The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-12-07

doubt they would say the constitutional cleo
ton OF no man is q sufficient cause to break uI
the Union, but that the State should wait unit
he at least does some unconstitutional act.
MIR. TOOmbs-C0mmit some overt act.
Mr.. Stephens-No, did not soy that. The
word overt is q sort of technical term connect
ed with treason, which has come to US from the
mother country, and it means an open act o.
rebellion. don't see how Mr.. Lincoln can d.
this unless he should levy war upon US. l dc
not therefore use the word overt. l do not in
tend to wait for that. But l use the word I'M
constitutional act, which our people under.
stand much better, and which expresses just
what mean. But as long as he conforms to
the Constitution he should be left to exercise
the duties of his Office.
/ In giving this advice am but sustaining the
Constitution of my country, and l do not be-
| come Lincoln Aid man either, applause but
| q Constitutional Aid man. But this matter the
| convention can determine.
As to the other matter, think we have q
right to pass retaliatOry measures, provided
they be in accordance with the Constitution Of
the United States and think they can be made
such. But whether it would be wise for this
Legislature to do this now is the question. To
the convention, in my judgment, this matter
ought to be referred. Before we commit re.
prsals on New England we should exhaust ev.
cry means of brining about peaceful solution
of the question.
Thus did General Jackson in the case of the
French. He did not recommend reprisals un.
til he had treated with France, and got her to
promise to make indemnifcation, aud it was
only on her refusal to pay the money which she
promised that he recommended reprisals. 1t
was after negotiation had failed. do think.
therefore, that it would be best before going to
extreme measures with our confederate States,
| to make presentation of our demands, to ap-
| peal to their reason and judgment to give US
| our rights. Then, if reason should not triumph,
| 1t will be time enough to commit reprisals, and
we should be justified in the eyes of civilized
world. At least let the States know whatyour
grievances are. and if they refuse, as l said to
| give our rights under the Constitution of our
sever the ties Of this Union. [Applause.]
am for exhausing all that patriotism can
demand before taking the last step. would
invite, therefore, South Carolina to a confer.
en;e. / would ask she same of all the other
Southern states, SO that it the evil has got be-
You'd our control. which God, in his mercy,
grant may not be the case, let US not be divid.
secure the united cooperation of all the South
ern States; and then, in the face of the civil.
| lied world, we may justify our action; and, with
the wrong all on the other side, we can appeal
to the God Of battles to aid us in our cause.
| (Loud applause But let US not do anything in
| which any portion of our people may charge US
with rash or basty action. 1t is certainly q
matter of great Importance to tear this govern
| ment asunder. You were not sent here for that
purpose. would wish the whole South to be
united if this is to he done; and believe if we
| pursue the policy which have indicated, this
can be effected.
| My principles are these
First, the maintenance of the honor, the
rights, the equality, the security. and the glory
Of 70 in fho bnt
| cannot be maintained in the Union, then am
for their maintenance, at all hazards, out of it.
Next to the honor and glory of Georgia, the
land of my birth, hold the honor and glory of
our common country. In Savannah / was
made to say by the reporters. who very often
make me say things which never did, that
l was first for the glory of the whole country,
and next for that of Georgia.
Isaid the exact reverse. | am proud of her
history, of her present standing. / am proud
even of her motto, which would have duly
respected at the present time by all her sons
Wisdom, Justice and Moderation. l would
have her rights and that of the Southern States
position now is just what it was in 1850, with
respect to the Southern States. Her platform
then has been adopted by most if not all the
other Southern States. Now would add but
one additional plank to that platform, which
have stated, and one which time has shown to
be necessary.
If all this fails. we shall at least have the
satisfaction of knowing that we have done our
duty and all that patriotism could require.
If we had room, we would gladly
publish the entire speech, because it would
be productive of good but enough has been
given to indicate its general tone aud
temper. If Northern men will meet the
Southern conservatives in the same spirit of
devotion to the Union, that Mr.. STEPHENS
evinces, we believe that the impending
troubles will be averted, and the integrity
of the confederacy cemented. But unless
this is done, we have no hope or faith in the
preservation of the Union.