Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-02-15
SPEECH OF VICE PRESIDENT STEPHENS.

SPEECH OF VICE PRESIDENT STEPHENS.
A complimentary serenade was given Il
Hon. A. Fl. Stephens at Montgomery OH Satur
day last which called forth from the Vice Pres
ident elect an eloquent though brief speech. =
Mr. Stephens spoke as follows:
Gentlemen and Fsll0ao- Citizens For
though we met rs strangers from different In
dependent States, we are once more citizens 0
common country. Applause. Allow me
briefly and sincerely, to return you my un
feigned thanks for this compliment. The state
ofmy health and voice and the night air, apar
from other considerations prevent me from do
ing more. This is not the time nor place tc
discuss those great questions now pressing up
on the public councils. We are in process o.
new formation. 1t is sufficient to say, this
day new Republic has been born. The Con
tederate States of America have been usherec
into existence to take place among the ma
tions of the earth, cheers, under temporary
or Provisional Government, it is true but soon
to be followed by one Of permanent charac
ter, which, while it surrcnders none Of our an,
cient rights and liberties, will secure, moro
perfectly, we trust, that peace security and
domestic tranquility that should be the objects
Of all governments. Applause
What is to be the future Of this new Gov.
ernment! The fate of this new Republic will
depend upon ourselves. Six States only at
present constitute it; but six stars as yet ap.
pear in OUR constellation. More, trust, will
soon be added and by the. time We adopt q
Constitution for permanent Government may
we have the number greater than the original
thirteen of the original Union, with more than
three times tue population, wealth and power.
Applause. With such beginning the pros
pect of the future presents strong hopes to
patriots Of bright and prosperous career
But what the future shall be depends upon
ourselves, and those to come after U.s. Our
Republic, and all Republics to be permanent
and prosperous, must be supported by the vir-
tue, intelligence integrity and patriotism of the
people These are the corner stones upon
which the temple Of popular liberty must be
constructed TO stand securely and permanently.
Resting ours upon these, we need fear nothing
from withort or within.
With climate unsurpassed by any nation on
earth; with staple productions which control
the commerce OF the world with institutions,
so far as regards our organic and social policy
and in strict conformity to nature and the laws
inspiration or the great book Of manifestations
around US, We have all the natural elements
essential to the attainment Of the highest de-
gree of power, glory and rcnown. Applause. ]
These institutions have been much assailed, but
it is our mission to 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. 1t doing this, our
policy should be marked by the desire to pre-
serve and maintain peace with all States and
people. If it cannot be done, lei not the fault
lie ct our door,
While we should make aggressions on none,
We should prepare to repel them when made by
others, let them come from whatever quarter
they may. Applause. We ask of others sim.
ply to be let alone and permitted to look after
our safety, security and happiness in our own
way, without moesting or giving offence to
other people. Let, then, peace fraternity and
liberal commercial relations with all tie world
be our motto. [Cheers.l With these princ-
plies, without envy towards other States in the
line of policy they mark out for themselves, we
will invite them to generous rivalship in all
that devolopes the highest qualities in every ma
ton. lApplausc. With my best wishes for
you, gentlemen, aud the success Of our common
Government, this day announced, bid you
good night.
As the speaker retired, three hearty cheers
were given for the Hon. A. II. Stephens, of
Georgia, the first Eice-President Of The Con-
federated States Of America