I deem it proper to invite the attention of the Senate to the fact that with this day expires the limitation of time for the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty with Costa Rica of 2d July, 1860.

I submit, therefore, the expediency of the passage of a resolution authorizing the exchange of ratifications at such time as may be convenient, the limitations of the ninth article to the contrary notwithstanding.

Had I refused to adopt this precautionary measure, and evil consequences, which many good men at the time apprehended, had followed, I should never have forgiven myself.

The peace and order of the city itself and the security of the inauguration of the President elect, were objects of such vast importance to the whole country that I could not hesitate to adopt precautionary defensive measures.

The safety of the immense amount of public property in this city and that of the archives of the Government, in which all the States, and especially the new States in which the public lands are situated, have a deep interest.

The dispatch of Mr. Dallas being in the original, its return to the Department of State is requested.

In compliance with the resolutions of the Senate of the 17th and 18th February, 1858, requesting information upon the subject of the Aves Island, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents which accompanied it.

I have to state that all the information within my possession or power on these subjects was communicated to the House by the Secretary of the Treasury on the 21st instant, and was prepared under the resolution above referred to and a…

Herewith I inclose, for constitutional action of the Senate thereon should it approve the same, supplemental articles of agreement made and concluded with the authorities of the Delaware Indians on the 21st July last, with a view to the…

I am convinced that it is ours by the treaty fairly and impartially construed.

There is but one mode left of settling the dispute, and that is by submitting it to the arbitration of some friendly and impartial power.

Before accepting this proposition I have thought it right to take the advice of the Senate.

Governments may be, and doubtless often have been, wrong in going to war to enforce claims.

It does not appear to me to be competent for commissioners authorized to ascertain the indemnity for the injury to go behind their authority and decide upon the original merits of the claim for which the war was made.

After due deliberation, Congress, on the 2d of June, 1858, authorized the President 'to adopt such measures and use such force as in his judgment may be necessary and advisable' in the premises.

The principle of the liability of Paraguay having been established by the highest political acts of the United States and that Republic in their sovereign capacity.

A demand for these purposes will be made in a firm but conciliatory spirit.

an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the United States to convene for the transaction of business at the Capitol, in the city of Washington, on the 4th day of March next, at 12 o'clock at noon on that day, of which all who…

Their letter to him urging this delay bears date January 15, and was the commencement of a correspondence.

I deemed it a duty to transmit to Congress with my message of the 8th of January the correspondence which occurred in December last between the \commissioners\" of South Carolina and myself.

He was, however, induced by the interposition of Hon. Jefferson Davis and nine other Senators from the seceded and seceding States not to deliver it on the day appointed.

I feel quite confident that Congress will bestow upon these resolutions the careful consideration to which they are eminently entitled.

It affords me great satisfaction to perform this duty.

I therefore recommend the reconsideration of the subject.