Newspaper Page Text
J. M&trZmfrS^ C.KMHr.
MONURY, MARCH 25, 1801.
Mr. Stephana’ Speech.
SOUTHERN PQNFEDE RA 0 Y
iinulh B<p«bllcan. _
. ITGMCM
ATM.
BMUk* Bari
h op ins a. ii.
wfSTHjgrjl*-
if W«4U«r««, TKprmdQ
the Alhcr.muui, were* In the house, wailing
most impatiently for tbw appearance of the or-
•tor of the evening, Hon. A. H. Stephens, Vice-
: President of the Confederate States of Ameri
ca. The Cotuuiit ee, with incited guests, were
mmiui wir w -r— i# ated on the str.ge, when, at tbo afj*t*t«fi
with the report of the speech of Vice Presideut jj OUri the Hon.C. C. Jones, Major, and tH*
HUnhena. at the Athsnwum in Bacannah on apesker entered, and wore greeted by the im i
n.Li.r nlrtlTwl. which W. copy from (he *«*« c-crabU*. with deafening rotimh of
* • — applause.
The Major then.iu a few pertinent remarks,
in trod teed Mr. Stephens, stating that, at tho
request of a comber of the member* of the
CuuMnittee, and cilnens of Bacannah, and the
. . .. . , State, bow here, be b*d consented to address
cra^ooUidsTfri^f^lly. M Urge, of persons lbeui n lb# pj^ntotajJ of public affairs,
whb ohnld wnfgaia saliAitMnaa. Tha HepubJI- Mr Stephens then arose and spoke as lol-
Sacannah Kepuklican. TL*t paper aUUs that
•* the eror4 iA tke buildiag onuld ool hare
numbered lee* then two thousand, for ecery
foot M It sc— paeksd team fiiAm 4***” TAa
"Mr Stephens spoke for two hours, sad in a
manner worthy of himself and of the occasion.
Ilia subject was the new Oorernnuent of the
Confederate States, Ha oriffa, character, and
futurejjrospeeU. There was no eflbrt at orato
rical display, but. • grave and masterly argu
ment on the late crisis and ita result*, which
waa liatsaed te with the iotenaest ioteroet from
the beginning to the cloae."
Our HI ate Convention
Adjourned sine die, on Saturday night laet,
after having perfected the reviaion of the Con-
kiitution of our State. We hope to be able to
lay tha instrument as amended, before our
reader* to morrow. To-day we preeent tbe re
sult of ita labors to far aa tbe Reduction ques-
tion and the arrangement of the Senatorial
Districts i#concerned. Theae amendments are
to be aubmitled to the people for ratification or
rejeetien on the first day of July next. We
hope they will be adopted. We know that
many persons will be displeased with some of
the details; but all, wetbink, will admit, that
it is a grexit improvement on our present sys-
ten.
We are iufortued that the teu Congressional
Districts—corresponding with the number of
members to which this State is entitled under
the late apportionment at Montgomery—have
been arranged exactly as the Senatorial Dis
tricts. This is the plan which was submitted
by Dr. Garvin, of Augusta, of which mention
was made in our Bavanuah Correspondence, at
the time.
The Senate shall consist of forty members —
four from esch Senatorial District. There shell
be ten Districts arranged as follows:
The First District shall be composed of the
counties of Apnliug, Bryan, Bulloch. Chatham,
Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Effingham,
Emanuel, Glynn, Liberty, McIntosh, Mont
gomery, Pierce,Screven,Telfair, fatnali, Ware
and Wayne,
The Second District shall he composed of the
counties of Baker, Berrien, Brooks, Calhoun,
Clay, Colquitt, Dooly, Decatur, Dougherty, Ear
ly, Echols. Irwin, Lee, Lowndes, Mitchell,
Miller, Randolph, Terrell. Thomas, Wilcox and
Worth.
The Third District shell he composed of the
counties of Chattahoochee, Harris, Muscogee,
Marion, Macon, Quitman, Stewart, Sumpter,
Sohley, Taylor, Talbot and Webster.
The Fourth District shall be composed of the
counties of Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, J >ces,
Jasper, Houston, Laurens, Putunm, Pulaski,
Twiggs and Wilkinson.
The Fifth District ahall be composed of the
counties of Burke, Columbia, Glasscock, Han
cock, Jefferson, Johnson, Lincoln, Richmond,
Warren, Wilkes and Washington.
The Sixth District ahull be composed of the
counties of Clark, Elbert, Franklin, Grceue,
Hart, M&diaoa, Morgan, Newton, Oglethorpe,
Taliaferro and Walker.
The Seventh District shall be composed of
the counties of Butts, Clayton, Fayette, Hen
ry, Meriwether, Monro \ Pike, Spalding. Tr* up
and Upson.
The Eighth District shall bo composed of the
counties of Campbell, Carroll, Cobb, Coweta,
DcKalb, Fulton, Haralson, Ueurd, Paulding
and Polk.
The Ninth District shall be composed of the
counties of Banks, Cherokee, Dawson, Forsyth,
Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Lump
kin, Milton, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union and
White.
