The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-03-26
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CON
FEDERATE STATES.

FEDEHATE STATES.
Vice-President Stephens was enthusiastically re-
ceived at Augusta, Ga, on his way to Savannah.
In speech acknowledging the reception, be took
occasion to explain the benefits of the Constitution
of the Confederate States as contrasted with that
of the Union from which they have Withdrawn.
In the first place, Congress is forbidden from
fostering one branch of industry at the expense
of another Thus the merchant, the mechanic, the
business man. and the laborer, are all placed upon
the same footing in that respect-one interest has
no more claim to the protection Of the Govern
ment than another; and, therefore, honest labor
can now work its own reward, by energy, industry,
and perseverance, This he considered a wise
provision it settled the question of protection for
ever
In the second place, the question of internal i'm
provements also settled. Under the old Con-
sitution, the Improvements IN one State were made
often at the expense of another. Thus, for in
stance Georgia, which had acquired the title of
Empire State on account of her numerous i'm
provements, had to pay several millions of dollars
to the General Government, by way of duties, on
the very iron which she used in those improve
ments and out of these duties money was taken
to improve Northern harbors and rivers. This
was manifestly unjust, and entirely obviated
by the new Constitution. Under this one, each
section can make its own improvements, and is
authorized to levy tax upon those who are bene
flied by such improvements. Thus, if Savannah
desires to improve her harbor she can do SO, and
then levy tax or duty upon the commerce benef-
ted by such improvements. If Mobile or New
Orleans any other port, desires to make improve
ments, they all have the same privilege and hence
Georgia will not have to pay for improving Mobile
harbor, and vice uersa. In word, those who re-
ceive the benefits, will have to pay for them.
This provision he considered wise and Just.
In the third place-and this is very important
Improvement upon the old Constituton-the pub
lie money is protected. We have been accoustom-
ed, in the old country, to hear the Presidents
charged with the extravaganza of the public ex-
penditures. Thus we had heard of the extrava-
ganccs of Jno Quincy Adams, of Andrew jackson,
Of Martin Van Buren,, and finally, of JAS. Buchan-
an but these extravagances not really char
geable to the Presidents. Their estimates of the
probable expenditures had fallen short of the re-
atty; thus, in some cases, the expenditures had
increased two.or three millions over the estimates;
and, in the case of Mr.. Buchanan, as much as
twenty millions. His estimates were sixty mil
lions, and yet Congress had appropriated eighty
millions 1t was generally the fault of the Con-
gress, and the result of logrolling by the members
As, for instance, the last night of session. it
frequently happened that in the hurry Of finish
ing the business of the session, and passing the
appropriation bill, some member would succeed in
fastening upon it an appropriation of a million
here, and another million some where else-al
done without reflection and often by irresponsi-
BILE body of men-men whose time of service was
completed, and who would, perhaps, never return
to Congress. But all this is obviated by the
Constitution. The Congress of the Confederate
States can only make such appropriations as the
President recommends or, if they exceed these, it
10 t,vo ofo of frro I'd NJ hot
ses.
Thus you sec, my countrymen, that very i'm
portant point is gained. You have the public
treasury we'll guarded, and you can hold the Presi
dent responsible at the ballot box if he rushes the
Government into extravagant expenditures. II
makes no difference how much business merch-
ant transacts-no difference how much profit ari-
ses-if there too many hands in the till he is
bound to be ruined. AS mercantile men, you will
and appreciate this illustration. And
the illustration applies to the Government Treasu-
ry as we'll But that think, is now properly
guarded-and so we have another improvement
npon the old Constitution.
In the fourth place-and this is the principal
and most important point of alive have settled,
forever, the great question which was the prime
cause Of our separation from the United States-I
mean the question of African slavery. The old
Constitution set out with a wrong idea this sub
lCct 1t was based upon an erroneous principle ; 1t
was founded upon the idea that African slavery is
wrong, and it looked forward to the ultimate ex-
tinction of that institution. But time has proved
the error, and we have corrected it in the new
Cen tuition. We have based ours upon the
principle of the inequality of races and the prnci
pie is spreading-it is becoming appreciated and
better understood and though there are many
even in the South who are still in the shell upon
this sabect, yet the day is not far distant when it
will be generally understood and appreciated-not
only in the South, but everywhere else The
world is rapidly progressing in its views on this
subject, and in very few years may witness
great changes in respect to this institution.
SUIcIDE.-Mr Edwin Wall, a native and for
many years resident of this county, but for the
past two or three years of Carol county, Miss.
committed suicide few days since by taking
strychnine. Mr. W. we'll known throughout
this section of the State, and universally esteemed
as most noble, and worthy man, and few there
are whose death would be more generally mourned.
Surrounded, seemingly, by all that could make
life desirable, enjoying the confidence and love of
all who knew him, he has thus suddenly and I'M
accountably put an end to his existence. He
leaves a wife and three small children. His age
was about 4S.
We learn that MIR W. was laboring under tenn
porary alteration of mind-and that he refus-