Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-02-08
.MESS.aGE or THE PRESIDENT
TRANSMITTING THE EIRGLAl.4 Res
-OLIITI0 A,N

TRANSMITTING THE EIRGLAl4 RES /
OLUfI0-NS.
To lie Senate and House Of Representatives. of
the UMifed STATES:
! deem it my duty to submit to Congress
series OF resolutions adopted by the Legislature
of Virginia on the 18th INST. having 10 view
peaceful settlement OF the existing questions
which now threaten The Union. They were de-
1ivered to me on Thursday, the 24fh inst, By
Ex President Tyler, who has left bis diguifed
and hoDorcd retirement 10 the hope that be
niay render some service 10 his country in this
It's hour of need.
These resolutions, it will be perceived, extend
40 Invitation TO III such States, whether slave-
holding or non slaveholdIng, as are wiling to
unite With each other in an earnest effort TO
adjust the present unhappy difficulties in the
spirit n which the Constitution was originally
formed, and consistently with it's principles, so
as to afford the people of the saveholding States
adequate guarantees for the security of their
rights, to appoint commissioners to meet on the
4th day Of February next, in the city of Wash
ingtcn. similar commissioners appointed BY
Virginia, to consider, and if practicable, agree
upon some sort CT adjustment
! confess bail this movement on the part of
Virginia with great satisfaction. From tae past
history of this ancient and removed Comnlon-
wealth, we have the fullest assurance that what
she has undertaken she will accomplish, if il
can be done by able, enlightened and perscVer-
ing efforts. 1t is highly gratifying to know that
other patriotic States have appointed comaiis-
soners 10 meet those of Virginia in council.-
When assembled, they will constitute body
entitled IN an eminent degree TO the confidence
OF the country.
The Federal Assembly Of Virginia have also
resolved ''that Ex-Presideat Tyler Is hereby
appointed by the concurrent vote Of each branch
of the General Assembly, commissioner TO
the Presidenr of TIE United States. and Judge
John Robertson is hereby appointed by like
vote commissioner 10 the State OF South Gar
olina aud all other seeeding States thar have
seeded. or shall seee de, with instructions 20
respectfully request the President OF the Unit
ted States, and the authorities of such States
to agree to abstain, pending the proceedings
contemplated by the action OF this General As
sembly, from am and oil acts calculated to
produce collision of arms between the States
and the Government of the United Sta,es.p
However strong may be my desire to enter
into such an agreement, ] AM convinced that
do not possess the power. Congress, and Con-
gress alone, under the war-making power, can
exercise the discretion of agreeing TO abstain
from auy and ali tets calculated to produce u
collision Of arms between this and any other
/ Government. Il would therefore be usurpa-
/ tion for the Executive to attempt TO restrain
their hands BY an agreement in regard to
matters over which be has no constitutional
/ control.
II he were thus 10 act, they might pass laws
| which be would be forced to obey, though in
conflict with h;s agreement.
| Under existing circumstances my present
actual power Is confined Within narrow limits.
1t is my duty at all times 10 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 to the public OF this the seat OF
/ the Federal Government. If the seeding
/ States abstain fsom any aud all acts calculated
/ to produce collision OF arms, then the danger
SO much to be deprecated will no logger exist.
Defence aud not aggression has been tue poll
/ icy of the Administration from the beginning.
Bat 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 passing
any law calculated to produce 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. yet cherish the belief
that the American people will perpetaate the
union Of the States on some terms just and hon
orable 10 al sections of the country.
trus, that the mediation of Virginia may be
the destined means. under Providence, of ac-
compishing this iuestimable benefit.
Glorious as are the memories of her past
history, such an achievement, both in relation
to her owa fame and the welfare Of the whole
country, would surpass them ALL
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WAsHINaroN Cry, Jan. Is, 1861.