The Tenth District shall be composed of the
counties of Gass, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade,
Fannin, Floyd,Gordon,Gilmer, Murray, Walk
er and Whitfield.
The House of Representatives shall be sleet
ed biennially, and shall consist of one hun
dred and thirty-two members. Each county
shall hare one Representative.
We annex the representative population of
each of the Districts. We would give the same
of each county, but our space to-day will not
permit. We shall do this hereafter:
First District
Second District
S6,922
94,194
Third District
89,654
Fourth District
86,889
Fifth District
8d,427
Hixth District......
82,478
Seventh District.......
..84,544
Eighth District
82,604
Ninth District
86,072
Tenth Diilrlct
81 509
Air. Mayor and Gentlemen of the Commit-
tee, and Fellow-CItfiena: For this reception,
you will please accept try most profound and
sincere thanks. The compliment is doubtless
intended as much, or more, perhaps, in honor
of the occasion and my public position in con
nection with tbe great events no» orowding up
on us, than to me personally and individually.
It is, however, none the less appreciated by me
on that account. We are in the midst of one
of the greatest epochs in our history. The
last ainety days will mark one of the most
memorable eras iu the history of modern civ
ilisation.
[There was a general call from the outside of
the building, for the speaker to go out; that
there were more outside than iu.
The Mayor roae, and requested silence at the
doors, that Mr. Stephens’ health would not
permit him to speak in the open air. Mr. Ste
phens said he would leave it to tbe audience,
whether he should proceed indoors or out —
There was a general cry indoors, as tbe ladies,
a large number of whom were ( resent, could
not hear outside.
Mr. Stephens said the accommodation of the
ladies would determine the question, and he
would prooeed where was. At this poiut, the
uproar and clamor outside waa greattr still mr
the speaker to go oat on tbe steps. This was
quieted by CoL Lawton, Col. Freeman, Judge
Jackson, and Mr. J. W. Owens, going out and
staling the facts of tbe case to the dense mass
of men, women end children who wero out
side, and entertaining them iu short, btief
speeches.
Mr. Stephens all this while quietly sitting
down until the furor subsided.]
Mr. Stephens arose and saiu :
When perfect quiet is restored, I shall pro
oeed ; I cannot speak ss long as there is any
noi«e or eon'usiou. I shall take my time; I
feel as though I could spend the night with
yon, ff necessary. (Loud applause.) / very
much regret that every one who desires cannot
hear what I have to say, not that I have sny
display make, or anything very entertaining
to present, hut such views as 1 have to give, 1
wish all, not only in this city, but iu this State,
and throughout our Confederated Republic,
could hear, who have a desire to hear thorn.
I was remarking that we are passing through
one of the greatest revolutions in the annals of
tho world; seven States have, within the last
three months, thrown off an old Government,
and formed a new. This Revolution has Men
aigunlly marked, up t » this time, by the fact
of its having been accomplished without tho
loss of a single drop of blood. (Applause)—
This new Constitution, or form of Government,
constitutes the subject to which your attention
will be partly invited
fa reference to it, i make this first general
remark: It amply secures ail our ancient rights,
fran- hises and privileges. Ail the great, prin
ciples of magna charts are retained in it. No
citizen is deprived of life, liberty, or property,
hut by the judgment of hie peers, under ttio
law's of the land. The great principle of reli
gious liberty, which was the honor and pride
of the old Constitution, is still maintained ami
secured. All tho essentials of the old Consti
tution which have endeared it to the hearts of
the American people, have been preserved and
perpetuated. (Applause.) Some changes have
been made—of these. I shall speak presently.
Some of these I should have prefer led not to
have been made, hut lliete, perhaps, met the
cordial approbation of a m-ij.»rity if litis au
dience, it uot an overwhelming majority of the
reoplo of the Confederacy. Of tnem, there-
f re, I will not speak. But other important
changes do meet my cordis) approbation. They
form great improvements upon the old Consti
tution. Bo, taking the whole new Constitution,
I have no hesitancy in giving as my judgment,
that it it deoidedly better than the old. (Ap
plause.) Allow tue’briefly to allude to some of
these improvements: Tne question of build
ing up class interests, or fostering one branch
of industry to the prejudice of another, under
the exercise of the revenue power, which gave
us so much trouble under tho old Constitution,
is put at rest forever under the new. We al
low the imposition of no duty, with a view of
giving advantage to one class of [croons, in
any trade or busiuess over those o! another.—
All, under our system, stand upon the same
broad principles of perlsct equality. Honest
labor *od enterprise are left free an 1 unre
stricted in whatever pursuit they may be en
gaged in. This subject came well nigh caus
ing a rupture of tho o’.d Union, under thelead
of tbe gallant Palmet'.e State, which liesiaour
border, in 1833.
This old thorn of the tariff, which occasion
ed so much irritation in the body politic, is re*
moved forever from the new. (Applause )—
Agaiu, the subject of internal improvements,
under the power of Congress to regulate com-
merce, is put at rest uuder our system. The
power claimed by construction uuder the o’d
Constitution was at least a doubtful one—it
rested wholly up< n the construction. We of
the South, generally apart from the considera
tion of Constitutional principles, opposed its
exsroise upon grounds of expediency u.td jus
tice. Notwithstanding this opposition, mill*
ions of money in the cotnmou treasury had
been drawn forsuch purpose!. Our opposition
sprung from no hostility to commerco, or all
necessary aids for facihating it. With us it
A Rare Instance.
