The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-02-06
The Presidents Message.

The President's Message.
The following 10 the Presidents Mes
sage in full, Is transmitted to Congress
on Monday, the asth January:
I deem it my duty to submit to Con-
gress series of resolutions adopted BY
the Legislature of Virginia on the l 9th
inst, having in view the peaceful settle.
ment of the existing questions which now
threaten the Union. They were delivered
to me on Thursday, tic Gath inst, by
Ex. x.President Tyler, who has left bis dig
ni6ed and honored retirement. in the hope
that he may render service to his country,
in this its hour Of peril. These resolu.
tions, it will be perceived, extend an invi-
tation, to oil such States, whether slave
holding or non -slaveholding, as are will
ing to unite With Virginia in an earnest
effort to adjust the present unhappy con.
,troversies in the spirit in which the Con-
stitution was originally formed, and con.
sistently with its principles, so as to afford
the people of the slaveholding States ad.
equats guarantees for the security of their
rights, to appoint commissioners to meet
on the 4th day of February next. in the
city of Washington, similar commission.
ers be appointed BY Virginia, to consider,
and, If possible, agree upon some suita-
BILE adjustment. g '2 laS,l' % "a
I confess l hail this movement on the
part of Virginia with great satisfaction.
From the past history of this ancient and
renowned Commonwealth, We have the
fullest assurance that what she has UNDER
taken she will accomplish, il it can be
done By able, enlightened and persevering
efforts. 1t is highly gratifying to know
that other patriotic States have appointed
and are appointing. commissioners to
meet those Of Virginia in council. When
assembled, they win constitute body
that will secure the confidence of the
country. The General Assembly of Vir.
ginia has also resolved that Ex.President
Tyler is hereby appointed commissioner
to the President of the United States,
and Judge John Robertson is hereby sp
pointed commissioner to the State of
South CarolinA ard the other States that
have seeded or shall secede, with instsuc
tions to respectfully request the President
of the United States and the authorities
of such States to agree to abstain, pend
ing the proceedings contemplating the &C.
tion of this General Assembly, from any
and all acts calculated to produce col
lision of arms between the States and the
Government of the United States.
However strong may be the desire te
enter into such an agreement, am con.
vincsd that do not possess the power
and Congress alone, under the war max
/ ing power, can exercise the discretion o
fagreeing to abstain from any and all acti
calculated to produce q collision Of arms
between this and any other. government
It would therefore be usurpation for tn,
Executive to attempt to restrain thei
hands by an agreement in regard to mat
ters over which he has no constitutions
control. If he were thus to act, the.
might pass laws which he shosld be bount
to obey, though in conflict with his agree
ment. Under the existing circumstances
my present actual power is confined with
in very narrow limits. 1t is my duty a
all times to defend and protect the publ
4 property within the seeding States so fa
as may be practicable, and especially t
employ the constitutional meansto protec
the properly of the United States and t,
preserve the public at this the seat of th
Federal Government.
| If the seeding States abstain from an
and all acts calculated to produce col
lision of arms, then the danger so muc
to be deprecated will no longer exis,
Defense and not aggression has, been th
policy Of the Administration from th
beginning; bu. while can enter iato o
such engagement as that proposed. / COZ
daily commend it to Congress, with muc
confidence that it will meet their approba
tion. to abstain from passing any law ca
culated to produce collision of arm
pending the proceedings contemplated b
the. action of the General Assembly (
/ Virginia. aes7tt i.,f. IS s.sr..,sa 49,,
| om ouS VI suos0 WIZ WIZ snOsoA uoa
pair Of the Republic. l Jet cherish th
belief that the American people will pei
pctuate the Union Of the States on som
terms just and honorable fol. ell section
of the country. es H5< F
Il trust that the mediation of Virgini
may bs the destined means, under th
Providence Of God, Of accomplishing thi
inestimable benefit. Glorious as are th
memories of her past history, such q
achievement, both in relation to her ow
fame, and the. welfare Of the whole ceut
TRIP, would surpass them ell. so
~ .jsas JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON CIrY, Jan. IS, 1861. 49,.
l-ass EWithdraWla from CouHroe9.