The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-01-11
Presidents Message.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9.-President Buchanan
Message in relation to the present state OfaIsirs
waslsid before Congress:
The Speaker laid before the House, message
from the President. lie says that at the opening
ofthe session, he called attention 10 the danger
TO which the Union was exposed, and recon-
meuded measures for relief. Ia tranquilIe, and
save the country from the perils in which Il is
heedlessly aud unfortunately placed. lie re-
grets 20 say that matters instead of improving
are worse. scl HIS hope that tranquility would
be restored saas diminished. Abiding To-
South CaFolins. he says he has no other alterna-
tive but 10 cOlSsst the revenue aud protect the
public properly His duty Is TO execute the
laws, and theyieht 10 use military and naval
force in thei{ execution Is indisputably set
forth by law.
The Prcsidef tsays that the present state OF
things Is beycid the control Of the Executive,
and that we are in the midst ola revolution,
and recommends Congress % act In the present
emergency. To Congress Is reserved the power
to declare war; and the power 90 remove grew
ances that may lead TO war and restore peace
20 the country, alsO rests with Congress. lie
euiogizes the blessings conferred by the Union,
and says IL IL should perish, the calamity will
De as severe TO the southern as TO the Northern
States. The secession movement Is chiefly
founded on an apprehension felt by the South.
ern States as % the sentiments Of the majority
in several Of the Northern States. Let the
question be referred % the ballot box. and the
people will promptly relrcss all grievance. In
heavens name, let the trial be made before We
plunge into the assumption that there Is nc
alternative. Let rs nave reflection; would that
South Carolina hal reflected. He appeals q
Congress 10 say in their might that the Union
shall and must be preserved by all Constitu-
tional means.
lie recommends Congress 10 take prompt
action with q view To peace. compromise
on the line Of 36O 30' is suggested rs calculated
Go produce an adjustment. IL was an imputs-
ton on the members 10 say they will hesitate a
momtnt. The danger Is upon US. Several fOrts
and arsenals have beer seiIed by aggressive acts
Congress should endeayor 10 give the difficulties
a peaceful solution.
lie gives as reason for not sending troops
20 Charleston, that he believed il would have
precipitaied hOs,ilities on the part Of South
CaroiiLa. He says that Major Anderson could
not have held Fort Moultrie 50 hours.
The President says that he has warned hi.
country Of the danger. and feels that his duty
has been faithfully. though imperfectly per.
formed. and Is conscious that he means well
for his country.
ALn,Sy, Jan. 9.-The Journal officially an
nounces Mr. Seward's acceptance Of the Secre-
taryship Of State in Mr.. Linooln's Cabinet.
wAsAINGrOS. Jan. e.-Commander Hart,
steine. OF South Carolina, has resigned his
position in the Navy.
Capt. Kesrney, Of n. J., has recalled hi.
letter Of resignation. The letter, however, had
no, been received by the Department.
Telegrsphic despatcesfrom the Navy Depart
meut 20 an officer at Key West, were recently
intercepted at Mobile by the authorities there
Energetic measures are being taken BY tn
Government ior the protection OF the puoli'
propcsty.
Dicnaichcs from Washington Jan. o, say tina
Il Is reported that troops were ordered to For
Sumter with the sanction Of the President.
The Governor ofsOu,h Carolina had forbidden
the sub-treasurer at Charleston, to pay tn,
drafts OF the sy-master In hyor Of Maj. An
dersOn and his command.
The Florida convention passed secession reso
lntions.