Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-06-05
Speech of A. n. stephens, at Atlanta
Georgia, May Z3d.

My FELLOW CITIzEys:-The time for speech
making has passed. The people have heard all
that can be said. The time for prompt vigorous,
decisive action is upon us, and we must do our
duty. Upon the surface, affairs appear to be
quiet, and can give you no satisfaction as to
their real condition. 1t is true that threats of an
attack on Pensacola have been made, but 1t is
uncertain whether any attack will be made. As
you know an attack was made on Seweis Point
near Norfolk but the vessel making it was re
pulsed and disabled. But the general opinion and
Indications are that the first demonstration will
be at Harper's Ferry, and that there, where John
Brown naugurated his work of slaughter, will be
fought fierce and bloody battle. As for myself,
i believe that there tile will begin; and that
the first boom OF cannon that breaks upon our
ears will come from that point But let it begin
where it will, and be bloody and prolonged
it may, ue are prepared for The ISSUE
Some think there will be no war; as to that
know not. But whatever Others wanted. the OBJ
ject of the Confederate Government is peace.
Come peace OF war, however, it is determined to
maintain our position at every hazard and at
every cost and to drive back the myrmidons of
AbolItOnism. 1t is to be hoped that Lincoln will
perceive his error and cease his warike prepara-
tions. The war is against all the principles on
which the Government of the United States is
based. The arrest of Ross Winans, by the order
of President Lincoln, is an act of despotism
lutte power, never thought of exceeding Its an
assumption of power on the part of the Execu-
tive which even Congress had never dared to
usurp for the Constitution of the United States
expressly provides that no citizen thereof shall
be deprived OF his life, liberty. property. ex
cept as punishment for crimes, and after fair
trial BY his peers.
The proclamation declaring our ports in state
of blockade, is in violation of tho oath taken by
xyh ha va m narfou tal M
United States for he swore to maintain the Con
sttution of the United States, which declares that
''no preference shall be given by any regulation
OF commerce or revenue TO the posts of one State
over those of another State;" and he considers us
part of the United States; yet the ports of Bos
ton and New York were open to the world. while
Charleston and other Southern ports were declared
to be in state of blockade. How dare he issue
such an ukase? How dare he, with the oath up
on his lips to support the Constitution, trample
that instrument in the dust? But he declared
shortly after his Inauguration, that he had an
"oath registered in high Heaven" BY this he
means that he has sworn the subjugation of the
South to the legions of Abotiondom. Well let
them come. We are prepared for them.
The acts of Lincoln exhibit the spirit of an
archy which is abroad in the North, and total dis
regard of all Constitutional obligations and limits
by the abolition despot now in power. The
North is fast drifting to anarchy and an estab-
lished despotism. On you, therefore, as citizens
of the Confederate States, depend the success and
| preparation of Constitutional liberty; for the
| day is not far off when freedom will exist only
south of Mason and Dixon's line. and your stout
arms and brave hearts her only support on al
| this continent.
| We prefer and desire peace if we can have it
but if we cannot, we must meet the issue forcet
upon US. We must meet Lincoln and his myr
mieons OIL their own ground, and on their owl
terms-on Constitutional principles.
So far our progress has been all that we coult
expect. A government has been organized, Ex-
ecutive Department and Offices supplied, all need
ful laws passed, and all necessary arrangement
made to meet any contingency. At tn,
head of our Government is President Davis
who led the Mississippi Rifles at Buena Vista
| and whose flag never vet trailed in the dust. Thi
| noble and true son Of the South goes TO Rich
mond to take command in person of our soldier'
there and to lead upon the battle field against al
the military power and talent they can summon
even to their veteran chieftain, General Scot
| himself.
Whether brought to bloody conflict or not, W
are prepared. Our people everywhere are ful
OF enthusiasm, and strong in their determination
never to submit to the rule of Lincoln Father
and mothers and sisters all ready, and doin;
all they can in aid of the cause. We are in tn
right; and Justice is upon our side. We mus
succeed. The same God that guided our father
in the bloody Revolution, and who made the glo
ry of the late United States, is yet upon the sid
OF right and justice. Relying upon Him VIII
holds the destinies of all nations in His hands
wew will 80 forth to battle, resolved to conquer 0
die
Another pleasing piece OF news have to te
you. A few months ago, when we first met j
Montgomery, we numbered but six States-no'
we number eieoen, Arkansas. the last to enc
the Coniederacy, has sent her representative,
aud on Monday was admitted. Two of her rer
resentatves are somewhere in the crowd I; the
are Gen. Rusk and Mr. Garland, and hope yo
will call them out, and hear what little Arkansl
has to say.
beg pardon for trespassing so long upon you
time. Cries of "No trespass Go onp'l
cannot talk longer. and thank you for your kin
and naf;ent attention