General James Watson Webb, of the "Cour
ier A Enquirer," was appointed, by Lincoln,
Minister to Conaienlinople. He has declined it,
and said that, “ in ao event, would be accept
of such an appointment." Wbatcen thin mean ?
Has he become offended at Old Abe for toy
cause ? Did he think he should have been sp
pointed to England or France? Or, does he
think he canuot make $52,000 out of the Turk
ish mission, or that he can hook that aouunt
out ef the publie treasury by staying at homo ?
We ihonld be pleased to have th
answered, by authority. J propristiousont cf the common Treasury.* Ti
In IMA, h. declared him,elf rend,, with of ll ‘* r* iio K' ‘ b » •uparatfueture nod
....... ... , | equipments of oar roods, woe borne by those
.word In bond, to dr Ira back alarery from nnj | w V.nt»rnd upon lb. anterpriao. H»y, (nor*,
further extension on this continent. Since the not only the coat of the iron, no small item in
Southern 8t.tr. b.T, needed, h.bu freouent- I tbo aggregate coat, waa born, in lb, unit way,
, y nr t ,d tb.t th. 0 r .10o,rmrn„t ought, Jft&TE
to put a atop to it A and that treason should be pr j T ncge of Importing the Iron, after tho
crushed out by the strong arm of military pow- price waa paid for it abroad. What jnatico was
■r. ftrhapk h, hitendt to fend »» army among ' th.r. In Ukln* Ui. mon» y , which Qyrjwopl
Jehould mTT. In Georgia, for instance, we Lad
donees much for (because of intornsl improve
ments ss any other portiou of the country, ac
cording to population and means, we’hsve
sketched out lines of railroads from tin* io-a
board to the mountains; dug down tho lulls
and filled up tha valleys at a cost < f not has
than $25,000,TOO. All this was d<>ue lo open
up an cutlet for our products of the interior,
and those to tho wevt of us, to reach the marts
— Uie world. No Btato vmi in greater t»e*d cf
.. sifeh facilities than Georgia, but we had n"t
» qua in iS | te< i that these works ah*, uld be made by a n-
This is again Iks brood pri
uolity and justify (Applaus*)'
totally held torti nod established iaonr
ititution.
feature to whfcfc I will aJlftd* Is
new OoestituUen provide* that OaW-
stsrs and heads or Departments shall
i# right to participate la the debates
suasions upon tbe various anbyeeto of
nistration. 1 should hove preferred that
this provision should hove gone farther, and
allowed tbe President to seleet his coast Ration
al advisers from tbe Bsnate and House of Rep
resentatives. That would have conformed on-
provisions of that body. It is the only feature
gives it stability in its facility to change Its
administration. Ours, aa it is, it a great ap
proximation to the rightpriaoipla.
Under the old Constitution, a decretory of the
Treasury, fur instance, had^ no opportunity,
scheme or":>h*u ef fin sues or othsr rn*t«-r. He
had no opportunity bl explaining, expounding,
enforcing or defending his views of policy; his
only resort was through the medium of an or
gan. la the British Parliament tbe Premier
brings In bis budget and stands before the na
tion responsible for its every item. If it is in
defensible, be falls befbre tbe attaoka upon it,
as he ought to. This will now be the case to a
limited extent under our system. Our hesds
of departments can speak for themselves, and
the administration in behalf of jtaantire poli
cy. without resorting to tha indirect and highly
objectionable medium of a newspaper. It is
to be greatly hoped that under our system we
shall never have what la known as a Govern
ment ergon. (Bepturous applause )
(A noise egain arose from the clamor of the
crowd outside who wished to hear Mr. Steph
ens, and far some moments interrupted him.—
The Mayor rose and called on the police to pre
serve order. Quiet being restored, Mr. 8. pro
ceeded )
Another change in the Constitution relates
to the length of the tenure of the Presidential
office. In the new Constitution it is six years
instead of four, and the President rendered in
eligible for a redaction. This is certainly a
decidedly conservative change. It will remove
from the incumbent all temptation to use his
office or exert the powers confided to him for
auy objects of personal ambition. The only
incentive to that higher ambition which should
move and actuate one holding auch high trusts
in his hands will be the gr-od o! the people,
the advancement, prosperity, happiness, sate
ty, honor and true glory of the Confederacy.—
(Applause.;
But not to be tedious In enumerating the nu
merous changes for the better, allow me to al
lude to one other, though last, not least: The
uew Constitution has put tt rest, forever, all
the agitating questions relating to our p euliar
instilutioni-Atrican slavery as itexistsamongst
us—the proper status of the negro in our form
of civilization. This was tho iuimoJiate cause
of the late rupture and present revolution.—
Jefferson, in bis forecast, had anticipated this
as tbe " rock upon which the old Union split."
