The Constitutional. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1860-1861, 1861-02-23

numerous than would usually be required
for peace establishment
also suggest that, for the protection of
our harbors and commerce on the high
seas, navy be organized But this, as
well as other subjects appropriate to our
necessities, has doubtless engaged the at
tentiOn of the Congress.
With constitution differing from that
OF our fathers oply so far rs il is explana-
tory Of our well-kDown intention to be
freed from sectional conflicts, which have
interfered with the pursuit of the general
welfare, it is not unreasonable to expect
that other States from which we have re-
Gently parted may seek to unite their for
tu"es with ours under the Government We
have instituted
For this your constitution makes adc-
quatc provision, but beyond this, if mis-
take not, the Judgment and will Cite peo-
pie are that Il reunion with States from
which we have separated, is neither prac-
ticable nor desirable To increase the
power, develop the resources aud promote.
the happiness Of a contcderacy, it is rcqui-
| site that there should be SO much homo
geneity that the welfare of every portion
be the aim Of the whole.
When this does not exist, antagonisms
are engendered, which must anl should
result i'll separation.
Actuated solely by the desire TO pre-
serve orr own rights, and promote our own
welfare, the separation of the United States
has been marked by no aggression upon
others, and followed by 40 cony rsion.
Our industrial pursuits have received no
check, The cultivation of our fields has
progressed rs heretofore, and even should
we be involved in war, there would be- no
considerable diminuton in the production
Of staples which have constituted our ex-
ports, and in which the commercial world
has interest scarcely less than our own.
This common interest Of producb. and
consumer can only be interrupted by ex-
terror force, which would ohsthct the
transmission of our staples to foreign mar
kets, course Of conduct which world BE-
rs unjust towards us as i. would be- dctri-
mental 20 manufacturing AID commercial
interests abroad.
Should reason Suidc the acton of tie
| G0yel nmcnt from which We have scpara-
ted, policy 50 dch mental TO the civilized
world, the Northern States included, could
not be dictated by the strongest desire to
infict injury upon us.
! But il the contrary should prove trac Il
! terrible responsibility viii rest upon it,
and the suGeNIgs Of multitude, will bear
/ testimony to the folly AID witlcdreas OF
our agSrgssors.
In the meantime there Ill remain tout,
beside the ordinary rcmcdic, before surg
| gcs;cd the well known resources for retail
iation upon the commerce Of an enemy.
My experience IL public stations Of "a
subordinate grade to this, which your
! Kindness has conferred upon me. baa
taught ,lc that care and toll and dispar-
aGnmcnt are the prices Of official clcya,
& ton.
You viii see many errors to forgive,
many deficiencies % tolerate; but YOU
shall Lat fud in me either want of zeal or
fidelity to thr cause that is TO ne highest
and of most unduring affection.
Your generosity has bestowed upon mo.
an Undcscrvrd Distinctions one which
neither s.rclH nor dcs4cd
IT.
and upon your wisdom aud patriotism, !,
rely TO direct and support mr in the per
Torrance OF the duties rrgnirrd ut my
hands.
We have changed our political rela.
tons, but not our system Of government,
The constitution iraucd by our fathers is
that Of these Confederate States. In their
cXpositions of t, and in the judicial con
| struc,,on, It In, received, We. have Iight
which ha.s revealed its true meaning.
Thus nstIuctcd rs to the true meaning
and jast interpretation of that instrument
and ever remembering that all Offices are
but trusts, held for the people, and that
powers delegated are 10 BE- strictly coa.
3irucd will hope, by due diligence in
the performance Of my 'lutir-, though |
may disapPoint your expectations, yet t.
retain, when retiring, something OF the
good Will and confidence which welcome
my entrance into Office.
It's joyous, in H. mjl+t of prrlou+
times, to look arouod upon people, uni
ted in heart whcr" one purpose Of nigh
resolve animates and acuat,s the whole:
where the sacrifices to be- made are not
weighed in the balance against honorsIib-
erty and equality.
Obstacles may rr,ard, but they cannot
long prevent the progress Of movement
samci'iird ly It's justice and sustained by
yirIuods people,
Let ,. Therefore invoke the God of orr
Fathc's to gull and protect Us in our
Efforts 10 perpctuatr principles which, by
His blessing, they were able to yindicatr.
establish and transmit to their p5stcity
Win The continuance Of His favor, even
gratefully acknowledged, We may hope
fully took forward to succos/, g, peace and
to prosperity.
Southern GU5gSl~.
AZ called meeting Of the lnd,pcnd"nL
Cavalry ComP2ny Of AlrSandriI, hcIl