The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-02-27
Inaugural address Of President JEFF. Davis


Of Aacca friends and telose-e5tzsns:--Ga to the
difficult and responsible station of the Chief magistrate
of the provisional government which you nave fnstltu-
ted approach the discharge of the dates assigned TO
with sustaining confidence in the wisdom OF those
who to guide and aid me in the administration OF
public affairs, and abiding faith in the virtue and
patriotism of the people.
Looking forward to the speedy establishment OF a
permanent government take the place of this which,
by its greater moral and physical power will be better
able to combat with many difficulties that arise from the
conflicting interests of separate nations, enter upon
the duties of the office to which have been chosen with
the hope that the beginning of as contede-
racy may not be obstucted hostile opposition to our
enjoyment of the separate existence and independence
we have asserted and which, with the blessing of ProYi
dence, we will contend for and maintain
Our present political position has been achieved IN
manner unprecedented III the history OF nations II
illustrates the American idea that rest upon
the consent OF the governed and that is the right OF
the people to alter abolish them at WILL whenever they
become destructive of the ends for which they were
established.
The declared purpose of the compact of the United
States, from which have withdrawn, was to 'estab-
fish justice insure domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the general welfare and Sc
the blessings Of liberty to ourselves and our pos
erty; and now, when in the judgment of the sovereign
States composing this conederacy has been perverted
from the purposes for which established peaceful
49,
concerned the government created by that compact
should cease to exist.
In this they have merely asserted the right which the
declaration of independence July 1916 defined to be
iuaenable" OF the time and occasion for Its asser-
ton and exercise they as soyereigns were the final
Judges, each for itself
The impartial and enlightened verdict of mankind
viii vndicate the recttude of our conduct and He who
knows all hearts, will judge of the sincerity with which
have labored to preserve the government OF our ia
theirs in its spirit.
The right solelnnly proclaimed at tie birth Of the
United States and which has been solemnly affirmed
and reairmcd in the bills of rights of the States sub
scquenty admitted into the Union Of 1885, undeniaby
recognised in the people the power to resume the
horty delegated to for the purpose Of government.
BY this right the sovereign States here represented
have seeded from this confederacy and it is abuse
Of language that their act has been denominated
lutionary.
They have formed a new alliance, but within each
State its government has remained the same, nor have
the rights Of person or property been disturbed.
The agent, through which they communicated with
foreign nations is changed but this does not necessarily
interrupt their international relations.
Sustained by the consciousness that this transition
from the former Union to the present confedeaey has
not proceeded from disregard our part, OF just
obligations any failure perform every constitutional
duty; moved by no interest passion TO invade the
rights of Others; and anxious to cultivate peace and
VIII All We may " Nv
war, may ut least expect posterty will acquit us
from having needlessly made it.
Douby justified therefore, by the absence of wrong
part and b. the wanton aggression of others,
there can be doubt that the courage and
patriotism of the people of the confederate States of
America will be found equal to any of defense
which their honor and security willrequire.
An agricultural people, whose chief interest Is the
export Of commodities required in every manufacturing
country our true policy is peace and the treest trade
which our necessities will permit.
1t is alike eur interest and that of all those to whom
would sell and from whom would buy, that there
should be the fewes practical restrictions upon the in
terchauge of these commodities.
There can however be but little rivalry between our
people and any other manufacturing community, such
those OF the northern and eastern States Of the Amer
can Union.
1t must follow therefore, that mutual interests will
invite to good will and kind officers on both parts
IT, however passion or lust of dominion should cloud
the Judgment nhame the ambition of these States
must prepare to meet the emergency, and maintain
By the final arbrament of the sword the position which
We have assumed among the nations of the earth.
We have entered upon new career of independence
and must be inteXi5e i'll maintaining it. though pursued
through many Years of controversy with late asso
ciates Of the northern States
We have vainly cndeayorcd to secure tranquility and
obtain respect for the rights to which entitled
and necessity, not a choice we have resorted to
the remedy of separation and henceforth energies
must be directed to the conduct of affairs and
the perpctuty Of the contederaey which have formed
If just perception OF mutual interests shall permit
peaceaby to pursue separate political career my
most earnest desire will have been fulfilled. But if this
be denied US and the integrity of our territory and
jurisdiction be assaed, it will but remain for US, with
firm resolve 10 appeal TO arms and to invoke the bless
ings of Providence on just cause.
As consequence of our condition and relations
and with view to meet anticipated wants it will be
, do Il
cation of brauches Of the executive department having
special charge of foreign intercourse finance, military
affairs and postal service.
For purposes of Defense the confederate States may
under ordinary circumstances, rely mainly upon theiI
militia; but it is deemed advisable in the present cond
ton of affairs that there should be well instructed
and disciplined army more numerous than would usually
be required for peace establishment.
also suggest that for the protection Of harbors
and commerce on the high seas, navy be organised
But this as well as other subjects appropriate
necessities has doubtless engaged the attention of the
congress.
With constitution differing from that Of our father:
only far it is explanatory of well-known in
tention be freed from sectional conflicts which have
interfercd with the pursuit ofhe general welfare, it is
unreasonable expect that other States from which
have recently parted may seek to unite their fortunes
with ours uuder the government We have instituted.
For this your constitution makes adequate provision
but beyond this if mistake not, the Judgment and viii
of the people that renion with States from whcl
we have separated is neither practicable desirable
To increase the power develop the and pro
mote the happiness of confederacy it is requisite thai
there should be much homogenity that the welfare
of every portion be the aim of the whole.
When this does exist, anita gonisms are engenderd
which must and should result in separation.
Actuated solely by the desire to preserve our owr
rights and promote welfare, the separation
the United States has been marked by aggression
upon Others aud followed by no CONFUSION. Our in
dustrial pursuits have received no check The cutva
ton of fields has progressed heretofore and
should we be involved in war, there would be no con
siderable dminution in the production of staples which
have constituted exports and in which the CONNER
cal world has interests scarcely less than own.
This common interest of producer and consumer car
only be interrupted by exterior force which would OBJ
sruct the transmission of staples foreign markets
a course of conduct which would be as unjust towards
us would be detrimental to manufacturing and com
mercial interests abroad
Should reason guide the action of the government
from which have separated, policy detrimental
the civsed world the northern States included coult
not be dictated BY the strongest desire inct iiur,
upon us
But if the contrary should prove true, terrible re
sponsi6y wrest upon it, and the sutferngso of multi
tudes will bear testimony to the folly and wickedness
our aggressors.
In the meantime there will remain to u.s. besides h
ordinary remedies before suggested, the well known re