He waa right. What was conjecture with him,
is now a lealized fact. But whether he fully
oomprehended the great truth upon which that
rrek stood and stands, tuay be doubted. Tho
prevailing ideas entertained by him and most
of the leading statesmen at the time of the for
mation of tfce old Constitution, were that the
enslavement of the Afrioau was h violation of
the laws of nature; that it was wrong in prin
ciple, socially, morally and politically. It was
hu evil they knew not well how t * deal with,
but the general opinion of the men of that day,
was that somehow or other in the order of
Providence the ioetitut ion would be evanescent
and pass away. This idea, though not inc r-
poraied in tho Constitution, was the prevailing
idea at the tune. The Constitution, it in true,
secured every essential guaranty t » the insti
tution while it should last, and hence no argu
ment can be justly used against the constitu
tional guarantu s thus secured because ot the
common sentiment ot thu day. Those ideas,
however, were fundamentally wrong. They
rested upon the assumption of the equality ot
races. This was an error. It was a sandy
foundation, and the idea of aUovernment built
upon it; when the "storm came aud the wind
blew, it fell.' 1
Our new Government is founded upon exact
ly th* opposite idea; its foundations are laid,
its corner !>tone rests upon tbe great truth that
the negro is not equal to the white man—that
slavery, subordination to the superior race, is
bis r.aturul and ninrul condition (Applause.)
This, our uew Government, is the first in the
history of the world based upon this great
physical, philosophical and moral truth. This
truth has been slow in tbe process of its devel
opment, like nil other truths in the various de
partments of science. It has teen ao even
amongst us. Many who hear me, perhaps, can
recollect well that this truth was net geuerally
admitted even within their day. Tho errors of
the past generation still clung to many as late
ss twenty years ago. Those at the North, who
still cliuff to th*fc errors, with a teul above
knowledge, we justly denominate fanatics. All
fanaticism springs from an aberration of the
mind ; from a delect iu reasoning. It is h spe
cies of insanity. One of tbe most striking
characteristics of insanity, in many instances,
is forming corre -t conclusions from fancied or
erroneous promises; so with the anti-slavery
fanatics; their conclusions are right if their
premises are. They assume that the negro is
equal, aud hence conclude that he is entitled
to equal privileges and rights with the white
man. If their premise were correct, their con
clusion would bo logical and just—but their
premise beiug wrong, their whole argument
fails. I recollect once of having heard a gen
tleman from one of the Northern States, of
great power and abi.ity, Announce in the House
of Representatives, with imposing ttfcct, that
ire ot the South would be compelled, ultimate
ly to yield up this subject of slavory, that it
w is ss impossible to war successfully against a
principle iu politics as it was in pnysTcs and
mechanics. That the principle would ultimate
ly prevail. That we, in maintaining slavery
as it exists with us, were warring against a
principle, a principle founded in nature, tho
principle of tbe equality of man. The reply I
made to him was, that upon his own grounds
we should succeed, ai:d that he and his associ
ates in their crus&da against our institutions
would ultimately fo.il. The truth announced,
that i* was us impossible to war successfully
again?* a principle in politics ns well as in
E lnshs ai d mechanics, I admitted, hut told
ira that it was ho and those acting with him,
who wore warring against a principle. They
were ntt< mpting to maks thicgs equal which
tbe Creator bad made unequal.
In the couflict thus far, succesn has been on
our side, complete throughout the length and
bread.h of the Confederate States It ia upon
this, as 1 have stated, our social fabric ia firm
ly planted : and I cannot permit myself to
doubt the ultimate success of a full recogni
tion of this principle throughout the civilized
and enlighleucd world.
As I have stated, (he truth of (his principle
may b* alow iu development, ae all truths are,
and ever have been, in tbe various branches
of science. It was so with the principles an
nounced by Oallileo—it was so with Adam
Fml.h and his principles of poli'ical economy.
It was so with Uarvej, and Ida theory of the
circn%Lnn of the blood. It la stated that not
si Hoimr LVYJU 1 iV mm nth m t xT* M i I P hid «»t" the common Trees ary on the iropor- i » siogi^ne ef the medical profession, living
to subjugate ue, aud mafc an trier 9 , ution of our iro*h, and applying It to the im , it the time of the auaounoement of the truths
, * s# — * w~v w-.a.n... provemeat of river* and harbor* elsewhere ? '
«*ut of each m enUnpfise? We shall see.
Th« Irui principl. ii to *ukj«l pomm.r, . <■(
1 every locality, to whiter burden, m.y be
Tk« CirtcmllM Eiprru nec.uary bo lulllUl* it. If tho Cb.rl.iton
<....... (o u. enUroad «sd IbbiotwI. It i. a I harbor need. improTcm.nt, let th. commerce
. .... j. i of Ch.rl.iton b«.r th. btiMcti. If the mouth
,„<* MMlInt O.W. .lid Um*y w«kly, ud e>Tuln , h ri „ r kM u
«. doubt aot, will roeet.d . Ilbetkl patron.p Ie( M ,.c a Ui« n.rliati.in which Iab.u.fl«c4
from th* pwplo throughout th. up-country,— by It her tho burden. So with th. aoutb. of
Th. mUmmo who Be oo.du.lio, it fan. tha | Al«fa»m» »nd MUalftlppI rif.n. Jmt u
. I,,7_ ..J --rfh- th. product, of lb. Interior, our cotton, wheat,
ability to mak. » good paper, and worthy I oth« r article., her. to hear th. n¥M-
>n<t drt.rtiu,. , mty rtf* of freight OT.r ojur railroad, to r«n° b
n ade by him, admitted them Now, they are
universally acknowledged. May we not, there
fore, look with confidence to the ultimate uni
veresl acknowledgment of the truths upon
which our system rests It i« the first Gev-
eminent ever imtituted upon principles in
strfet conformity to Nature, and the ordination
ef Providence^ in furnishing tbe materials of
human society. Many Governments have been
founded upojn^hf pHaolfle of certain elastes ;
bnt the classes ita tiMired were of the same
racs, ap4 is viol*ef f$e lava of Nature.
