The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-02-01
PREsIDENT,s MESSAGE.


series Of resolutions adopted by the legislature
Of Virginia on the 10Th inst, having in view q
peaceful settlement of the existing questions
which now threaten the Union. They were de-
liyered to me on Thursday Gath inst, by ex-
President Tyler, who LETT his dignifed and hon
ored retirement In the hope that he might rem
der u service to his country In this its hour OF
peril These resolutions, II will be perceived,
extend an invitation to all the Sta,es, whether
slaveholdng or non-slayeholding, that are will
| ling to unite with Virginia In an earnest effort
to adjust the present unhappy controversy In
the spirit In which the constitution was orig
inaly formed, and consistently with its princi-
piles, 40 as to afford the people Of the slave
holding states adequate guarantees for the Sc
curity OF their rights, TO appoint Commission
ers to meet on the 4th Ut February, In WASH
ington, with similar Commissioners appointed
by Virginia, and II practicable. agree upon
some suitable adjustment confess hail this
movement ON the part of Virginia with great
satisfaction. From the past history Of this
great and renowned commonwealth We have
the fillest assurance that what she undertakes
she will accomplish IL IL can be done by able,
enlightened and perseverng efforts. IL Is
highly gratifying to know that other patriotic
states have appointed or are appointing Com
missioners to meet those of Virginia In Council.
When assembled they will constitute q body
entitled In an eminent degree TO the confidence
Of the country. The General assembly Of Vir-
ginia have also resolved that ex. President Tyler
Is hereby appointed their Commissioner To the
President OF the United States. and Judge Rob-
ertson Commissioner TO South Carolina and
other seeded States, with instructions res.
pectfully reque ting the President Of the Unitei
States and the authorities Of such STATED to
agree to abstain from pending proceedings cal
culated to produce collision Of arms between
said states and the government Of the United
States. However strong may he my desire to
enter into such mn agreement, am convinced
that do not possess the power. Congress and
Congress alone under the war-making power,
can exercise the discretion Of agreeing TO alb
stain from any and oil acts calculated to pro-
duce collision of arms between this or any
other government. II would therefore be usur-
patton for the executive to attempt to restrain
their hands by any agreement in regard to mat
tiers over which he has no control. IL he
were thus TO act they might pass laws which
he would be bound to obey, though In conflict
with his agreement under existing circum-
stances. My present actual power is confined
tn narrow limits. IL Is my duty ut all times to
defend and protect the public property within
the seeding States rs far as maybe practicable,
and especially to employconstitutionalm means to
protect the property Of the United States and
preserve the public peace ut this the seat OF
the Federal Government. IL the seeding
States abstain from all and any acts calculated
To produce collision Of arms, then the danger
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 enter into no engagement such
as is proposed, cordially commend 1t TO Con-
gress with much confidence that II will meet
their appreciation, and that they will abstain
tai 80, 1,,nn m
collision pending the proceedings contemplated
by the action ofthe Virginia Assembly. l ON
one OF those who will never despair Of q Repub-
lie. Iyet cherish the belefthat that the Amer
lean people will perpctuate the Union ON some
terms Just and honorable for all sections OF the
country. trust the mediat on Of Virginia may
be the destined means, under the providence OF
God, Of accomplishing this inestimable benefit.
Glorious as are the memories VI her past his
tory, such an achievement, both in relation to
her own fame and the welfare OF the whole
country sSnla surely 'urRsss i RIGH AL
Over two thousand persons are working on
the batteries destined to be used In the assault
upon the Fort. The assertion that the guns Of
Fort Sumter will not reach Charleston Is incor-
rect. They can easily reach the city both with
balls and shells. MojOr Anderson is well pre-
pared for any attack, keeps well on the alert,
and IL the fire eaters attack him they will catch
a Tartar and receive q severe lesson. lie will
never surrender.
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 27.-NIessrs. Waddell, Majors
Jane, and others, representatives of their dit
fercnt firms, have made an assignment to secure
their homes and cndorsers. Their assets
amount to 81 500, 900; liabilities unknown
Majors has given up every thing, including his
household furniture.
New York, Jan. 29.-Gentlemen who have
had an interview with Mr.. Lincoln, at Spring
field, within week. say the latter expressed
himself as follows:
L will suffer death before will consent to
advise my friends TO consent to any concession
or compromise which looks like buying the
prililege or taking possession OF this govern
ment, to which we have constitutional right,
because whatever might think Of the merit Of
the propositions before Congress, should re-
gard any concession In the face Of menace as
the destruction Of the government itself, and
consent on all hands shall be brought down to
the level Of the existing disorganiled state Of
affai in Mexico. But this thing will hereafter
be us now in the hands Of the people, and II
they desire to call q convention to remove any
or give new guarantees for the permanence Of
vested rights, IL Is not mine to oppose"
In the conversation, Mr.. Lincoln urged no
objection TO the Border State or Etheridge pro-
pasition rs n future basis Of agreement II the
Republicans as party desire IL.
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