Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-01-30

guarantees for the security Of their rights 10 appoint
commissioners 10 meet the 4th day OF February next
in the city Of Washington, similar commissioners ap-
pointed by Virginia, to slider, and if practicable,
agree upon some sort Of adjustment
confess hail this movement the part OF virginia
with great satisfaction. From the past history Of this
ancient and renowned commonwealth, we have the full
est that what che has undertaken she will ac
compish IL it be done by abe enlightened and per-
serverng efforts 1t is highly qualifying to know that
other patriotic States have appointed commissioners to
meet those of Virginia in council When assembled they
will Constitute body entitled in eminent degree to
the confidence Of the country
The Federal Assembly Of Virginia have also resolved
hat ExPresident Tyler hereby appointed BY the con-
current of each branch Of the General Assembly
commissioner TO the President Of the United States and
Judge John Robertson is hereby appointed by like vote
commissioner to the State of South Carolina and all
other seeding States that have seeded shall secede
with Instructions respectfully request the President Of
the United States and the authorities Of such States to
agree to abstain, pending the proceedings contem-
plated by the action OF this General Assembly from
any and all acts calculated to produce collision of arms
between the States and the government of the United
States"
However strong may be my desire to enter into such
agreement convinced that do not possess the
power. Congress- ami Congress alone, under the war
making power exercise the discretion OF agreeing to
abstain from any and all acts calculated to produce col
lsion Of between this and any other government
IL would therefore be usurpaton for the Executive TO
attempt tc restrain their hands by agreement in re-
gard to matters which it has constitutional con-
troll.
If he were thus to act they might pass laws which
he would be forced to obey, though in conflict with his
agreement.
Under existing circumstances my present actual power
is confined within narrow limits. Ii is my duty at all
times to defend and protect the federal property within
the seeding States far this be practicable and
especially to employ the constitutional means to protect
the property of the United States, and TO preserve thu
public peace Of this the seat Of the federal government
If the seeding States abstain from any and all acts cal
culated to produce collision of arms, then the danger
much to be deprecated will no longer exist Defense
and not aggression has been the policy OF the admnsra
ton from the beginning.
But whilst enter into engagement such as
thai proposed, cordially commend TO Congress- with
much confidence that it will their appreciation, to
abstain from passing any law calculated to produce col.
on of arms, pending the proceedings contemplated by
the action of the General Assembly OF Virginia am
Of those who despair of the Republic. yet
cherish the belief that the American people will perpetu-
ate the Union of the States terms just and hon
orable 10 all sections of the country.
trust that the mediation Of Virginia may be the des
tined means under Providence, OF accomplishing this
inestimable benefit. tit
Glorious are the memories Of her past history such
an achievement both in relation 10 her own fame
snd the welfare OF the whole country would surpass
them all. JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington City, January 2s 1861.
After the reading OF the message
Mr.. Stanton moved TO refer the message 10 the com
mittee on military affairs.
Mr.. Cochrane moved to refer it to the select commit
tee of FIVE.
The consideration OF the message after some de-
bate postponed.
Mr.. Pryor addressed the House. He said those who
pretended to say the Union not in danger betrayed
a want of candor. lie detailed the wrongs and gIey
OF the South
He advocated the right of secession and claimed that
in doing, he but carried out the principles Of Wash
ton aud John Adams He said that the republicans pour
out OF one hand the overtures of peace and with
the other they WELD sword The election Of Lincoln
for secession for the champion of the ire
pressibe conflict held he reins.
After the conclusion Of his remarks,
Mr.. Curtis, OF Iowa obtained the floor but gave way
to Mr. Grow, who moved TO postpone the special order
and take up the Kansas bill in order to agree to Il
amendment OF the Senate, enforcing certain laws in the
State, and establishing Judicial district. The
amendment agreed to- thus admitting Kansas into
tie Union.
Mr.. Stanton then called up the bill which intro.
duced earlier in the day for the better organization Of
the militia in the District of Columbia
Il provide that the oath shall be administered TO the
militia who drafted in the as those of
the regular army of the federal government.
Mr.. Leach, OF n g., said he would vote for no bill to
establish pretorian guard over free PEOPLE
The bill passed, and the House adjourned.