fcfemits no such violation of No-
s. Tha negro by nature, or by the
curse against Canaan, is fitted for that condi
tio* wbiefc ha eeooplea io our system. Tbe
orwMftsei, in tbe seoetraetioa of building*, lays
the foundation with proper material,—the
rragit*,—then eoamn the briek or marble —
The sabetraium of oor society Is made of tbe
moUrrlil fitted by nature for It, aad by espe*
rienee we know that It ie tbe best, net only for
the superior, but for the inferior race that it
should be so. It is, indeed, in conformity with
the ordinance of the Creator. It is not for us
to tnqwtre into the windem of His ordioaaoes
nr to question them. For His own purposes
He has made one raoe to differ from another,
as n* has made -‘one star to differ from anoth
er star in glory.”
The great otajecla ef humanity are best at
tained, when conformed to His lews aad de
crees, io the formation of govrromeuis as well
ae in ail thing# els* Oar Confederacy I*
founded upon principle* in strict conformity
with these laws. This atone which was re
jected by the first builder*'*ie become the chief
stone of the corker” In our new edifice. (Ap
plause.)
I have been asked, wbat of tbe future ? It
has been apprehended by some, tint we would
have arrayed agaioat us the oivilizaJ world. 1
care not who or how many they may be, when
we stand upon the eternal principles of truth
we are obliged and must triumph (Immense
applause.j
Thousands of people, who begin to under
stand these truths are not yet completely out
of the shell; they do uot see them in their
length and breadth. We hear much of the
civilisation and cbrislianizstion of the baiba-
rous tribes of Africft. In my judgment, those
ends will never be attained, but by first teach
ing them the lesson taught to Adam, that "in
tbe sweat of thy brow shall thou eat bread,”
(applause,) end teaching them to work and
feed and clothe themselves lint to pass on,
— some have propounded the enquiry, wheth
er it is practicable for us to go on with the
Confederacy, withotw further accessions. Have
we tbe means and ability to maintain nation
ality among the powers of the e rth l On this
point 1 would barely say, that as anxiously as
we all have been and are. for the border Hiates
with institutions similar with ours, lo join us,
still we are abundantly able to maintain our
position, even if they should ultimately make
up their minds, not to cast their desiiny with
ours. That they ultimately will join us, be
compelled lo do it, is my confident belief, bt t
we can get on very well without them, even if
they should uot.
We Lave all the e*seutial elements of a high
national career. The idea has been given out
at the North, and even in the border States,
tha! we are two small and two weak to main
(aiu a separate nationality. This is a great
mistake. In exteut of territory we embrace
564,000 square miles and upwards. This is
upwards of 200,000 square miles more than
was included within the limits of tbe original
thirteen States. It io an area of country more
than double the territory of France or the
Austrian empire. Fiance, in round numbers,
has but 212,0(0 square miles. Austria, in
round numbers, has 248,000 square miles.—
Ours is greater than both cotnbiued. It is
greater than nil France, Spain, Portugal, and
Great Britain, including England, Ireland,
and Scotland together. In population wo have
upwards of five millions, according to llie cen
sus of 1660; this includes white and black.—
The entiro population, including while and
black, of the original thirteen States, was less
than 4,000,000 iu 1700, and still less iu 76,
when the independence of our f.*there was
achieved. It these, with a less population,
dared maintain their independence against
the greatest power cn earth, shall we have any
apprehension of maintaining ours now ?
in point of material wealth and resources,
we are gteaily in advance of them. The tax
able property of the Confederate States can
not be less than $22,000,000,000. This, I
think, 1 venture but liitlo in saying, may bo
considered as five times more tr.An the colo
nies possessed at tho time they achieved their
independence. Georgia alone possessed las'
year, according lo the report of ourComptrol-
ler-Geucral, $072,000,000 of taxable proper
ty. The debts of the seven Confederate 8tates
sum up in (he.aggregate lest than $18,000,000;
while the existing debts of the other of the
late Uuited States sum np in the aggregate the
euormous amount of $174 000,000. This is
without taking into the account the heavy city
debts, corporation debts and railroad debts,
whioh press, and will continue lo press, a
heavy incubus upon the resources of those
States. These debts, added lo otheis, make a
sum total uot much under $500,000,000. With
such au area of territory—with such an amouut
of population—with a climate and soil unsur
passed by any on tbe face of the earth—with
such resources already at our command—with
productions which control the commerce of the
world—who oan entertain auy apprehensions
as to our success, whether others join un or
not ?
