Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-02-12
nn.nm mnnrnomEnY

MONTGOMERY Ata,i teu- ~ NN
The Hon. A. H. Stephens, in respbnse 70
q serenade last evening, said;
! rFor though We meet e strapgerb rom
different and Independent States, We are
once more oitiEens Of a common country.
ALLOW me briefly and sincerely to return
my unfeigned thanks for this compliment,
The state Of my health and voice. and the
night air, apart from other oOnsiderationa,
PrsFaut me from doing 0Rore. This Is not
the time nor place TO discuss the great
questions now pressing on the public coun-
ellis. II Is sufficient 10 say, that this day Q
new republic has been formed; the Confed-
crate States OF America have been pshered
into existence 10 take their place among the
nations Of the earth, under q temporary or
provisioual goVernmeht-it is 'trpe but
soen to be followed BY ., permanent one,
| whioh, while Il snrr5nders none Of our
ancient rights, and liberties, will secure
them more perfectly, We trust, for peace, Sc
ourity and domestic tranquility. That
ought 10 be the object Of all governments
What is the future Of this new government
/ the fste Of this new republic, Will depend
upon ourselves. Six States only 81 present
| constitute it---hut six stars yet Gppear in
! our CuuHLElhLlQn hMN GQu1blNNHAIAs
The permanent government may have
/ greater number than the original thirteen
Of the Union, with more than three times
their population, wealth and power With
/ such beginning the prospects Of the future
present strong hopes to the patriots heart
for bright prospects in our career; but what
the future shall be depends upon ourselves
snd those who shall come after Us.
Our republic, and all republics to be per-
manent and prosperous, must be supported
/ By the virtue, intelligence, integrity and
patriotism Of the people; these are the COR
ner stones upon which the templeyof liberty
must be constructed to be secure and per-
maEentk End resting our trust on these We
need fear nothing from without or within.
With q climate unsurpassed by any
on earth, with staples and productions
which control the commerce of the world,
With institutions, 90 far as regards our or
ganic and social policy, in strict conform
| ity TO nature and the laws Of the Creator,
whether read in the book Of Inspiration or
she great book Of manifestations around us,
we have ell the natural elements essential
to the attainment, in the highest degree, Of
power and glory. These institutions have
| been much assailed and it Is our mission
| 10 vindicate the great truth on which they
rest, and with them exhibit the highest
type Of civilization which it is possible for
human society to reach. 'e' 71' -E1
In doing this our policy should be mark
/ ed by desire to preserve and maintain
peace with all States and people. If this
cannot be done, let not the fault be at our
I door. While We should make aggression
on none, We should be prepared to repel
those made BY others, let them come from
whatever quarter they may. We ask, Of
others simply to let US alone, and to be per-
mitted to look after our safety, security and
happiness in our own way, without mOlsst-
ing or giving Offense to other people. y i,
Let then peace, fraternity and liberal
commercial relations with sll the world be
our motto. With these principles, without
envy towards other States in the line of
policy they may take for themselves, we
Will invite them to a generous rivalry in
all that develops the highest quality Of
every nation. With the best wishes to
you, gentlemen, and 10 the success of our
common government this day announced,
bid you good night F.-V
He was frequently interrupted by ap.
plsuse, and on retiring three cheers were
given for Mr.. Stephens, the first Vice Pres
ident of the Confederate States of Ameri-
% Es- VI -rs