, 1861-02-12
THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACF
CONGRESS.
Important Proceedings.

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Feb. 9.-Unusual inter-
est was manifest in the proceedings Of the
Southern Congress to-day. The hall Of the
Convention and the gallery was crowded.
dag, made by. the ladies Of South Casolina
The flag has Il. blue cross on red field and
seven stars nthe lag. It was highly admired
He also presented another model flag by gen
tleman Of Charleston. It had Cross ind If
teen starr on u field of stripe.
a committee was appointed to report on q
fng, seal and a coat Of urnB and motto for
the Southern Confederaey.
The President was directed to appoint Com
miEsioners on Finance, Military, Naval and
Postal affairs, aud on Commerce and Patents.
Hon. JeE Davis was then elected President,
and Hon. A. II. Stephens, Vice President OF the
Southern ConfedeIacy. The vote was unani-
nous.
a resolution was adopted for appointing a
committee Of three deputies to inquire aud
report On what terms suitable buildings can be
secured in Montgomery for the use Of tho
several Executive Departments Of the Confed-
eraey under the Provisional Government.
An ordinance was passed continuing in
force until repealed or altered by the Southern
Congress, NIL laws Of the United States in force
or in use on the 1et Of November last. Il is
understood tlnt under this law tariff will be
laid On all goods brought from the United
States.
Committee on Finance to report promptly q
tariff for raising revenue for the support Of the
Government
A resolution was adopted authorizing the
appointment Of q committee to report Con
st1tntion for the Permanent Government OF
the Coniederacy.
The Congress was about two hours In secret
session, and the rest of the proceedings wero
conducted openly.
MONTGOMERY, Feb. 10.-The hon. A. II,
Stephens said in response to serenade last
evening:
For though We met as strangers from diff.
ferent and Independent States, We nre once
more citizens Of common country. Allow
III briefly and sincerely to return my unfeigp.
cd thanks Tor this compliment: The state Of
my health and voice and the night air, npart
from other considerations, prevent me from
doing more. This Is not the time nor place to
discuss the great questions now pressing on
the public councils.''
ut is Sufficient to soy that this day new
kepublic has been formed. The Confederated
States OF America have been ushered into ex.
istence to take tleir place among the nations
Of The earth, undera temporary or provisional
government, 1t Is true, but soon to be Followed
by one OF permanent character, which, while
| it surrenders none Of our ancient rights and
Liberties, will secure them more perfectly. we
trust, for peace, security and domestic trau.
guilty. That ought to be the object Of all
governments. What is to be the future Of this
new goycrnmentf The fate of this new Re.
public will depend upon ourselves. Six States
only at present constitute it.; hut six stars
yet appear IN our constellation and Consti-
tuition.
1.-THE permanent government nav have a
greater number than the original thirteen Of
The original Union, with more than three
times their population, wealth and power.
with such beginning, the prospects OF the
future presents strong hopes to the patriots
heart ior bright prospects in our career. But
selves and those who shall come after us. Our
Republic, and all Republics, to be permanent
and prosperous, must be supported by the yir-
tue, intelligence, integrity and patriotism Of
the people. These are the corner-stones on
which the temple of liberty must be con.
structed, to stand securely and permanently.
Resting our trust on these, We need n t fear"
Nothing from without or within, with climate
unsurpassed by any on earth, with staples and
productions which control the commerce Of
the world. with Institutions, so far as regards
our organic and social policy, in strict c6nfor-
whether read in the book ofInspiration or tho
great book Of Manifestations, around Us. We
have all the natural clements essential to the
attainment in the highest dsgree Of power
and glory These institutions have been much
assaulted, and it is our mission to yindicate the
EtS4e AAlA uA WHICH IuEY rest. and
with them exhibit to the world the
highest type Of civilization it is possible for
human society to reach. In doing this our poI.
icy should be marked by a desire to preserve
and maintain peace with all States and people.
II this cannot be done, let not the fault be at
our door. While We should make aggressions
On none: We should be prepared to repel those
made by Others, let them come from what
.: eyet qnartsr they may. We ask Of Others sim
eply to let us alone and to be permitted to lo0E
after our safety, security and happiness in our
own way, without mclesting or civ
ing offence to other people. Let there
be peace, fraternity and liberal commercial re-
lations With all the wor1d, be our motto With
these principles without envy towards other
States IN the line Of policy they may take for
themselves. We will invite them to generous
rivalry in all that deye1opes the highest quality
OF every nation. With the best wishes to yo1,
gentlemen, and to the success of our common
Government this day announced. I bid von
good night. He WAS frequently interrupted
By applause, and on retiring, three cheers were
given for Mr.. Stephens, the first Vice.Presi-
dent Of tho Confederated States of America