It is true, 1 believe, I state but the common
sentiment, when I declared my earnest desire
that the border States should join us. The
differences of opinion that existed among us
anterior to secession, related more to the pol
icy in securing that result by co operation
than from any difference upon the ultimate
security we all looked to io common.
These differences of opinion were more in
reference lo policy than principle, and as Mr.
Jefferson said in his inaugural, in 1801, after
the heated contest preceding his election, there
might be differences in opinion without differ
ences on principle, and that *11, to some extent
had been Federalists and all Republicans; so
it may now be said of us, that whatever differ
ence of opiuion as to the beet policy in hav
ing a co operation with our border sister slave
States, if the worst come to the worst, that ns
we were all Co operatiouists, we are now all
for independence whether they come or not.
(Continued applause.)
in this couneotiou I lake the occasion to
•tats, that I waa not without grave and seri
ous apprehension, that if the worst came to
the worst, and cutting loose from the old Gov
ern inont|would be tbe only remedy for our
safety and seourity, it would be attended with
much more serious ills, than ii has been, as
yet. Thus far wa have seen none of those in
cidents which usually attend revolutions —
No such material as such convulsions usually
throw up has been seen. Wisdom, prudence
and potriotiam, have marked every step of
our progress thus far. This augurs we)] for
the future, and it is a matter of sincere gra
tificatien to me, that 1 am enabled to make
the declaration, of the men I met in Congress
at Montgomery, (I may be pardoned for ally
ing this,) an abler, wiser, a more conserva
tive, deliberate, determined, resolute and pa
triotic body of men, I never met in my life.
[Qreat applause.] Their works speak for
them : the Provisional Government speaks for
them ; tbe Constitution of tbe permanent Gov
eminent, will be a lasting monument of their
worth, merit and statesmanship. (Applause ]
But to return to the question of the futnre.
What ia to be the result of this revolution !—
Will everything, commenc'd eo well, contin
ue as it hae begun ? In reply to this anxious
enquiry J can only say it all depends upen
ourselves. A young m*B starting out hi life
on his msjority, with health, tglsot and gbili
ty, under n favoring r re vide nee, may be quid
to be the arthUeni of his own fortunei His
destinies in his own hands. He out moke perplexing many minds.
for himself a name of honor or dishoifir, so- to think that he cannot redigfciiTour i*?
cording to his own acts. If he plantalimself pondeace, nor e*u ha, with and bv ifc. Ju
upomtrtti*, iotegnky, bf^sni uprightnss*, oftbfiBspio. dtps.. Tbe CaonHlufRa
with industry, patience tod Unsrgg. he eaont* bo awhjfovisilfr A general CoavefitJos?
faff if auocecs 8o ia It with ua; we are * all tbe 8tntee h* bees suggested by ton,* *
yougg Republic Jam entering upon the arena Without proponing lo solve the difficultv h.
of nations; wo will be the architect of our barely «qgde th#following suggestion-
own fortunes. Our destiny, under Providence, That as the admission of Hiates by Ceatm.
is in our own hands. With wisdom, prudenco under the Constitution was an set ef
and statesmanship on tbe part of our public lion, and in the nature of a contract or e*
men, and intelligtoee, virtua and patriotism 1 pact between the Btates admitted aad ih«IT
on the pari of the people, auccesa, to the full j era admitting, why should ool this coatr!*
measures of our moat sanguine hopes, may bo i or compact bt regarded aa of like ehartei
looked for. But if we become divided—if | with all other oivil contract a—liable tobertT
schisms arise—if dissections spring up— if , oinded by mutual agreement of boih parl j M
faoiioos are engendered—If parly spirit, uoar- *Tb* seceding Btates have rescinded it on tbsi
iabed by unholy persooal ambition, ahall rear
ita hydra head, I have no good to prophesy for
you. Without intelligence, virtue, integrity
and patriot ism on the part of the people, ao
repoblfc or repretentatlve^ovemment co# be
durable or stable.
We have intelligence nod virtu* and patriot*
ism. All that is required ie to cultivate aad
perpetuate these. Intelligence will not do with- ^
out virtue. France was a nation of pbiloao- of that government. [Applause.\ Thi JufiT
There philosophers became Jacobins..-cully has to be solved in some way or mher—
phera
They lacked that virtue, that devotion to mo
ral principle, and that patriotism which ia ao
essential to good Government. Organised
upon prioeiplea of perfect justice and right-
seeking amity and friendship with nil other
powers—l ae# no obstacle in tbe way ef our
upward and onward progress. Our growth by
acceblons from other States, will depend great
ly upon whether we present lo the world, as I
trust we shall, a better Government than to
which they belong II we do this, North
Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas oaanot
hesitate long ; neither oan Virginia, Kentucky
and Missouri. They will, necessarily grav
it at e to us by ao imperious law. We made
ample provision in our Constitution for the
admission of other States; it is more gaurd-
ed, aud wisely so, I think, than the old Con
st i;uiion on the same subject, but not loo
guarded to receive them aa fast as it may be
proper. Looking to the distant future, and,
perhaps, not very distant either, it is not be
yond the range ot possibility, end even pro
bability, that all the great 8(ates of the
Northwest shall gravitate ibis way as well as
Teuutssee, Keutucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Ac.
