The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-02-22
From the Washington States.
Southern Confederacy.

1t will be seen by our dispatches that
the convention of the extreme Southern
States in session at Montgomery, Ala,
have adopted constitution for Southern
Confederacy, and elected the Hon. Jeff.
Davis, of Miss, President, and Hon. A. Ii.
Stephens, of Ca, Vice President of the
new Republic.
Davis and Stephens are representative
men Of the South, and will command the
respect of all men in much greater de
gree than any two statesmen who might
have been selected by the seeding States.
Those who looked at the action of South
Carolina rs the ot-headed ebuIition Of
fanatics, who were as much to be deplorcd
and as little to be ultimately feared as the
Garrisonian wing of the Republican party
have now to face result of a vastly more
important nature. The form and para
phernalia Of an actual government have
been assumed by the States meeting at
Montgomery. AS the Southern move
ment ascends, the eye is diverted from
South Carolina. Even the convention has
overlooked her, and sought in Mississippi
and Georgia for the heads to guide and
council the infancy of the new Confedera>
cy.
The action of the Convention is regard
e6 as check to the wilder feelings which
have given rise to unpleasant anticipa-
tons. 1t is looked upon as an evidence
that nothing premature will be attempted.
Jefferson Davis, when here, was willing
to accept the Crittenden proposition. pro-
vided the Republicans would assent to it
in good faith. His vote is recorded against
it because that party showed no honest
disposition to induce settlement; but we
do not err in stating that Mr.. Davis, as
we'll as Mr.. Toombs and other sterling
Southern men, were willing to meet the
Republicans on the basis offered by the
Senator from Kentucky.
The conservative character of Mr.. Ste
phens of Georgia, is well and widely
known. lie did all in his power to avert
the crisis, and now being swept into it,,
end on it, to the second position in the
coDfederacy, no fear need be felt but that
he will council discretion.
The formal union Of the seeding States
with Jefferson Davis at their head, takes
tie onus of the attack on Fort Sumpter
out Of the hands of South Carolina. In
deed, it was understood that Mr.. Hayne,
when here, expressed himself, in converse.
ton, that no attack would be made on Fl.
Sumpter, hut that South Carolina would
await the action Of the Montgomery Con-
vention. From the military capacity of
the new President, it is but natural to in
fer that he will take no precipitate action
in this regard. We feel convinced that
he will undertake no rash act which will
lead to the unnecessary shedding Of
blood.
In view of the present state of affairs:
of the character of the men placed in pow
er by the seeding States, and of their
known position, it would seem to US that
the Peace Congress should take prompt
and earnest action.
If it would honorably, heartily adopt
the Crittenden proposition, and offer it
to the new Confederacy, we are forced to
think that satisfactory adjustment could
be effected, even now with the Gulf
States.
1t is DO time for fantasy or faction. 1t
is no time for party. 1t is no time for
personality. 1t is no time for men to talk
of not breaking through the principles Of
their party but it is time for elevating
all parties up to great principle-tbe
principle Of national self preservation If
men will forget themselves, they will soon
remember means for general salvation.
If they will cease to distract each other,
they will quickly end the distractions of
the country. If they will council peace,
there will soon be peace in their councils;
and the moment any great council OF the
States now assembling here becomes uni
ted, then We can safely look forward to
harmony, and speak once more Of the
e" L nited States"
In the name of Heaven, let tie Peace
Congress not belle It's name. 1t it has
met for Peace. let it adjourn, when 1t does
adjourn, also for Peace. To 10 this they