The Van Buren press., 1861-03-20


ed in every manufacturing country-our
true policy is peace, and the freest trado
which our necessities will permit. Il II
alike our interest. and that Of all those to
whom we sell and from whom we would
buy. that there should be the fswest practi-
cable restrictiods upon the interchange Of
commodities. There can be but little riv.
airy between ours and any ma1ufacturing
or navigating community, such ~ the FREQ
States of the American Union. It must
follow, therefore, that mutual interest
would invite good will and kind Offices. If
however. passion aad the last OF doainion
shouldscioui TIE jaasnSeat o. Gans sheam-
s s'es ~ s;:1 2 2sf Rss !;
the iinai Slbitsamsst p ~ s1eci. ~ 90
sition which ws have a0mAGl sancNg the
nreions u the earth. We have entsrsd mp
on the carser Of independsnce, and l. must
be inAexibly pursued. Through many
years Of controversy with our late associates
the Northern States. We have vainly endes-
vored to secure tranquility, and to obtain
respect for the rights to which we were en-
titled. As necessity, not . choice. We
have resorted to the remedy of separation;
| and henceforth. our energies must be direct
ed to the conduct OF our own affairs. and the
perpesuity Of the Confederacy which we
have formed. II .. just perception Of mu-
tual interests, shall permit us, peaoeably, to
pursue our separate political career. my
most earnest desire will have been fulfilled.
But if this be denied to US, and the integri-
ty Of our territory and jurisdiction be as
sailed, it will but remain sor us, with firm
resolve. to appeal to arms and invoke the
blessings of Providence on . just cause.
| AS a consequence of our new condition.
and with view to meet anticipated wants.
1t will be necessary to provide for the speedy
and efficient organization Of branches of
the Executive Department. hsving special
charge Of foreign intercourse. finance, mill.
tary affairs and the postal service.
For purposes Of defence, the Confederate
States may, under ordinary circumstances.
relv mainly upon tbyir militia, but it is
deemed advisable. in the present condition
of affairs. that there should be well in
structed and disciplined army. more nu-
merous than would usually be required ON
a peace establishment. also suggest that
for the protection Of our harbors and COM
merce on the high seas, navy adapted to
those objects will be required. These ne
cessities have doubtless engrossed the atten-
tion Of Congress.
| With Constitution differing only from
that of our fathers. in SO far as it is ex-
planatory of their we'll known intent. freed
from the sectional conflicts which have in
terfered with the pursuit of the general well
lfarer i Is not unreasonable to expect that
Estates from which VI h9vW fecsdSoy parte&
may seek to unite their fortune with ours
under the government which we have insti-
tuted. For this your Constitution makes
adequate provision but beyond this, If I
mistake not the jodeusnt and viii Of the
people, 3 re-unioh Ssftkstha s6tskss from
which we have separated. IL sngfhefDsSes;es.
BILE nor desirable. To increase th6 powsr,
develop the resources. and promote the hap
piness of Confederacy. it is requisite thas
there should be SO much Of homogenty that
the welfare of every portion shall be tho
aim of the whole. Where this does not
exist, antagonisms are cngendered which
must and should result in separation.
Actuated solely by the desire to preserve
our own rights and promote our own welfare.
the separation of the Confederated States
has been marked by no aggression upon
others. and followed by no domestic convul-
sion. Our industrial pursuits have received
progressed as heretofore-and even should
we be involved in wat. there wonld be no
considerable diminution in the production
of the staples which have constituted our
exports, and in which the commercial world
has an interest scarcely less than our own.
This common interest Of the producer and
consumer. can only be interrupted by an ex-
terror force. which should obstruct its trans
mission to foreign markets. course OF
conduct which would be ~ unjust TO-
wards rs as it would be detrimental
to manufacturing and commercial inter
ests abroad. Should reason guide the
action Of the from which we have separated,
lg policy SO detrimental to the civilized
world, the Northern States included, could
not be dictated by even the strongest desire
to infiict injury upon MS /: but otherwise. a
terrible responsibility will rest upon it, and
the sufferings of millions will bear tes-
timony to the folly and wickedness Of our
aggressos. In the mean time, there will
remain to as, beside the. ordinary means be-
fore suggested. the we'll known resources fos
retaliation upon the commercs Of an enemy.
Experience in public stations. Of subor-
dinate grade to this which your kindness
has conferred. has taught me that care and
toll. and disappointment are the price d
official elevation. You will sse many errors
to forgive. many deficiencies 10 tolerate. but
you shall not find IA mo either . want oi
Of zeal or fidelity tod cause that is to
me highest in hops iad Hof4most enduring
affection. Your gsnsppeit5 has, bestowed
upon me an undeseeveds Abduction one
which neither sought S6ks dssircd. Upon
the continuance Of At6Sfs 59hfiment. and up
on your wisdom sue &fiotism. / reply 70
direct and support slle1A the performance oi
the duty required Any hands.
j We have chsnad ths constituent parts.
but not the systsln of our government, The
Constitution fofMsd by our fathers is that
Of these Confedstlss States in their expo
sitiea of Il. ard, IN the Judicial coAstsuc-
tion it has receiysds ws have light whichrs-
!, veais its t<ua 4beaning. ~
n Thus instructed - 70 the just intsrpEsta-
tion Of the instxumept. aad svsr remsmbe.
ing that Al Offices ne bot trusts held 10
!, tho people, andAhat dsls9ats power. arc :
4 b strissly esassrss1, Tswiu hopr,. By du
ldiligeaes in ths resfasnanag q. my duties
thopgh.I may disarpo,nt yer.s sxpsetationa
|. lyet TO retain. whoa retiring. sonasthiar q
the eood will aud ccaiidsnce Which -