Feb 17, 1859
To the Senate of the United States:I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to ratification, two conventions between the United States and China, one providing for the adjustment of claims of citizens of the United…
James Buchanan
The Public Record
James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Pennsylvania and held several significant positions in government prior to his presidency, including Secretary of State and minister to the United Kingdom. His presidency is often marked by his attempts to maintain peace in a nation increasingly divided over the issue of slavery, but he is frequently criticized for his failure to prevent the Civil War. Buchanan's administration faced numerous challenges, including economic turmoil and rising tensions between the North and South.
presidency.ucsb.edu
Feb 17, 1859
In the latter I state that--The executive government of this country in its intercourse with foreign nations is limited to the employment of diplomacy alone.
Feb 17, 1859
On the other hand, should the Executive interpose, and especially should the result prove disastrous and valuable lives be lost, he might subject himself to severe censure for having assumed a power not confided to him by the Constitution.
Feb 17, 1859
It can not legitimately resort to force without the direct authority of Congress, except in resisting and repelling hostile attacks.
Feb 17, 1859
It would have no authority to enter the territories of Nicaragua even to prevent the destruction of the transit and protect the lives and property of our own citizens on their passage.
Feb 17, 1859
Without the authority of Congress the Executive can not lawfully direct any force, however near it may be to the scene of difficulty, to enter the territory of Mexico, Nicaragua, or New Granada for the purpose of defending the persons and…
Feb 14, 1859
I transmit herewith a report from the Attorney-General, in reply to the resolution of the House of Representatives adopted on the 22d ultimo, requesting the President of the United States to report what information has been received by…
Feb 11, 1859
To the House of Representatives: I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers, in answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 14th of June last, requesting the communication of all…
Feb 7, 1859
The aggregate expenditure, of whatsoever nature, including all salaries, whether special or by virtue of official position in the Army or Navy or otherwise, on account of the preparation and publication of the work known as Wilkes's…
Feb 4, 1859
In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 4th ultimo, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, together with the papers* therein referred to.
Jan 28, 1859
As this advance was made by Governor Douglas out of his own private means and from friendly motives toward the United States, I recommend that an appropriation may be made for its immediate payment, with interest.
Jan 28, 1859
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 25th instant, I transmit a copy of the report of the special agent of the United States recently sent to Vancouvers Island and British Columbia.
Jan 25, 1859
I transmit another report from the Secretary of State, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 14th of June last, requesting information on the subject of claims of citizens of the United States against foreign governments.
Jan 25, 1859
I transmit to Congress a report, dated the 25th instant, with the accompanying papers, received from the Secretary of State, in compliance with the requirement of the eighteenth section of the act entitled 'An act to regulate the…
Jan 20, 1859
The magnitude of the work has prevented the preparation of another copy.
Jan 20, 1859
In my late annual message I stated in reference to the purchase of Cuba that 'the publicity which has been given to our former negotiations on this subject and the large appropriation which may be required to effect the purpose render it…
Jan 20, 1859
I still entertain the same opinion, deeming it highly important, if not indispensable to the success of any negotiation which I might institute for this purpose, that the measure should receive the previous sanction of Congress.
Jan 20, 1859
I herewith transmit to the Senate a digest of the statistics of manufactures according to the returns of the Seventh Census, prepared under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with a provision in the first section…
Jan 18, 1859
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 14th of June last, requesting a list of claims of citizens of the United States on foreign governments, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, with the documents which…
Jan 14, 1859
I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, in answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 10th instant, requesting a communication of the correspondence between this Government and France and England respecting…
Jan 12, 1859
This should have accompanied the papers which have already been transmitted to the House, but was omitted by mistake.
Jan 10, 1859
every practicable effort has been made, and will be continued, to discover all the guilty parties and to bring them to justice.
Jan 10, 1859
I concur with the Attorney-General in the opinion that it would be incompatible with the public interest at this time to communicate the correspondence with the officers of the Government at Savannah or the instructions which they have…
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