Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1861-03-01

On yesterday at o clock, amid an i'm
posing display of citizens, military and
ladies, the President elect-Gen. Jefferson
Davis-was inaugurated 90 Presidenfof the
Southern Confederate States. Hesaid the
States have asserted, and with the bless
ing of Providence intended to maintain
their position by achievements and in q
manner unprecedented in the history Of
nations.
The verdict of mankind will vindicate
the rectitude of our conduct. He who
knows the hearts of men win judge orthe
sincerity with which we have labored TO
preserve the government OF our fathers in
lis spirit. The right solemnly proclaimed
at the birth of the States, and has been
affirmed and re-atfrned in the Billie Of
Rights of States which was subsequently
admitted into the Union of 789, ,undeniRbly
recognize in the people the power to re-
sume the authority delegated for the pur-
pose of government.
The sovereign States here representa-.
have proceeded to form this Contederacy,
and it is by an abuse of language that their
acts have been denominated revolution.
Moved by no interest of passion to in
wade the rights of fothers-anxious to culti-
vate peace and commerce wi all nations,
at least expect that posterity will acquis
rs of having needlessly engaged in it.
Doubtly justified by the absence Of wrong
on our part, and by warton aggression Ola
the part of others, tn ere can be 70 cause
to doubt that the courage and patriotism
of the people Of the Confederated States
will be found equal to any measures
which their security may require.
Our true policy Is peace, and the freest
trade which our necessities will permit.
There can be but little rivalry between ua
| and any manufacturing or navigating cenz-
munities, such as the Northern and East
ern States Of the old American Uuion.
1t must follow therefore, that mutual in
terest would invite good will and kind oH-
ces. If however, passion or lust of domin.
ion should cloud the Judgment, or imfa-
me the ambition of those States, we must
| prepare to meet the emergency, and
maintain by the sword the position we
! have ssumed.
We have entered upon career OF inde-
pendence,a and it must be inhexibly pursued
even through many years of controversy
with our late associates.
If just perception Of onr mutual inter-
| est shall permit US, we shall peacebly pur-
sue our separate political career; but If
firm resolve, to appeal to arms, and to
invoke the blessing of Providence in a just
cause.
AS a consequence Of our new condition.
and with aiview to meet anticipated wants,
it will be necessary to provide speedy
and efficient organization of the Executive
Department, having special charge of
foreign intercourse, finance, military at
fairs and tho postal service
For purposes of defence, the confeder-
ate States may, under ordinary circumstan-
ces, rely mainly upon their militia but it
is deemed advisable, in the present con-
dition of affairs, that there should be moro
force than is usually required On q peace
establishment.
He recommends Navy and other meas
ures; and speaking of himself says: You
will see many errors to forgi ive-diHcnl-
ties to tolerate; but you shall not find in
me either want of zeal or fidelity to N
cause that to me is the highest in hops,
and most enduring affection.