Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-01-31
THE PRESIDENTS SPECIAL, MESSAGE.

TO the Senate and House Of Representdtiues!
deem it my duty to submit to Congress a
series OF resolutions adopted by the legislature
OF Virginia, on the 10Th inst, having in view a
peaceful settlement Of the question now threat
ening the Union. They were delivered to me
on Thursday, the oath inst, by ex-President
Tyler, who left his dignfed and honored re-
tirement, in the hope that he might render some
service to his country in this its hour Of peril.
These resolutions, it will be perceived, extend
an invitation to all States, whether slaveholdinG
or non-slaveholding, as are willing to unite with
Virginia in an earnest effort to adjust our pres
ent unhappy controversies in the spirit in which
the Constitution was originally formed, and con-
slstently with its principles, SO as to afford the
people of the slaveholding States adequate
guarantees for the security of their rights-to
appoint commissioners to meet on the 4th of
February in Washington. Similar commission
ers have been appointed by Virginia, and if
practicable. they are desired to agree upon some
suitable adjustment. | confess | have received
this movement on the part of Virginia with
great satisfaction. From the past history of
this ancient and renowned commonwealth we
have the fullest assur.n nee that what she under
takes she will accomplish if il can be done by
able, enlightened and persevering efforts. 1t is
| highly gratifying 10 know that other patriotic
States have appointed and are appointing COM
When assembled they will constitute body en-
titled in an eminent degree to the confidence of
the country. The General Assembly of Virgin
IA have also resolved that ex-PreSident John
Tyler is hereby appointed commissioner to the
| President of the United States and Judge John
Robertson commissioner to South Carolina and
other seeding States, with instructions respect
fully requesting the president and the authori-
ties Of such States to agree to abstain from all
/
OF their Assemblies, and from all acts calculated
to produce a collision of arms between the said
States and the government of the United States
However strong may he my desire to enter into
such an agreement, | am convinced that do
! not possess the power Congress, and Congress
alone, under the ar-making power, can exer-
else the discretion of agreeing to abstain from
, any and all acts calculated to produce collision
; of rms between this and any other govern
, ment. 1t would therefore be a usurpation for
the executive to attempt to restrain their hands
l by any agreement in regard to matters over
which he has no constitutional control If he
were thus to act laws might be passed which he
e should be bound to obey though in conflict with
= such an agreement. Under existing circum-
= stances my present actual power is confined
within narrow limits. 1t is duty at all times to
0 defend and protect the public property within
h the seeding States, so far as may be practica
y BILE, and especially to employ all constitutional
= means to protect the property of the United
States and preserve the public peace at this the
seat of federal government. If the seeding
States abstain from any and all acts calculated
to produce collision of acts, these dangers sc
much to be deprecated, will no longer exist
Defence and not aggression has been the polio,
of the administration from the beginning bu
II whilst can enter into no engagement such a.
y that proposed, cordially commend it to Con
IS gress, with much confidence that it will NEE
their appreciation, to abstain from passing any
> law calculated to produce collision pending thu
proceedings contemplated by the action OF the
n Virginia Assembly. | am one of those who
Is never will despair of the republic. yet cher
ish the belief that the American people will per-
|. petuate the Union on some terms just and hon
:. orable for all sections of the country. l trust
e the mediation of Virginia may be the destined
If means, under the Providence of God, of ac-
t. complishing this nestimab!e benefit. Glorious
o as are the memories of her past history, such
: achievements, both in relation to her own FAINT
and the welfare of the whole country, woulC
l. surpass them all. (Signed) JAMES BUCHANAN