Southern confederacy. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1861-1865, March 25, 1861, Image 2

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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-