Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-01
Message Of the President.

70 the Senate and
House Of Representatives. Of the CxitGd Sfts9cs !:
deem it my dgty to submit to Congress
ries of resolutions adopted by the Legislature OF
Virginia on the 10th instant, having ia view
speaceu settlement of the existing questions which
new threaten this Onion. They were delivered to
me Thursday, the oath instant, by Es-Presi-
dent Tyler, WHO has left his dignied and honored
retirement in the hope that he may reader scme
service to his country in this hour of need.
These Resolutions, it will be perceived, extend ar
invitaton to all such States whether slaveholding
for non slaveholdng, as are willing tie Unite with
each other III earnest effort TO adjust the pres
'ent unhappy difficulties IL the spirit watch the
constitution originally termed, and consistent
1y with its principles, so as to afford the people OF
the slavehcidirg STATES adequate guarantees for
the security of their rights to appoint commission
ers to NEE. Ola the fourth day of February next, in
the city of w ashingtcn, similar COMM sioners APP
pointed by Virginia, to consider, and, if practica-
BILE, agree upon some scrt OF ad iustnent
l c0utess hail this movement on the part OF
Virginia with great satisfaction. From the past
history OF this ancient and renowned common
wealth. we Fave the fullest assurance that what
she has undertaken she will accom- pish. il it can
be done by able. enlightened and persevering eff
forts 1t IS highly gratifying to know that otl er
patriotic Statcs have appointed commissioners to
meet those of Virginia in council. When Assem-,
bled, they WE constitute body entitled in an
eminent degree 10 the confidence of the country
The Federal Assembly of Virginia have also re-
solved, ''that Ex-Presidcnt Tyler is hereby APP
pointed bv the concurrent vote of each branch Of
the General Assembly commissioner to the Pres
ident OF the United States, and Judge John Rob-
ertson is hereby appointed Icy a like vote com
missioner to the State of South Carolina and Ill
uther seeding States that have seeded, or shall
sccede. with instructions to respectfully request
the President of the United States, and the au-
thorties OF such States f. agree to abstain, pend
ing the pi Proceedings Contemplated by the action Of
this General Assembly; FROM any and all acts cal
euated to produce collision OF arms between the
States and the government tf tie United States "
However strong may be MY desire TO enter into
siith an agreement j am convinced that do not
possess the power: Congress. and Congress alone;
under the war Inaking pcwet, can esercse the dis
erection OF agreeing to abstain from any and all
calculated to produce collision Of arms be-
tw cen this and any other government. 1t would
therefore be a usurpation for the Executive to at
tempt to restrain their hands by an agreement in
regard to matters over which he has cousttu-
tional control.
II he were thus to act they might pass laws which
he wo Id be forced to obey, though in conflict with
his agreement
Under existing circumstances my present aetna!
power is confined within narrow limits 1t is nv
duty at all times to defend and protect the federal
property within the seeding States, so far this
may be practicable, and especially to employ the
constitutional means to protect the property of the
United States, and to preserve the public peace Of
this the seat Of the federal government If the sc-
cedlng States abstain from any and ali acts cacu-
lated to produce a collision of arms, then the dan
ger so much to be deprecated VIII no lorger ex-
ist. Defense and not aggression mas been the pdi-
icy of the administration from the beginning.
But whilst can enter into no engagement such
as that proposed, cordially commend to Congress,
with much confidence that it will meet their apeso-
baton, to abstain from passing any law calculated
to produce collision OF arms, pending the pro-
ccedings contemplated by the action Of the Gen
eral Assembly of Virginia. l AM one Of those who
will never despair OF the republic. | yet cherish
the belief that the American people will rerpetu-
ate the Union of the States Oh terms just and
honorable to ali sections Of the country.
trust that the mediation Of Virginia may be
the destined means, under Providence, of accom-
plisbng this inestimable benefit.
Glorious as are the memories of her past history,
such an achievement, both in relation to her
fame and the welfare Of the whole country, would
surpass them all.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington City, january %, 1861.
The Washington correspondent Of the
Baltimore Sun says the Grand Jury of
Washington has brought in a true bill against
Hon. John B. Floyd, for completely in the
Indian Trust Fund defalcaton.
St. wart, the New York dry goods mil
slionu.sp. having little money to spare, is
,bui!i;lg aiA iron stores, on Broadway, which
sill eosI k;sp $500, 600.
Milton Whisaey, States Attorney in Bal
timole. sha has haen on trial charged with
.s.r.sr92ie.;.ent. ,yyea.efday resigned his Of
flee.
James Barbour and } E. ssringfcllow
Efls, are candidates for the State Convex
zion, in the county Of Cplpeper.
The Hon. John NJ, Bolts has deaiaret
himself candidate for the Convention frog
Richmond City.
The population Of Oregon is about 50.
800, Of California $50 geo.