Year: 1861




House of Representatives of the u. s.:


deem it my duty to submit to Congress se-
ries of resolutions adopted by the Legislature of
Virginia on the 10th inst, having in view a
peaceful settlement of the existing questions
which threaten this Union. They were deliver
ed to me on Thursday, the Oath instant, by Ex-
President Tyler, who has left his digniied and
honored retirement in the hope that he NAV
render some service to his country in this its
hour of need.


These resolutions, it will be perceived, extend
an invitation to all such States, whether slave
holding or -slaveLolding, as are willing to
unite with each other in an earnest effort to adj
just the present unhappy difficulties in the spir-
it In which the constitution was originally
formed, and consistently with the principles so
as to afford the people of the slaveholding States
adequate guarantees for the security of their
rights, to appoint commissioners to meet on the
fourth day of February next, in the city of
Washington, similar commissioners appointed by
Virginia, to consider, and if practicable, agree
upon some sort of adjustment. M.


1 confess hail this movement on the part of
Virginia with great satisfaction. From the
past history of this ancient and renowned CON-
monwealth, we have the fullest assurance that
what she has undertaken she will accom-
pish, ii it can be done by able, enlightened and
perseveriDg efforts. 1t is gratifying to know
that other patriotic States have appointed COM
n.issioners to meet those of Virginia in council.
When assembled, they will constitute body
entitled in an eminent degree to the confidence
of the country.


The Federal Assembly of Virginia have also
resolved, 'that Ex-President Tyler is hereby ap.
pointed by the concurrent vote 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 Caralina and
all other seeding States that have seeded or
shall secede, with instructions to respectfully re-
quest the President of the United States, and
the authorities of such States to agree to abstain,
pending the proceedings contemplated 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 an agreement, am convinced thatI
do not posses the power. Congress, and Con-
gress alone, under the war-making power, can
exercise the discretion of agreeing to abstain
from any and all acts calculated to produce q
collision of arms between this and any other
government. 1t would therefore be a usurpa-
tion for the Executive to attempt to restrain
their hands by an agreement in regard to mat



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 ac-
tual power is confined within narrow limits
1t is my duty at all times to defend and protect
the federal property within the seeding States,
as far as this may be practicable, and especially
to employ the constitutional means to protect
the property of the United States, and to pre-
the public peace of this the seat of the fed
eral government. If the seeding States abstain
from any and all acts calculated to produce a
collision OF arms, then the danger so much to be
deprecated will no longer exist. Defense and
not aggression has been the policy of the ad-
ministration from the beginning.


But whilst can enter into no engagement
such as that proposed, l cordially commend to
Congress, with much confidence, that it will
meet their appreciation, to abstain from passing
any law calculated to produce collision of
arms, pending the proceedings contemplated by
the action of the General Assembly of Virginia.
am one of those who will never despair of the
republic. yet cherish the belief that the A
merlcan people will perpetuate the Union of the
States On some terms just and honorable to all
sections of the country.


| trust that the mediation of Virginia may be
the destined MEANS under Providence, of ac-
this inestimable benefit.


Glorious as are the memories of her past his
tory, such achievement, both in relation to
her own fame and the welfare of the whole
country, would surpass them ALL


JAMES BUCHANAN.


Washington Oity January 2S 1861