Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
from that Of our forefathers, in so far as it

freed from sectional conflicts which have SO
much interfcred with the pursuit of the
general welfare, it is not unreasonable to ex-
pect that the States from which we have par
ted may seek to unite their fer with
ours under the government we have institu-
ted. For this your Constitution has made
adequate provision, but beyond this, if |
mistake not the Judgment and will Of the
people, our reunion with the States from
which we have separated is neither practi-
cable or desirable. TO increase the power.
develop the resources ,an3 promote the happi-
ness Of this Confederacy if is necessary that
there should be so much homogenienty as
that the welfare of every portion be the aim
of the whole. When this homcgeneity Goes
not exist. antagonisms are engendered which
must and should result in separation.
Actuafed solely by a desire to protect
and preserve our own rights and promote
our own welfare, the secession Of the Con-
federate States has been marked by no 60.
erosion upon others, and followed by no
domestic couvuls;on. Our industrial pur-
suits have received no check the cult;va-
ton Of our fields has progressed as hereto
fore; and even should we be involved in
War, there would be no considerable diminu-
ton IN the production Of the great staple
which constitutes our exports, and IN which
the commercial world has en- interest scarce
y less than our own: This common inter-
est Of producer and consumer can only be
interrupted by external form, which would
obstruct shipments to foreign markets.
course of conduct which would be as unjust
towards US as it would be detrimental to
manufacturing and commercial interests a
broad. Should reason guide the action Of
the government from which we lave sepa-
ted a policy SO injurious to the civilized
world, the Northern States included, could
not be dictated even by the strongest desire
to inhict injury npon US. But if otherwise,
a terrible responsibility will rest upon it.
and the suffering of millions will bear testi-
mony to the foil. and wickedness four ag-
gressors. In tie meantime there viii re-
main to US. besides the ordinary remt dies
before suggested, the Wen known resources.
Cor retaliation upon the commerce Of our
.eEemy.
Experience in public stations Of subordi-
nate grade, to this which your kindness has
conferred on me, has taught me that care
aud toll and disappointmcnts, are the price
Of official elevation. You will have many
errors to forgive, many deficiencies TO tole-
rate but you shall not. End in me either a
want of zeal or ";ielity to a cause that has
my highest hopes and most enduring afec-
tions Your generosity has bestowed upon
me en- undeseryed distinction one which /
neither sought nor desired. Upon the con
tiuuance Of that sentiment and upon your
wisdom and patriotism I rely, to direct and
support me IN the performance Of the duties
required at my hands. We have changed
the constituent parts, not the system OF cur
government. The Constitution formed by
our fathers is the Constitution Of "TLe Con
federated States il Meir exposition Of it
and in the judicial CONSTRUCTORS it has re-
ceived, We have a light that reveals It's true
meaning. Thus instructed as to the just
interpretations Of that instrument. and ever
remembering that al public Offices are Tut
trusts, held for-the beneGt Of the people,
and that delegated powers are to be-stt;9s!y
construed, will hope that ty due diligence
in the discharge Of my duties, though | may
disappoint your expectations, yet to retain
when retiring. someihing Of the good viii
and confidence which welcome my entrance
into Office. Il is joyous in p~eyilous times
to look around upon a people uniied in heart,
who are animated and actuated by one and
tho same purpose aud high resolve with
whom tue sacrifices to be made are not
weighed in the balance against honor, right,
liberty and equality. Obstacles may retard
but cannot long prevent their progressive
movements. Sancti6ed BY justice aud susa
tanned by q ~virtuous people, let me rever-
eutly invoke the God Of our fathers to guide
and protect US in our effort to perpetuate
the principles which, BY His blessings they
were able to yiuaicate, establish aud trans
nit 10 their posterity, and with the %oontin-
uance Of Ills favor, ever to be gratefully
acknowledged, let Us look hopefully forward
to success, to peace, and to prosperity.