James Buchanan: “It is my duty at all times to defend and protect the public property within the seceding States so far as this may be…”

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.

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.

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.