officially
of its establishment; and that he receive such envoy, ambassador,
or commissioner as may or shall be appointed by said government
for the purpose of amicably adjusting the matters in dispute with
said government."

Such was the hopeless condition of the United States in the last
months of the administration of James Buchanan. It would appear
from the resolute action of the seceding states, their union as
Confederate States, the hopeless imbecility of the President of
the United States, the presence of the seceded traitors in both
houses of Congress, the weakness and feebleness of that body, left
but little hope for the preservation of the Union. The future
presaged a civil war, and opened up a dark prospect, a discouraging
example for future republics, but the 4th of March came, and a new
life was infused into the national councils.

The second session of the 36th Congress commenced on the 3rd day
of December. The message of the President I have already commented
upon. It was regarded as a feeble wail of despair, an absolute
abnegation of the powers of the general government. No expectation
or hope was indulged in that the President would do any act or say
any word to arrest or delay the flagrant treason, then being
committed in South Carolina. "After me the deluge" was written on
every page of his message. Our only hope was in the good time
coming, when, at the close of his term, he would retire to private
life.

Having charge of the appropriation bills as chairman of the committee
of ways and means, of the 36th Congress, I was only solicitous to
secure the passage of these bills, so that the new administration
would have money to meet the current wants of the government.
Within a few days, all these bills were reported, and were pushed
forward and passed at an early period of the session.,

I purposely postpone consideration of the financial condition of
the United States during this session so as to consider it in
connection with the measures adopted at the called session in July,
1861.

The House of Representatives was almost constantly occupied in
considering and rejecting the many schemes "to save the country,"
already referred to. The only political speech I made was in reply
to an ingenious speech of my colleague, George H. Pendleton, made
on the 18th day of January, 1861. I replied on the same day without
preparation, but with a lively appreciation of the dangers before
us. As I b