The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-05-07

Judge as we'll of its wrongs, as OF .he mode and
measure of redress. Indeed, it is obvious, that
under the law of nations, this principle is an ak
iom as applied to the relations of independent
sovereign States, such those which had united
themselves under the constitutional compact. The
Democratic party of the United States repeated
in its successful canvass in 1856, the declaration
made in numerous previous political contests, that
it would faithfully abide By and uphold the
principles laid down in the Kentucky and Virginia
resolutions of 1898, and in the report of Mr. Madi-
son to the Virginia Legislature in 1899, and that
it adopts those principles constituting one of the
main foundation. of its political creed"
The principles thus cmphatically announced en-
brace that to which have already adverted, the
right of each State to judge of and redress the
wrongs of which it complains These principles
were maintained by overwhelming maj orities of the
people of all the States of the Union at different
elections especially in the elections of Mr. Jefferson
in 1925, Mr. Madison in 1909 & Mr. Pierce in 1852.
In the exercise of right so ancient, we'll es-
tabl!she1 and necessary for selfprescrvaton the
people of the Confederate States in their Conven-
tons deternn ed that the wrongs which they had
suffered, and the evils with which they were me-
naced required that they should revoke the dele
CATION of powers to the Federal Government which
they had ratified in their several conventions.
They consequently passed Ordinances resuming
and dissolved their connection with the other
States of the Union.
Having done this, they proceeded to form new
compact amongst themselves by new articles of
confederation which have also been ratified by the
conventions Of the several States with approach
to unanmty far exceeding that of the conventions
wh'c adopted the Constitution of 1877. They
have organized their new Government in all its
departments; the functions of the Executive: Le-
I'll u Il
in accordance with the will Of the people as dis
played, not merely in cheerful acquiesenee, but
in the enthusiastic support of the government thus
established by themselves; and but for the inter
ference Of the government of the United States in
this legitimate exercise of the right of people to
sel!-government, peace, happiness and prosperity
would now smile on our land.
That peace is ardcntly desired by this govern
ment and people, has been manifested in every
possible form. Scarce had YOU assembled in Feb
ruary last, when, prior to the inauguration OF
the Chief Magistrate you had elected, you passed
i resolution expressive of your desire for the APP
pointment of commissioners to be sent to the gov
eminent of the United States "for the purpose of
negotiating friendly relations between that govern
ment and the Confederate States of America, and
for the settlement of all or tons Of disagreement
between the two govern cents upon principles of
right, justice, equity and good faith
1t was my pleasure as we'll as my duty to
operate with you in this work Of peace. Indeed,
in my address to you taking the oath of office,
and before receiving from you the communication
of this resolution, had said, ''as necessity, not
choice, we have reso rted to the remedy of sepa-
ration and henceforth energies must be direct
ed to the conduct of our affairs, and the per-
petuity of the Confcderacy which we have formed.
If just perccntion of mutual interest shall permit
peaccably pursue separate political career,
my most earnest desire will have been fulfilled
1t was in furtherance of these accordant views
Of the Congress and the Executive, that / made
choice Of three discreet, able and distinguished
citizens, who repaired to Washington. Aided by
their cordial cooperation and that of the Secretary
of State, every effort compatible with selfreSpect
and the dignity Of the Confederacy was exhausted
before | allowed myself to yield to the conviction
that the government of the L. States was deter
mined to attempt the conquest of this people, and
that our cherished hopes ofpeace unattainabe.
On the arrival Of our commissioners in Wash
ington the 9Th Of March. they postponed, at
the insti CATION Of friendly Intermediary, doing
more than giving informal notice of their arrival
This done with view to afford time to the
President, who had just been naugurated, for the
discharge of other pressing official duties in the
ganiZaton of his Administration, before eng ging
his attention in the object of their mission. 1t
not until the 18th of the month that they officially
addressed the Secretary of State informing him of
the purpose of their arrival and stating in the lam
guage of their instructions their wish 'to make to
the government of the United States overtures for
the opening of negotiations, assuring the govern
mcnt of the L. States that the President Congress
and people of the Confederate States earnestly de-
sire peaceful solution of the great questions; that
it is neither their interest their wish make any
demand which is not founded on strict Justice nor
do any act to injure their late confederates."
To this communication formal reply was
ceived until the 9Th Of April During the interval
the commissioners had consented to waive all ques-
tons of form. With the firm resolve to avoid war
if possible, they went far, even, as to hold, dur
ing that long period, unofficial intercourse through
an intermediary. whose high position and charac-
inspired the hope of success, and through whom
constant assurances received from the gov
ernment OF the L. S. of peaceful Intentions of the
determination to evacuate Fort Sumter; and fur
Their, that measures changing the existing status
prcjudcially to the Confederate States especially
at Fort Pickens, in contemplation, but that in
the event of any change of intention on the sub
ject, notice would be given to the commissioners.
The crooked paths Of diplomacy scarcely furn-
sh an example wanting in courtesy, in candor,
and directness was the course Of the [. s. gov
eminent towards our commissioners in Washing
ton. For ~oof Of this | refer to the annexed TO-
cuments, taken in consideration with further facts
which | now proceed to relate:
Early in April the attention of the whole coun-
try, rs we'll that OF our commissioners, was at
tracted to extraordinary preparations for extern
sive military and naval expedition in New York
and other northern ports These preparations