Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1861-02-02
Special Message from the Pres
a ident.


l deo,nit my duty to submit to Congress
a series of resolutions adopted by the Leg
islature of Virginia on the 10th instant,
having in view peaceful settlement of the
existing questions which now threaten the
Union. They were delivered to me on
Thursday, the Gath instant, by Ex Presi.
dent Tyler, who has left his dignifed and
honored retirement in the hope that he
may render service to his country in this
its hour of peril. These resolutions, it
will be perceived extend an invitation to
all such States, whether slavebolding or
-slaveholdng, as are willing to unite
with Virginia in an earnest effort to adjust
the present unhappy controversies in the
spirit in which the Constitution was origi-
nally formed, and consistently with its
principles, so as to afford to the people of
the slaveholding States adequate guaran-
tees for the security of their rights, to ap-
point commissioners, to meet, on the 4th
day Of February next, in the city of WASH
ington, similar commissioners appointed by
Virginia, to consider and, if practicable,
agree upon some suitable adjustment. l
confess / hail this movement on the part
of Virginia with great satisfaction. From
the past history Of this ancient and re-
nowned Commonwealth 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 other
patriotic States have appointed, and are
commissioners to meet those of
Virginia in council. ,.... ......
When assembled, they will constitute
body entitled, in an eminent degree, to the
confidence of the country. The General
Assembly of Virginia have also resolved
that ex-President John Tyler is hereby
by the concurrent vote of each
branch of the General Assembly, com.
missioner to the President of the United
States and Judge John Robertson is hereby
appointed by like vote, a commissioner
to South Carolina and the other States that
have seeded, or shall secede, with in
structions respectfully to request the Pres
ident of the United States and the author
tiles of such States to agree to abstain,
pending the proceedings contemplated by
the action of this General Assembly, from
any and all acts calculated to produce a
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 con-
vinced that l do not possess the power
Congress, and Congress alone, under the
power, can exercise the dis
cretion of agreeing to abstain from any
and all acts calculated to produce collis--
ion of arms between this or any other
Government. 1t would, therefore, be q
for the Executive to attempt to
restrain their hands by an agreement in
regard 70 matters over which he has no
control. If he were thus to
act there might pass laws which he should
be bound to obey, though it conflict with
his agreement,
Under existing circumstances, my pres
ent actual power is confined within narrow
limits. 1t is my duty at all times to defend
and protect the public property within the
seeding States, SO far as this may be
practicable, and especially to employ the
means to protect the property
VI tno Uiliteu states, ana TO protect the
public peace at this the seat of the Federal
Government If the seeding States alb
stain from any and all acts calculated to
produce collision of arms, then the dan
ger 80 much to be deprecated will no longer
exist. Defence, and not aggression, has
been the policy of the Administration from
the beginning But whilst can enter into
no engagement such as that proposed. l
commend to Congress, with much
confidence that it will meet their approba-
ton to abstain from passing any law CAL
culated to produce collision of arms,
pending the proceedings contemplated by
the action of the General Assembly of
Virginia. am one of those who will
never despair of the Republic. l yet
cherish the belief that the American peo-
pie will perpetuate the Union of the States
on some terms just and honorable for all
sections of tho country. l trust that the
mediation of Virginia may be the designed
means under Providence of accomplishing
this inestimahle 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 coun-
try, would surpass them all
JAMES BUCHANAN