Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1861-03-09

dictate the rectitude OF our oOhuuc'' NV ~ WV
knows The hearts OF men will Judge OF the slncet-
ty with which we labored to preserve the govern
ment of our fathers in its spirit. The right sol
emnly proclaimed at the birth Of the States, and
which has been affirmed and re affirmed 10 the
Bills of Rights of States subsequently admitted
into the Union of 1889, undeniably recognize, in
tho people, the power to resume the authority del
egated for the purposes Of government. Thus the
Sovereign States hero represented proceeded to
form this Confederacy, and it is by abu e Of Ian
guago that their act has been denominated a rovo-
luton. They formed a new alliance, but within
each State its government has remained, the rights
of person and property have not been disturbed.
The agent through whom they communicated with
foreign nations is changed, but this does not neces-
sarily interrupt their international relations.
Sustained by the consciousness that the transit
tion from the former Union to the present Confed-
eracy has not proceeded from a disregard on our
part OF just obligation, or any failure to perform
every constitutional ~duty-moved by no interest
OF passion to invade the rights Of others-anxious
to cultivate peace and commerce with all nations,
If we may not hope to avoid war, we may at least
expect that posterity will acquit US of having
heedlessly engaged in it. DOubly justified by the
absence of wrong on our part and by wanton az
erosion on the part of others, there can be no
cause TO doubt that the courage and patriotism Of
the people Of the Confederate States will be found
equal to any measures of defence which honor and
security may require.
An agricultural people-whose chief interest is
the export Of a commodity required in every man
ufacturing Gountry-cur true policy is peace, and
the freest trade which our necessities will permit.
IL ie aIka N intaraat oud that of Ill tL,so al
whom we would sell and from whom we would
buy, that there should be the fewest practicable
restrictions upon the interchange of commodities.
There can be but lit;le rivalry between ours and
any manufacturing or navigating community, such
as the free States Of the American Union. 1t
must follow, therefore, that e mutual interest
would invite good will and kind Offices.
If, however, passion or lust of dominion should
cloud the judgment or inlame the ambition OF
those States, we must prepare to meet the emer-
geney and to maintain, by the final arbitrament Il OF
the sword, the position which we have assumed
among the nations Of the earth. We have entered
upon the career of independence, and it must be
infexibly pursued. Through many years of con-
rtroversy, with our late associates, the Northern
States, we have vainly endeavored to secure tran
guilty, and TO obtain respect for the rights to
which we are entitled. AS a necessity, not q
choice, we have resorted to the remedy of separa-
ton and hencetorth, our energies must be direc'-
ed to the conduct of cur oEn affairs, and the per-
petuity of the Confederscy which We have formed.
If a just perception of mutual interest shall por-
NIT us, peaceably, to pursue our political career,
my most earnest desire will have been fulfilled.
But, if this be denied US. and the integrity of our
territory and jurisdiction lie assaulted, it will but
remain for US, with firm resolve, to appeal to arms
and invoke the blessings Of Providence on a Just
cause.
As consequence of our new condition, md
with a view to meet anticipated wants, it will be
necessary TO provide for the speedy and efficient
organization of branches of the Executive Depart
.ment. having special charge of foreign intercourse,
finance, military affairs, and the postal service.
For the purpose of defence, the Confederate
States may, under ordinary circumstances, rely
mainly upon their militia, but it is deemed advisa-
ble, in the present condition Of affairs, that there
should be a we'll instructed and disc plined army,
more numerous than would usually lie required
on q peace establishment. | also suggest that for
the protection of our hurbors and commerce on
he high seas, a navy adapted to these objects will
be required. These necessities have doubtless
engaged the attention of Congress.
With a Constitution differing only from that OF
our fathers, in 30 far as it is explanatory of their
we'll known intent, freed from the sectional con-
hicts which have interferred with the pursuit of
the general welfare, it is not unreasonable to ex-
pect that States from which we have recently par
ted may seek to unite their fortunes with ours un-
der the government which we have Instituted =
For this uonr constitntion nokos odaouata prov;
sion; but beyond this, if l mistake not the judg-
ment and the will of the people, a reunion with
the States from which VIC have separated is neither
practicable nor desirable. To increase the power,
develop The resources, and promote tho happiness
Of a Confederacy, it is requisite that there should
be so much of the homogenity that the welfare of
every portion shall ba the aim of the whole
Where this does not exist, antagonisms are eugen-
dered which must and should result in separation.
Actuated solely by the desire to preserve our
own rights and promote our own welfare, the sepa-
ration Of the Confederate States has been marked
by no aggression upon others, and followed BY no
domestic cOnvulsion. Our industrial pursuits have t
received No check--ths cultivation of our fields I
have progressed as heretofOre-and even should Q
we DO involved in war, there would be no consid- !
cradle diminution. in the production of the staples
which have constituted our exports, and in which [
the commercial world has an interest scarcely less 4
than our own. This common interest of the pro- e
Queer aud consumer, can only be interrupted by [
an exterior force, which should obstruct it's trans '
mission to foreign markets-a course of conduct f
which would be as unjust towards US as it would p
be detrimental to manufacturing and commercial d
interests abroad. Should reason guide lbe action s
OF the Government from which we have separated, L
q policy so detrimental to the civilized world, the ii
Northern States included, could not be dictated BY c
even the strongest desire to iuaict injury upon d
US but otherwise, a terrible responsibility will Il
rest upon ii, and the suffering of millions will e
bear testimony to the folly and wickedness OF our N
aggressors. In the meantime, there will remain .
to us, besides the ordinary means suggested, the b