The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-02-01
THE WEEKLY PIONEER AND DEMOCRAT.
residents Message.

WASHINGTON, Jan. %.
The following is the message sent to Con-
gress by the President, to-day.
To the Senate and House Of Representatives of the United
States
I deem it my duty to submit to Con-
gress series of resolutions adopted by the
Legislature of Virginia, on the 10th inst,
having in view the peaceful settlement of
the existing questions which now threaten
the Union. They were delivered to me on
Thursday, the oath instant, by Ex- Presi--
dent TYLER, who has left his digniied and
honored retirement in hopes that be may be
of service to his country in this, its hour of
trial. These resolutions, it will be per-
ceived, extended an invitation to all such
states, whether slaveholding or non slave.
holding, as are willing to unite with Vir-
ginia 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 definite guarantee
for the security of their rights, to appoint
Commissioners to meet on the 4th day
of February, in the city of Washington.
Similar commissioners were appointed by
Virginia eto consider and if practicable,
agree upon some suitable adjustment.
confess 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 assur.
ance that what she has undertaken she will
accomplish, if it can be done by able, en-
lightened and persevering efforts. 1t is
highly gratifying to know that other pa
triotic states have appointed and are APP
pointing commissioners to meet those of
Virginia in council, and when assembled
they will constitute body entitled in an
eminent degree to the confidence of the
country.
The General Assembly of Virginia, has
also resolved that Ext President John Tyler,
is hereby appointed by the concurrent vote
Of each branch of the General Assembly,
q commissioner to the President of the
United States, and Judge Robertson is
hereby appointed by like vote, COM
missioner to the state of South Carolina,
and the other states that have seeded, or
shall secede, with instructions respectfully
to request the President of the United States
and the authorities of each state to agree to
abstain, pending the proceedings contem.
plated by the action of this general assem-
bly,, 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 de-
sire to enter into such an agreement, am
convinced that ] do not possess the power,
and Congress alone, under the war making
power, can exercise the discretion of agree
ing to abstain from any and all actions to
produce collision of arms between this and
any other government. 1t would therefore
be assumption for the Executive to attempt
to restrain by an agreement in regard to
matters over which he has no constitutional
control. If he were thus to act, Congress
might pass laws which be should be bound
to obey, though in conflict with his agree
ment. Under existing circumstances my
present actual power is confined within very
narrow limits. It is my duty at all times
to defend and protect the public property
within the seeding states so far as may be
practicable, and efectually to employ the
constitutional powers to protect the property
of the United States and to preserve the
public peace at this the seat of the federal
government.
If the seeding states abstain from every
and all acts calculated to produce collision
of arms, then the danger so much to be dep.
recated will no longer exist. Defence and
not aggression has been the policy of the
administration from the beginning, but
while can enter into no such engagement
as that proposed, I cordially commend it tol
Congress, with much confidence that it will
meet their appreciation to abstain from pass
ing any law calculated to produce collision
of. arms, pending the proceedings contem-
plated by the action of the general assembly
of Virginia.
I am one of those who will never despair
of the republic. yet cherish belief that
the American people will perpetuate the
Union of states on some terms just and hon.
orable for all sections of the country.
trust that the mediation of Virginia may be
the destined means, under the Providence of
God, Of accomplishing this inestimable benz
eft. Glorious as are the merits of her past
history, such an achievement, both in rela-
tion to her own fame, and the welfare of the
whole country would surpass them all.
[Signed:] JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28th, 1861.