The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-02-15
Speech of Alexander HI. stephens.

MONTGOMERY, Feb. 10.
We give below the speech Of ALEX. Fl.
STEPHENS, Vice President of the Southern
Confederacy, in response to a serenade in
honor of his election
Although we meet as strangers from dill
ferent, independent states, we are once more
citizens of q common country. Allow me
briefly and sincerely to return my young
friends thanks for this compliment. The
state of my health and voice, and the night
air. apart from other considerations, pre-
vent me from doing more. This is not the
time nor place to discuss the great question
now pressing GU the public councils. 1t is
sufficient to say that this day new Repub-
lie has been formed-the confederate states
of America have been ushered into existence
by taking their places among the nations of
the earth, under temporary provisional
government it is true, but soon to be one of
a permanent character, which, while it sur
renders none of our rights and liberties will
secure them more perfectly. We trust for
peace, security and domestic tranquility,
that ought to be the object of all govern
ments. What is the future of this new gov
ernment? The late of this new Republic
will depend upon ourselves. Six states
only at present constitute it; but six states
yet appear in our constellation; but the per.
manent government may prove greater
number than the original thirteen of the
original Union, with more than three times
their population, wealth and power. With
such beginning, the prospect of the future
presents strong hopes to the patriotic heart,
for bright prospects in our career; but
what the nature shall be depends upon our
ourselves and those who shall come after
US. Our Republic and all republics to be
permanent and prosperous must be sup-
ported 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 secure
ly, and permanently resting our trust on
these we need fear nothing from with
out or within. Witha climate unsurpassed
by any on earth; with staples and pro.
ductiOrs which control the commerce of the
world; with institutions, so far as regards
our organic and social policy, in strict con-
formity to nature and the laws of the Crea-
tor, whether read in the book of inspiration
or the great book of manifestations around
us, we have all the natural elements essen
sial to the attainment, 10 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, and 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 desire to
preserve and maintain peace with u states
and people. If this cannot be done, let moi
the fault be at our doors. While we should
make aggressioDs on none we should be pre-
pared to repel those made by others, lei
them come, from whatever quarter they
may. We ask of others simply to let us
alone and to be permitted to look after oul
safety, security aud happiness in our OWL
way, without molestiDg or giving offence