East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1861-02-28
speech of Hon. A. Ia. stephens,
Vice President of tsie Southern
Confederation.

Vice president of tsle Southern
Confederation.
MONTGOMERY, Ala, Feb. 10.
Hon. A. H. Stephens said, in response
to a screnade last evening. "Ihough
we met as strangers fran different ana
independent States, we are once more
citizens Of q common country. Allow
NE briefly and sincerely to return my
unfeigned-thanks for this compliment
TN. state of my health aud voice, and
night air, apart from otherc considerations,
prevent me from doing more, This Is
not the time nor place to discuss tne
great question now pressing on the rno,
Tic councils. 1t is sufficient to say th''
this day new Republic has beea FORM
ed. The Confederate States OF Amer. ca
have been ushered iuto existence, to
take their place amongst the nations OF
the earth, under temporary or pro-
visional government it 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
tranquility. That ought to be the object
of all governments. What is che future
of this new government The fate OF
this new Republic will depend upon
ourselves. Six States only at present
constitute it; but six stars yet appear In
our constellation and constitution. The
permanent government may have great
er number than the original thirteen OF
the original Union, with more than three
times their population, wealth, and pow
or. With such beginning the prospect
of the future presents strong hopes to
the patriots heart for bright prospects in
our career but what the future shall be
depends upon ourselves and those who
shall come after us. Our Republic and
ell Republics, to be permanent and pros
porous, must be supported by the virtue,
intelligence, integrity, and patriotism OF
the people. These are the corner stones
upon which the temple Of liberty must
be constructed to stand securely and per-
manenty. Resting our trust on these,
we need not fear anything from without
or within. With climate unsurpassed
] w any OIN Ol 'hiNh, WIN eh''
: productions which control the commerce
of the world with our institutions, so far
as regards our organic and social policy,
in strict conformity to nature and the
laws of the Creator, whether read in the
book of inspiration or the great book of
manifestation around us,-we have all
the natural elements essential to the at
!, tainment, in the highest degree, of power
and glory. These institutions have been
much assailed, and it is our mission to
vindicate the great truth on which they
rest, aud with them exhibit the highest
type of civilization which it is possible
for human society to reach. In doing
this, our policy should be marked by a
desire to preserve and maintain peace
: with all States and peoples. II this
cannot be done, let not the fault lie at
, our door, While we shoud make az
gression5 on none, we should be prepared
to repel those made by others, let them
= COMO from whatever quarter they may
= We ask of others simply TO let us alone
: and to be permitted to look after ON
i, safety, security, aud happiness in our OWL
: way, without molestng or giving offence
: to other people. Let, then, peace, fra
: ternity, and liberal commercial relations
> with all the world be our motto. Will
these principles, without envy towards
: other States in the line Of policy they
: may take for themselves, we will invite
: them to a generous rivalry in all that de
: velopes the highest quality of every ma
ton. With the best wishes to you, gen
tlemen, and to the success of our common
government, this day announced, | bid
> you good night"
! lie was frequently interrupted by ap
= plause, and on retiring three cheers were
given for Mr.. Stephens, the first Vice
President Of the Confederate States Of
America.