Should they do so, our doors are wide enough
to receive them, but uot until they are ready
to assimilate with us in principle.
'ihe process of disintegration io the old
Uuiou may be expected to go on with almost
absolute certainty. W’e are now the nucleus
of a growing power, whioh, if we are true to
ourselves, our destiny and high mission will
become the controlling power on ibis conti-
neui. To what extent accessions will go on
in the process cf time, or where it will end,
the future will determine. 8o far at it con
cerns States of tbe old Union, they will be
upon no such priuciple of reconstruction as
spoken of, but upon reorganisation and new
assimulaiion. (Loud applause ] Such are
some of (he glimpses of the futuic as 1 catch
them.
But at first we must necessarily meet wi'h
the incouvenience and difficulties aud embar
rassments incident to all changes of Gov
ernment. These will be felt in our postal af*
fairs and changes in tha channel of trade.—
These inconvenieooea, it is to bo hoped, will be
but temporary, and must become with patience
and forbearance.
As to whether we ehall have war with our
late Confederates, or whether all matters of
difference betweeu u« shall be amicably set
tled, 1 can only say that tbe prospect for a
peaceful adjustment is better, so fur a** I am
informed, than it has been.
Tbe prospect of war, is at least not so
threatening as it has been. The idea of c*.
ercion shadowed forth in President Lincoln's
inaugural, seems not to be followed up thus
far so vigorously as was expected. Fort Sum
ter, it is believed, will soon be evacuated.—
What course will be pursued towards Fort
Pickens and the other forts on the Gulf, is not
so well understood. It is to be greatly desir
ed that all of them should be surrendered.
Our object is Peace, not only with tbe North,
but with the world. All matters relating to
the publio property, pnblio liabilities o! the
Union when we were members of it, wo are
ready and willing lo adjust and settle, upon
the principles of right, equality and good
faith. Warjcan ba of no more benefit lo tba
North than To us, and subjugating us, is utter
ly preposterous. Whether the intention of
evacuating Fort Sumter is to be received *a
on evidence of a peaceful desire for a peace- j
ful solution of our difficulties with the United :
States, or the result of necessity, I will not (
undertake to say. I would fain hope the
former. Rumors are aflost, however, that it j
is the result of neoessity. All I oan say to
you, therefore on that point ia, keep yoor or- j
mor bright and your powder dry. [Enthu- j
siastic applause.)
The surest way to secure peace, is to show
your ability to maintain your rights. Tho
principles and position of the present Admin- ;
istration of the United States--the Republican ,
pnrty—present some puxxling questions.—
While it is a fixed principle with them, uever |
to allow tbe increase of a foot of slave ttrrlto-
ry, they eeetn to^be equally determined not
part. Why cannot tha whole question
tlefi, If tbn North <le*ir# peace, limply tv ik
Owwgraaa, in both brOaebee, with the coneJJ
rence of tbs President, giving their consent to
tho separation and n mogoitfoo of onr tsfr.
peodcnce ? This ha merely offered a* a , ut ,
gestiou, ae one ef ike way a ia whick it nUgr
bo done with much less violence to coost'eT
(ions of tbo Constitution than men* o:b»rt*iI
.W_. r . i / _
•»7 or other—
this may be regarded at a fixed feet.
8evcra! other points wero alludsj i 0 ^
8., particularly as to tbe policy of 'be sty
government towards foreigo nations, n„,i oup
commercial relations with them. Free trade
as far as practicable, would be the polisv 0 (
tbit government. No higher duties vroeMbe
imposed on foreign importations thnn «o«|0
be necessary to support the government upon
the strictest economy.
In olden times the olive branch was coond.
ered the emblem of pesos; we will send Uib«
nations of the earth aoother and far note a*
tentisl emblem of the same, the Cortoi
The pi event duties were levied wi h a viiv ^
meeting the present neceesit ieo and exigsosiss
in preparing for war, if need be; but if ^
have pence, and be hoped we might, and trad*
should resume its proper course, adur;oft«
per cent, upon foreigo importations, u Va
thought, might be sufficient to meet thesi(«t
ditures of the government, if some aitiaUi a
should be left alone on the free list, as tkeyt
now are, such as breadstaffs, Ac, then, <f
course, duties upou others would have te bs
higher—but ia no event to nn extent to en>
barrass trade and commerce. He cooclsfed
in an earnest appeal for Uuion and harmoir,
on the part of all the people, ia support of tk»
common cause, in which we were all enlisted,
and upju the issues of which such great coo%
sequences depend.
If, said be. we are true to ourselves, tresis
our oause, true to our destiny, (rue to set
high mission, iu presenting lo tbe world the
highest type of civilisation ever exhibiteijy
man—there will be found in our Lexitoe a#
such word as Fail.
