James Buchanan: “I therefore appeal through you to the people of the country to declare in their might that the Union must and shall be…”

The increase of the sum appropriated in the present bill over that in the bill of the last session, being within a fraction of $20,000, has induced me to examine the question with some attention.

However strong may be my desire to enter into such an agreement, I am convinced that I do not possess the power.

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.

To the House of Representatives: I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, with accompanying reports, of the persons who were sent to the Isthmus of Chiriqui to make the…