Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1861-05-03
PRESIDENTS MEssAGE.

MONTGOMERY, April Es.-The Southern Con- |
gress of :ne Confederate States met at noon to.
day
The Presidents message was read. It an
nounccd the ratification of the permanent Con-
stitution by all OF the States forming tho Con-
federate States, and it only remains for an eec'
tion to be held for the designation Of officers
to administer It, 1t says that the declaration
of war laid against this Confederacy by Abra-
ham Lincoln rendered it necessary to convene
Congress to devise measures necessary for the
defence Of the country. The President then
reviews at length the relations heretofore exs-
tiog between the States. and events which have
resulted in present warfare. Referring to the
result Of the mission of the Commissioners to
Washington it saye, the crooked paths of diplo
macy can scarcely furnish example wan
ting in courtesy. in cundor and direciness as
was the course Of the United States Govern
ment towards our Commissioners.
Tho President refers TO the prudent caution
observed by the fleet off Charleston harbor du-
ring the bombardment Of Fort Sumter and
pays high compliment to tho Carolinians for
their forbearance before, aud heroism. daring
and magnanimity after the e-bombardmcnt Ho
rays Commissioners have been sent to England
France, Russia and Belgium. to ask our recog
ni,ion as member in the family of nations.
| and to make treaties Of amity and commerce.
He recommends the appointment Of other diplo
matte agents. Says our Confederacy, through
| Vice President Stephens. has concluded Con-
veuton with Virginin. by which that State has
united her power and fortunes with u.s. and has
satisfactory assurances that other Southern
States will soon unite their fortunes with ours
and says most Of our executive departments
are in successful operation. The Postmaster
General will soon be ready to assume the direc.
tion Of postal affairs.
! In conclusion he congratulates the Confede'
racy on the patriotic devotion exhibited by the
people of the Confederacy; men high in off.
| cial and social positions of wealth serving as
volunteers in the ranks. The railroad COM
panies al liberal in their rates of transporta-
tion. both Of troops and supplies and Proffer
very liberal terms for the transportation of the
mails. and will receive in compensation bonds
Of the Confederacy. He says people thus
united and resolved cannot fail Of final success.
We feel thai our cause in just and holy, and
| protest soIeilHlys III tue luce VI uunhuu, tHh'
we desire peace at any sacrifice. save that o
honor and independence. We seek con-
quest no aggrandizement -no conoessons
from the free States. All we ask is to be let
alone. That none shall attempt our subjuga
ton by arms, This We will and must resist te
the direst extremity. The moment this rreten
sion is abandoned. the sword will drop from
| Il ho 70 ~
trea ties of amity and commerce mutually bene
fcul But 80 long rs this pretension is main
tained, with firm reliance on that Divine pow
or which covers with it's protection the jus
cause. we-wll continue to struggle for our in
herent right to freedom, independence, and sci
government