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| Date | December 6, 1858 (1858-12-06) |
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| Venue | House Chamber,United States Capitol |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Coordinates | 38°53′23″N77°00′32″W / 38.88972°N 77.00889°W /38.88972; -77.00889 |
| Type | State of the Union Address |
| Participants | James Buchanan John C. Breckinridge James L. Orr |
| Format | Written |
| Previous | 1857 State of the Union Address |
| Next | 1859 State of the Union Address |
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U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
15th President of the United States Tenure   | ||
The1858State of the Union address was delivered byJames Buchanan, the 15thpresident of the United States, to the35th United States Congress on December 6, 1858. In this address, Buchanan discussed the status ofKansas, tensions between theNorth andSouth, foreign policy withSpain, and internal improvements.[1]
Buchanan opened by noting the nation’s gratitude to "Almighty Providence" for its improved state over the previous year, despite "sectional strife" on slavery, especially regarding Kansas's proposed admission as a state. He expressed satisfaction that "the Supreme Court... decided that all American citizens have an equal right to take into the Territories whatever is held as property," asserting this was a recognized principle by Congress.[1]
On foreign policy, Buchanan addressed disputes withSpain regarding claims for injuries to American citizens and delays in compensation, particularly concerning actions by Spanish officials inCuba. He also referenced a diplomatic mission toMexico, highlighting the need for stability on the southwestern border due to lawlessness among Native Americans and Mexicans.[1]
Buchanan voiced concern overUtah's governance, recalling the deployment of federal troops to ensure compliance with federal law after "open rebellion." By 1858, he reported that peace was restored under GovernorAlfred Cumming, a replacement forBrigham Young. Buchanan praised the restraint of federal troops stationed atFort Bridger amid severe winter conditions.[1]
Buchanan also addressed financial distress in the country and proposed a revenue tariff as a remedy for the national deficit caused by a recent economic downturn. He advocated for specific duties on certain goods to ensure steady revenue and protect American industry.
| Preceded by | State of the Union addresses 1858 | Succeeded by |
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