The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-02-12

and Wednesday of this week.-On motion of Mr..
STOUT, of Oregon, the bill in relation to the Ore
day of next week. k.-The House then adjourned.
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THE NATIONAL CRISIS.
The SOUTHERN CONGRESS.
of the New Southern COnfederacy.
MONTGOMERY, Feb. 9.-In response to the sere.
made given to Hon. A. Il. Stephens, as mentioned
in former despatch, he said
Although met strangers from different indie
pendent States, we are once more citizens of a
common country. Allow me, briefly and sincere
ly, to return my unteigned thanks for this compi-
ment you have shown me. The state ofmy health,
my voice, and the mig ght air, apart from other con-
siderations, prevent me doing more. This is not
the time or place to discuss the great questions
now pressing upon the public counsels. 1t is sufi
cient to say that this day new Republic has been
formed. These confederate States of America have
been ushered into existence to take their place
amongst the nations OF. earth under temporary or
Provisional Government, tits true, but soon to be
followed by one OF permanent character, which,
while it surrenders none of our ancient rights
liberties, will secure more perfectly, we trust,
peace, security, and domestic tranquility. That
ought to be the object of all governments What
is to be the future of this new government? The
fate of this new republic will depend upon our
selves Six States only at present constitute our
constellation. The constitution of our permanent
Government may have greater number than the
original thirteen of the original Q Unon-more than
three times their population, wealth and power
With such beginning our prospect for the future
presents stronger grounds of hope thai the patriots
Of the past had for bright prospects career
But, what the future shall be depends on ourselves
and those to come after us. Our Republic, and all
Republics, to be permanent and prosperous, must
be supported by virtue, intelligence, integrity
and patriotism of the people. These are our
corner-stones, upon which the temple Of lib
erty must be constructed; and, securely and
permanently resting upon these, need
fear nothing from without or within.
With a climate unsurpassed by any on earth
with staple productions which control the com
merce of the world, with institutions so far as re-
CARDS our organic and social policy in strict con-
f0rmty to nature and the laws of the Creator,
whether read in the Book of Inspiration the
great book of manifestations around US, we have
all the natural elements essential to the attainment
of the highest degree of power and glory. TAp-
plause.
These institutions have been much assailed 1t
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
the desire to preserve and maintain peace with
the fault lie at our door, While we should make
aggressons on none,w should be prepared to repel
those made by Others let them come from whatever
quarter they may.
We ask of others simply that we be let alone, and
permitted to look after safety, security, and
happiness in our own way, without moesting or
giving offence to other people. Let, then, peace
and liberal commercial relations with
all the world be our motto. [Cheers.l With these
principles without envy towards other States in
the line of policy they may mark out for th en-
selves-we will invite them to generous rivalry in
all that developes the highest of every nation
[ Applause
And now, with the best wishes to you, gentle
men, and success to common government this
day announced, bid you goodnight.
AS the speaker retired, three cheers were given
for "lIon. A. H. Stephens, of Georgia, the first
Vice President of the Confederate States of North
America
MONTGOMERY, Feb. 1.-The convention met at
ii o'clock. After prayer, a committee was ap-
pointed to inform Mr.. Stephens of his nomination
as Vice President The committee reported that
Mr.. Stephens would at the request of the commit
tee, deliver his reply in open convention, at one
o'clock.
resolution adopted appointing a commit
tee of five to report bill for the establishment of
an Executive Department for the Confederacy.
Mr.. Stephens resolution was adopted, making
the Naval and Military Committees SEPARATE
Also for appointing Committees on Public Lands,
Territories, etc.
The Convention then went into secret session,
and subsequently, took recess for a half hour, re-
assembling at l o'clock.
The President announced that the hour had ar
rived for hearing Mr.. Stephens reply.
Mr.. Stephens said: have been notified by your
my election Vice President of the
Government of the Confederated States
of America. The committe request that / should
make known to the body in verbal response my
acceptance of the high position to which l have
been called. This | now do in this august D res
ence.
