But whether the interest or the honor of the United States requires that they should be made a party to any such struggle, and by inevitable consequence to the war which is waged in its support, is a question which by our Constitution is wisely left to Congress alone to decide.

By no country or persons have these invaluable principles of international law--principles the strict observance of which is so indispensable to the preservation of social order in the world--been more earnestly cherished or sacredly respected than by those great and good men who first declared and finally established the independence of our own country.

Though the anticipations of an abundant harvest have not everywhere been realized, yet on the whole the labors of the husbandman are rewarded with a bountiful return.

I can not be mistaken, I am confident, in counting on the cordial and general concurrence of our fellow-citizens in this sentiment.

I had hoped that the respect for the laws and regard for the peace and honor of their own country which have ever characterized the citizens of the United States would have prevented any portion of them from using any means to promote insurrection in the territory of a power with which we are at peace.

Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: I congratulate you on the favorable circumstances in the condition of our country under which you reassemble for the performance of your official duties.

I regret deeply, however, to be obliged to inform you that this has not been the case.

The present year closes the first half century of our Federal institutions.

A copy of the proclamation which I have felt it my duty to issue is herewith communicated.

It was reserved for the American Union to test the advantages of a government entirely dependent on the continual exercise of the popular will.

My own will not be withheld.