Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-02-02
tsIIaneOus.
Mrs.AcE OF THE PRESIDENT.

mxssAeE OF THE PRESIDENT.
ro ,hs Senate and House Of Representatives OF lh'
United STATE;
deem Il my duty TO submit to Congress
series of resolutions adopted by the Legis.
jature of Virginia on the 18th instant, having
10 view peaceful settlement OF the existing
ouestions which now threaten the Union.
they we're delivered to the on Thursday. the
2Ith inst, by Ex President Tyler, who has
left his diguifed and honored retirement in
The hope that be muy render service to bis
cu,utry iu this its hour Of peril. These reso.
lutiops. it will be perceived, extend an invita-
,on to all such States. whether slavebodiDg
or non slaveholdiDg, as We are willing to
unite with Virginia in an enrnest effort to
adjust the present unhappy coDtroversaries
iu the spirit in which the Constitution was
originally formed, aud consistently with its
PRINCIPLES, 80 as TO afford to the people Of
the slaveholdirg States adequate guarantees
for the security Of their rights, to appoint
commissioners, to meet on the 4th doy OF
FEBRUARY next, 10 the city Of Washington,
similar commissioners appointed by Virginia,
to consider. and, If practible, agree upon some
suitable adjustment. | confess ! hail this
this movement 90 the part Of Virginia With
great satisfaction. From the past history Of
this ancient aud renowned commonwealth we
have the fullest assurance that what she has
undertaken she will accomplish, if it can be
done by able, enlightened and perseverng
Efforts. II is highly gratifying to know that
other patriotic States bave appointed, and
are appointing commissioners. to meet those
of Virginia iu council. When assembled,
they will constitute body entitled, IN an
eminent degree. to the confidence of the
a., al A m pf Diu
have also resolved that ex. President John
Tyler is hereby appointed, by the concurrent
vote Of each branch Of tue General Assem-
hlv. com missioner to the President Of the
United States. and Judge John Robson is
hereby appointed by a like vote, commits
sinnpr to the State of South Carolina and the
other States that have seceeded, or shall
seccde, with instructions respectfully to re.
unest the President of the United States and
the authorities of such States to agree to
abstain, pending the proceedings contempla-
ted by the action os this General Assembly
from any md all acts calculated to produce
"A collision Of arms between the States aud
the government Of the United Sta,es.-
However strong may he my desire TO enter
into such an agreement am convinced
that do not possess the power. Congress-
and Congress clone, under the war making
power, con exercise the discretion OF agree
ing to abstain from any and all acts calcnia-
ted to produce u collision OF arms between
this or any other government. 1t wonld
,herefore, he a ursurpatiou for the executive
TO attempt to restrain their hands by an
agreement in-.psard to ..matters over which
lie has no constitutional control. III he were
tins to net 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 confined within narrow
limits 1t is my duty at ell times to defend
and protect the public property within the
seeding States. so far as this may be practl.
cable. and especially to employ the consthn.
rionai means to protect the property OF the
United States and to preserve the public
uea:e of this the seat Of the Federal govern.
ment. IF the seeding States abstain from
any all acts calculated to produce eoli-
sion Of arms, then the danger so much to be
deprecated will no longer exist Defence.
and not aggression has been the policy OF
the Administration from tho beginning -
But whilst can enter into no engagement
such ss that proposed. cordially commend
10 Congress, with much confidence that 1t
will meet their appreciation, to abstain from
passing any law calculated to produce col
lisinn Of arms, pending the proceedings con.
terplated by the action OF the General
Assembly of Virginia, am one OF those who
will never despair of the Republic | yet
cherish the belief that the American people
will pprpstuate the Union Of the States on
come terms Just and honorable for all sections
of the country. trust that the mediation
Of Virginia may be the destined means under
Providence OF accomplishing this inestims.
ha benefit. Glorious as are the memories OF
her past history. such an achievement both
in relation TO her own fate and the welfare OF
the whole country. would surpsss them all.
JAMES BUCHANAN.