The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1861-02-06
WHOLE NUMBER sl4.

to consider and il practicable agree upon
some suitable adjustment. =
l hail this movement on the pa.i Of Viz
glnia with great satisfaction. From the
past history OF this ancient and renowned
commonwealth, we have the fullest assur.
ance that what she has undertaken, she will
accomplish, If it can be done By able, on
lightened, and persevering efforts. Il Is
highly gratifying to, know that other pstrios-
ic States have appointed, end are GppointinR,
commissioners to meet those of Virginia in
council. When assembled, they will con.
stitute body entitled to the confidence Of
the country. ~
The General Assembly OF virRinia has also
resolved "Fhat ex-President John Tyler IL
hereby appointed by the concurrent vote OF
each branch OF the General Assembly. 1
Commissioner to the President Oh TIA ffnf,
ted States; and Judge John Rebertson Is
hereby appointed by q like vote, a Commits. !.
sioner to the, State Of South CsroIint ana
4hq other States Abst Rave se0ede6 n. s, 4 I5
secede, with instructions respectfully 10 -.
quest the President OF the United Ststes.
and the authorities of such States, to agree
to abstain, pending proceedings contemp.
lated by action Of this General Assembly.
from any and all acts calculated to produce
collision of arms between such State. and
the veinmeut of the United Ststss."
How strong may be my desire TO en-.
te. into such an agreement, am convinced
that | do not possess the power, and Con.
gress alone, under the war making power,
can exercise the discretion OF sgreeinp TO
abstain from any and all acts calculated 10
produce collision of arms between this and
any other government. II would therefore
be usurpation for the Executive TO attempt
to restrain their hands by an agreement in
regard to matters over which he has no CON.
stitutional control.
If be were thus to act, they might pass
laws which he should be bound to obey,
though in conflict with his agreement. Un-
der existing circumstances, my present ac-
tual power is confined within very nsrrox
limits. 1t 10 my duty at all times to defend
and protect the public property within the
seeding States, SO fer as may be practica.
BILE, and especially to employ the constitu--
tional means to protect the property OF the
United States, and to preserve the public
peace, at this, the seat Of the Federal Gov.
rnment.
If the seeding States abstain from any
and all acts calculated to produce collision
of arms then the danger so much to be de-
preca,ed will no longer exist. Defense
and net aggression has been the policy of the
Administration from the beginning. But
whilst cun enter into no each argument as
that proposed cordially commend il to Com
gress, 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
Virginia, and am one Of those who will
never dispair of the republic. yet cherish
the belief that the American people will
| perpetuate the Union of the States on some
terms just and honorable for all sections OF
the country.
trust that the mediation Of Virgins,
may be the destined means, under the prov
idence OF God, of accomplishing this inesti-
mable 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, wsuld surpssl
them all. F...te
(SigneD JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington city, Jan. 2Sth 1861.