Mr Stephens look hissest amid* burst of se<
thusiasm and anplaus* auc'j as the Atheonota
hat never had displayed within its walls, with
in "the recollection of the oldest inhabitant."
Your Reporter begs to state, that tbeabove
is not a perfect report, but only such ssketdi
of the address of Mr. Stephens, as embraces
in bis judgment, the most important point*
presented by the orator.
ft I R45HAL.
JAMES S OMUL
KANDAL & UEOUGE,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
ATLANTA. GEORGIA.
W ILL attend punctually to any and all hol
iness eotruated to their care.
Office corner Marietta and Prearh-Trss
JAMES H. ALEXANDER,
attorney at law,
Washington, Georgia.
P RACTICES in Wilkes end adjoining coun
ties. Refer* to George G. Hul\, of
Atlanta. mlt
THOMAS ii ABBOTT,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
Atlanta, Georgia.
Office in Smith’s Building, Whitehall itreet.
G. S. Thomas, jalfitf Ben. F. Aimit.
DR. W. F. WESTMORELAND,
Ollier and Residence .XorlU St At sf *V«-
rMlm Street,
March 21.
DR. H. W. BROWN.
ROBT. L, CRAW LEV,
Wholesale aid Retail Seiler la
PRODUCE AND PROVISIONS,
—AW D-
. . . , General Business Agent,
to part with ao inch "of the acoureod aoil.” : tv rirr^j ... k..ai H Maaa-
Notwit.i.oiling ibeir cl.uior .g.io.t lb, lo.U- j VVtru.ud to ia Coundl,', Block.
(ution, (hey seem to be equally opposed to get
ting more or letting go what they hava got.— j
Thero were ready to tight on the ncooesion of |
Texas, and are equally ready to fight bow on i
her secession. Why is this? How oan this ,
strange paradox be accounted for? There !
seems to bo but one rational solution—end
that is, notwithstanding their professions of .
humanity, they are disinclined to givo np the >
benefits they derive from slave labor. Their j
philanthropy yields lo their interest. The ;
idea of enforcing the Ians, bos but ope I
object, and that is a collection of tha taxes, '
raised by slave labor lo swell the fund noces
eery to meet their heavy appropriations. Tho j
spoils is what they are afier—though they
come from tha labor of the slavo. [Continued ,
applause.]
Mr. Biapbens reviewed at some length, the
on Alabama street.
■illy
p. e. McDaniel.
WHOLESALE GROC®
AND COMMISSION MERCQAVTi
ABO DBA LBS II
AIL KINDS OF PEODVCl
Hunter Stnct, between Whit, hell end fH*»
Atlamlu, SmtiM.
March *<-,
McNAlIGHT, BBAB1) A Cft
r*mml**Un a*4 F»rw*r4tmf "
PA T S TP PS T,
*,vanuali, Gcrgh*
extravagance and profligacy of appropriation ! Wy UcNireim I i Wu. K.
hyihcCongrcofihc L oiled Stalee for «e»eral J taII Oeuovr, iaar30 i Joa» Bo***-
yaera past, and in lM, connection took area-
•ion to allude lo another one of tha great iu,
proremcnia in our naw Conaiilulloa, which la
a clauie prohibiting Coogrels from appropri
ating any money from lha Trcaaury, axcapl
by a (wo ihirda .ore, unlcaa it ba foraooia ob
ject, which tha cxreulita may aay la naccaaary
io carry on Ihe Uoaarnment.
When ilia (but aaked for, and aalimalad,
be conlinuad. lha majority may appropriate.
Thie waa a new feature.
Our father* guarded lha allCMmeat of (axca,
by ineirting lhat representation aud taxation
should go together. Thia waa lahartted from
lha mother coaatry, England. It waa non of
tho prioeiplea upon which tha Barolutien had
been fought. Our father, alao prodded in tho
old Coaatitulioa, that alt appropriilioa hilt, 1
should originate ia thp Ijapt eaeutatlrg breath
•p ATT TEN & MILLKR3,
GENERAL COMMISSION
FORWtRDING MERCHMTS,
Savannah, Georgia.
GSOIIOS PATTBN, ) ( _ T j parSAI**’
ANDREW J. UILLRR. > , g p irtM f.
, WALTS* i MILLS*, j ( 1
March l$-!m.
hr witt aacr.v.
MM.
•avo*-
BRUYN At SAV AGE,
architects,
of Congrcai, but oor sag Conatljutlon wpai g mrUtlf
•tep further, and guardod, aot only lha pock- '■ N*Mrrohyti Ngw Rrlek Buili(in|. ^Nr (
eta of tho people, hot alao tho publie money, I 3*y end Drayton Street,. --
•flrr It waa taken from thoir pockoU. TT7ILL f«rafok Pino, and RpocitrtUoe**?
4o alluded to tho ditSculllMBod pabarrkoa- I VY giro thoir poieooal attention to tea n-rr
manta which acomad ta aurrouid tho gueatloo j lion of BuUdlag, ia any part of tha s ”*_u.
of a peaceful aolutloo of tbo oontrorony with Rofcr to tho CTUaaoa of Sarennabp"' t
tho old gororamoBl. How mb It b. doM f !• I March IS-Jjr-