Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-02-14

MONTGOMERY, Feb. I0.-The Hon. A Fl
Stephens said in response to serenade last
night Though We met as strangers from
different an Independent States, we are once
mere citizens of a common country. Allow
me briefly and sincerely to return my IN
feigned thanks for this compliment. The
state of my health and voice and the night
air apart from other cOnsiderati ons, prevent
me from doing more. This is not the time
nor place to discuss the great question now
pressing in the public councils.
Ii l. sufficient to say that this day new
Republic has been formed. The confederate
States OF America have been ushered into ex-
istence 20 take their place amongst the ma
tons OF the earth under temporary or pro-
visionaI government. 1t is soon 10 be fol-
lowed ny one of permanent character,
which while il surrenders none of our ancient
rights and liberties. will secure them more
perfectly we trust for peace. security, and
domestic Tranquil ~ that ought to be the OBJ
jet of all governments
What il the future of this new gUyern-
mpnt? The fate of this new republic will
depend upon ourselves. Six States only at
present constitute it-but six stars yet ap-
pear in our cOustellaIi:. n and Constitution
The permanent government may have a
greater number than the original thirteen of
The original Union. with more than three
With such beginning the prospect OF the
future presents strong hopes to the patriotic
heart for bright prospects in our career; but
what the future shall be depends upon our
selve. and those who shalt come after US.
Our republic, AID all republics, to be per-
ma nent and prosperous, must be supported
By the virtue, intelligence, integrity, and pat
rioIism of the peOple-these are the cOrDe-
stones upon which the temple OF liberty must
hka cd fp Sfa hoo ralU nd
manufacturing our trust on ihes. We need
fear nothing from without or within. With a
climate unsurpassed by any on earth, with
staples and produce which control the com
merce of the world; with Institutions. so Jar
as regards our organic aud sacred policy in
strict con ornity to nature and the laws OF
the Creator, whether read in the book OF IL
spiratiOn or the great book of manifestations
around Us. We have all the natural elements
essential to the highest degree of power and
glory. These institutions have been much
assailed, and il is our mission TO vindicate the
great tIsth on which they rest, and with
their y7sdication to expedite the highest type
of civilization which it is possible for human
society to reach. In doing this, our policy
should Remarked by desire IN preserve and
maintain peace with all States and peoples.
If this cannot be done, let not the fault lie at
our door. While we should make aggressions
on none, we should be prepared to repel those
made by others, let them come from whatever
quarter they may. We ask of others simply
to let us alone, and be permitted to look after
our safety. security, and happiness, in our
own way, without molesting or giving offence
to other people. " Let there be peace, fra
ternity, and liberal commercial relations
with all the world " be our motto. With this
principle, without envy towards other States
in the line of policy they may take for them,
selves, we will invite them to glorious rival
~ in all that developes the highest quality of
every nation. With the best wishes TO you,
gentlemen; and to the success of our COM
mon government his day announced, bid
you good night. "a
II Stephens was frequently interrupted
by applause, and, or retiring, three cheers
were given for Mr.. Stephens, the first Vice
President of the Confederated States of
America. .....-... =-