, a step which, we presume, is
only precautionary.
The Norfolk Dayßook of Friday mentions a rumour pre-
valent there that the United States steamer Merrimac is to
be refitted and sent to sea.

WARLIKE PREPARATIONS OF GOVERNMENT.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22.—8i11s are being prepared by
the Military and Naval Committees of the house, and by
the Committee of Ways and Means, for immediately plac-
ing the country upon a war footing. The President will be
authorised to call for the enlistment of volunteers, and a
considerable number of war steamers will be forthwith
ordered to be constructed.