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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

It affords me great satisfaction to perform this duty.

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

Nor is it known or believed that there are any claims against the Government of Venezuela having any connection with that island other than those provided for in this convention.

Neither the Government nor the citizens in whose behalf the convention has been concluded have any further claims upon the island of Aves.

The amendment does not seem necessary to secure any right either of the United States or of any American citizen claiming under them.

I therefore recommend the reconsideration of the subject.

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