The national Republican., 1861-01-29

Washington, similar Commissioners appointed
by Virginia to consider, eud, if practicable,
agree upon some suitable adjustment
! confess hail this movement on the part
of Virginia with great satisfaction. From the
past history of this ancient and renowned Com.
monwealth, we have the fullest assurance that
what she has undertaken she will accomplish,
if it can be done by able, enlightened, and
persevering efforts. 1t is highly gratifying to
know, that when patriotic States have appoint.
ed Commissioners to meet those of Virginia in
council, when assembled, they will constitute a
body entitled in an eminent degree to the con.
fidcnce Of the country.
The General Assembly of Virginia have al.
so resolved, "1hat ex President Tyler is here
by appointed, by the concurrent vote of each
branch OF the General Assembly, Commits.
soner to the President of the United States,
and Judge John Robertson is hereby appoint
ed, by like vote, Commissioner to the State
of South Carolina, and all the seeding States
that have seeded, or shall secede, with instruc-
tions to respectfully request the President of
the United States and the authorities of such
States to agree to abstain, pending the proceed.
ings contemplated by the action OF this Gen.
eral Assembly, from any and all acts calculated
to produce q collision Of arms between the
States and the Government Of the United
States"
However strong may be my desire to enter
into such an agreement, am convinced that 1
do not poss sess the power. Congress, and Congress
aloue, under the war.making power, can exer-
else the discretion of agreeing to abstain from
any and all acts calculated to produce collis-
ion OF arms between this and any other Gov.
ernment. 1t would therefore be u usurpation
for the Executive to attempt to restrain their
hands by an agreement in regard to matters
over which he has no constitutional control.
If he were then to act, they might pass laws
which he should be forced 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 all times, to defend and pro.
tect the Federal property within the seeding
States so far as this 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 seced.
ing States abstain from any and all acts calcu.
lated to produce collision 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 the be.
ginning.
But, whilst can enter into no engagement
such as that proposed, cordially commend to
Congress, with much confidence, that it will
meet their appreciation to abstain from pass
ing any law calculated to produce a collision
OF arms, pending the proceedings contemplated
by the action of the General Assembly Of Vir-
ginia. | am one of those who will never des.
pair of the Republic l yet cherish the belief
that the American people will perpetnate the
Union Of the States on some terms, just and
honorable for all sections Of the country.
| trust the mediation Of Virginia may be the
destined means, under Providence, OF accom-
plishing 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.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington City, January 2s, 1861.
The further consideration of the subject was
postponed till tomorrow.
The House resumed the consideration Of the
report of the committee Of thirty.three.
Mr.. Pryor, of Virginia, vindicated the South,
and spoke of Northern aggressions He main
tained that the cause of the South is the cause
of civil liberty, and appeals to universal sym.
pathy. The position of the South is still
fortified in the public opinion Of the world by
her solicitude to redress her grievances, peace.
ably, and in the Union. She would accept
satisfactory guarantees, but the dominant party
reject all overtures, and are preparing to en-.
force submission to their sway. He enforced
the policy of peaceable separation, and the
establishment Of two republics.
On motion of Mr.. Grow, the rules were sus
pended, and the House concurred in the amend
ment of the Senate, to the bill for the admis
sion of Kansas into the Union. So the bill has
been passed by both Houses. The amendment
establishes judicial district, and extends over
Kansas all the laws Of the United States moi
locally inapplicable.
On motion Of Mr.. Howard, of Michigan, the
select committee on the Presidents special
message of the 7th instant obtained leave to
sit during the session Of the House, and report
from time to time, as the importance Of the
business in their hands requires.
Mr.. Stanton called up his bill for the more
efficient organization of the militia of the Dis
trict Of ColuInbia-having reference to the ad
Ainistration of oaths to the officers, the same
as in the regular army. 1t was passed = yeas
ll9, nays AZ.
The House adjourned.