The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1861-05-08
Message of President Davis.

MONTGOMERY, April 29.-Congress
met at noon to-day. ...
President Davis Message read. an.
nouncing the ratification of the Permanent
Constitution by all of the Confederate
States, and that j. only remained that an
election be held for the designation of
officers to administer it. He saws the de
claratlon of war has been laid against this
Cop!ederacy by Abraham Lincoln, which
rendered it necessaryto convene Congress,
to devise measures necessary for the de
fence of the country.
The President then reviews at length
the relations heretofore existing between
the States, and events which have resul
ted in the present warfare. Referring to
the result OF the mission o. the Commits
sioners TO Washington, he says the crook.
ed paths OF diplomacy can scarcely furn-
ish an example so wanting in courtesy, in
candor, and in direc.ness, as WAS the
course Of the United States Government
towards our ommissioners.
The President incidentally refers TO the
prudent caution observed by the fleet off
Charleston during the bombardment of
Fort Sumter, and pays high compliment
to the Carolinians for their forbearance
before, heroisn during, and maguanimity
after, the hombardment.
lie says Commissioners have been sent
to England, France, Russia aud Belgium.
to ask our recognition as a membe, of the
Family Of Nations, and make treaties of
am'ty and commerce. He recommends
the appointment Of other diplomatic a.
gents.
lie says the Confederacy, through
Vice President Stephens, has concluded a
Convention with Virginia, by which she
has united her power aud fortunes with
ours. lie has satisfactory assurances that
other Southern States will soon unite
their fortunes with us.
lie says most of the Executive Depart.
ments are in operation. The Post.
master General will soon be ready to as
sumo the direction of posta! affairs.
In conclusion, he congratulates the
Coniederacy on the patriotism and devo,
ton exhibited by the people Of the Con.
iederacy. Men Of high official and social
l'"'N''"S anu wealth. nave peen serving
rs volunteers in the ranks The railway
companies have been liberal in their rates
ot transporting troops and supplies, and
profier liberal terms for the trans portation
OF the mails, and receive in compensation
Bo"ds Of the Confederacy. He says a
people thus united and resolved cannot
fail in final success. We fee. that our
cause is just and holy, and protest solemn.
ly IN the face OF mankind that we desire
peace at any sacrifice, save that of honor
and Independence. We seek no conquest,
no aggrandizement, no concessions from
The Free States. All We ask il TO be let
alone; that none shall attempt our sub.
Jngation by arms. This we will, we must,
resist to the direst extremity. The mo.
ment this pretension is abandoned, the
sword will drop from our grasp. and we
shall be ready to entertain treaties of am
ity and commerce mutually beneficial
SO long rs this pretension is maintained,
with firm reliance on that Divine Power
which covers with its protection the jus.
cause, we will continue to struggle for our
inherent right to freedom, independence
ana self government.