Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1861-02-01
The Presidents Message.

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WAsHrxGroN, Jan. 2S-The following is
the Presidents m .sslge in full, as transmitted
to Congress to day:
To tbs Senate aud House Of Representatives Of
the United States:
deem it my duty to submit to Congress a
seires of resolutions adopted by the Legisla-
ture of Virginia, on the 18th inst, having in
view the peaceful settlement of the existing
questions which now threaten the Union
they were delivered to me or Thursday the
Path inst by ExPresilent Tyler, who has
left his dignified and honored retirement in
the hope that he may render service to his
country iu this its hour of peril
These resolutions it will be perceived extend
an invitation to all such States, whether
slaveh0lding or rnon-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 origin
ally formed and consistently with its princi-
piles so as to afford to the people of the slave
holding States adequate guarantees for security
of their rights, to appoint Commissioners to
meet on the 4th Cay of February next, in the
city of Washington, similar commissioners
appointed by Virginia, to consider and if
practicable agree upon some suitable adjust
ment.
hail this movement on the part of Virgin
10 with great satiafaction From the past
history of this ancient aud removed common
wealth, we have the fullest assurance that
what she has undertaken, she will accomplish
if it can be dcnc by able, enlightened and per-
severing efforts. 1t is highly gratifying to
know that other patriotic States have appoint
ed and are appointing, commissioners to meet
those of Virginia in council. When assem-
bled. they will constitute u body entitled to
the confidence of the country
The General Assembly of Virginia has al
so resolved that Ex-President John Tyler is
hereby appointed by the concurrent vote of
each branch of the General Assembly, a Com
missioner TO the President of the United
States; and Judge John Robertson is hereby
appointed by like vote, Commissioner to
the State of South Carolina, and the other
States that have seeded, or shall secede, with
Instructions respectfully to request the Presi-
dent of the United States, and the authorities
of such States, to agree to abstain, pending
proceedings contemplated by action of this
General Assembly, from any and all acts cal
cuated to produce collision of arms between
such States and the Government of the United
States.
However strong may be my desire to enter
into such an agreement, l am convinced that
do not pussess the power, and Congress u
lone, under the war-making power. can exer-
else the discretion of agreeing to abstain from
any and all acts calculated to produce COLI
sion of arms between this and any other Gov
crnmcnt 1t would therefore be usurpation
for the Executive to attempt to restrain
their bands by an agreement in regard to
matters over which he has no constitutional
control.
II he were thus to act, they might pass laws
which he should be bound to obey. though in
conflict with his agreement. Under existing
circumstances, my present actual power is con-
fined within very narrow limits. II is my du-
ty at all times to defend and protect the pub
lie properly within the ceceding States, so
far may be practicable, and especially to
employ the constitutional means to protect
the property of the United States, aud to pre-
serve the public peace, at this, the seat of the
Fcderil Government.
II tHe SeCeuln8 StdltS uOStdIIl from any ana
all acts calculated to produce a collision of
arms, then the danger so much to be depreea-
ted will no longer exist. Defense and not aggres-
sion has been the policy of the Administration
from the beginning. But whilst can enter in
to no such argument as rhat proposed, [ cord
tally commend ii to Congress with much conf
dence that it will meet their appreciation to
abstain from passing any law calculated to
produce collision of arms pending the proceed
ings contemplated by the action of the Gene
raj Assembly of Virginia, and | am one of
those who will never despair of the republic
l yet cherish the belief that the American peo-
pie will perpetuate the Union Of the States on
some terms just and honorable for all sections
of the country.
L trust that the meditation of Virginia,
may be the destined means, under the provi-
dence of God, of accomplishing this inestima-
BILE benefit. Glorious as are memories of her
past history, such an achievement, both in
relation to her own fame and welfare of the
whole country, would surpass them all.
(Signe1 JAMES BUCHANAN.
WAsHINGroN CRY, Jan.28th 1861.