The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-02-22

from wich we have parted may seek to
mite their fortunes with ours under the
government We have instituted. For this
Your Constitution has made adequate
proyjsion. but beyond this, IL I mistake
not the Judgment and will Of the people,
our reunion with the States from which
we have separated is neither practicable
or d,siresble To increase the power de-
velopc the resources. and promote the hap
piness of this Confederacy, 1t Is necessary
that there should be so much homogeni-
ETY. as that the welfare of every portion be
the aim of the whole. When this homo
geniety does not exist, antagonisms are
engendered which must and should result
in separation.
Actuated solely by 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
aggression upon others. and followed by
no domestic CONFUSION. Our industrial
pursuits have received no check; the cul-
tivation of our fields has progressed as
heretofore: and even should we be involv-
ed in war, there would be no consdera-
BILE diminution in the production of the
great staple which constitutes our exports,
and in which the commercial world has
an interest scarcely less than our own
This common interest OF producer and
consumer can only be interrupted by ex-
ternal form, which would obstruct ship
ments to foreign markets-a course of
conduct which would be as unjust towards
us rs it would be detrimental 10 manufac-
turing and commercial interests abroad.
Should reason guide the action of the
government from which we have sepnrat-
ed policy so injurious to the civilized
world, the Northern States included, could
not be dictated afen by the strongest de-
sire to inhict injury upon us. But If other
wise, terrible responsibility will rest up
on it, and the sufierings of millions will
bear testimony to the folly and wicked
ness of our aggressors. In the meantime
there will remain to us, besides the ordi-
nary remedies before suggested, the well
known resources for retaliation upon the
commerce of our enemy.
Experience in public stations of subor-
dinate grade to this which your kindness
has conferred on me. has taught me that
care and toll and disappointments, are
the price of official elevation. You will
have many errors to forgive, many def
ciencies to tolerate; but you shall not
find in me either want of zeal or fidelity
to a cause that has my highest hopes and
most enduring affections. Your generos-
ity has bestowed upon me an undeserved
distinction-one which / neither sought
nor desired. Upon the continuance Of
that sentiment and upon your wisdom
and patriotism | rely, to direct and sup
IN - I,,t;
required at my hands. We have changed
the constituent parts not the system of our
government. The Constitution formed
by our fathers is the Constitution of 1.-THE
Confederate States" in their exposition Of
it; and in the judicial constructions it has
received, we have light that reveals its
true meaning. Thus instructed as to the
just interpretations of that instrument,
and ever remembering that all public off
ces are but trusts. held for the benefit of
the people. and that delegated powers are
to be strictly construed, | will hope that
by due diligence in the discharge Of my
duties, though may disarpoint your ex-
pectations, yet to retain when retiring,
something of the good will and confidence
which welcome my entrance into office.
1t is joyous in perlous times to look
around upon a people united in heart,
who are animated and actuated by one
and the same purpose and high resolve
with whom the 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. Sanctfied by
a virtuous people, let me reverently in.
woke the God of our fathers to guide and
protect us in our effort to perpe,uate the
principles which, by HIS blessing they
were able to vindicate, establish and trans
init to their posterity, and with the con-
tinuance OF HIS favor, ever to be grateful
ly acknowledged, let us look hopefully
forward to success, to peace, and to pros.
perity.