Before you, Mr.. President-before the Congress
before this large concourse of people, under the
bright sun and azure sky which now smiles so aus
pici5usly upon US, take OCCASION to return my most
profound acknowledgements for this expression
of confidence on the part of Congress. There are
special reasons why | place unusually high esti-
mate on it. The considerations which have induced
me to accept it need not state 1t is sufficient to
say that it may be deemed questionable whether
any good citizen refuse to discharge any duty
that may he assigned him by his country in the
hour of need. 1t might be expected that |
should indulge in remarks the state of
public affairs, and the dangers which threaten US;
and the most advisable measures to be adopted to
meet the present exigencies. Allow me to say, in
the absence of the distinguished gentleman called
to the Chief Executive chair, think it best to for
bear saying anything on such matters. We expect
if not Providentialy detained. When he comes,
we will hear from him on these difficult questions,
and | doubt not we shall cordially and harmoni-
ousy concur in the line of policy which his superior
wisdom and craftsmanship shall indicate.
Meantime, we may very protitably be directing
attention to such as providing necessary postal
arrangements; make provision for the transfer of
custom-houses from the jurisdiction of separate
States to the contederacy; and the imposition of
such duties necessary to meet the present and
aypnctpd nyippnnes In tha of IN
raise are limited to the object of reve-
nue.. small duty, not exceeding one per centum,
upon importations, it is believed, will be sufficient.
We can also be devoting attention to the Consti-
durable, which is of the leading objects in our
assembling.
| am now, said Mr.. Stephens ready to take the
oath, which was accordingly administered.
A committee of two from each State was appoint
ed to report a constitution and permanent form
of government for the Confeder acy.
Special Despatch
WAsHINGToN, Feb. 11.-The Peace Conference is
getting on slowly. The business committee have
not less than twenty different propositions before
them, and cannot report for some tirae Ex-Presi-
dent Tyler expresses the apprehension that nothing
will be effected by their labors. The general feel
ing among the members is, however, good.
l hear it stated that the Virginia Convention will
pass conditional ordinance of secession, to take
effect in case no compromise is made by the Wash
ington Conference within certain time. 1t, of
course, must 60 to the people for ratification.
Judge Black, it is ascertained by actual count,
cannot be confirmed by the Senate for the vacant
position upon the Supreme Bench.
Thurlow Weed is here, and is laboring to induce
some settlement of the pending difficulties.
1t is stated on good authority that twenty -one
Republican Senator's have Joined in protest to
Mr.. Lincoln against the appointment OF Mr.. Cam
eron to a seat in the Cabinet.
Senator johnson, of Tennessee, is greatly elated
at the news from bis State to the result of the
election. The difficulty between Mr.. Wigfall AID
himself, it is said, has been adjusted.
Prominent Southern politicians say to day, that
South Carolina will be much dissatisfied with the
neglect her public men hav received at the hands
of the Montgomery Congress. Having led the Sc.
cession movement, she felt entitled to the first hon
ors in the new Government.
RusselPs trial for the abstraction of the Indian
bonds has been postponed till March. The Com
mittee of Investigation upon that subject will re-
port in few days.
The Gaines case will come up tomorrow in the
Supreme Court. OBSERVER.
Second Despatch
WASHINGTON, Feb. Ill hear that there are
many other provisions in the proposition of Mr..
Guthrie in behalf OF the Kentucky delegation, and
above referred to, but give the leading one. A
proposition for Congressional Code to uphold
and protect slavery in territories. found no favor
in the committee. Of course the Kentucky propo-
sition is liable to modification.
The Kentucky proposition for compromise was
adopted to-day in the sub committee of the Peace
Convention as sort of preliminary step. 1t pro-
hlbits slavery in Territories north of 800 30 and
in all the territory south of that line slavery is re-
cognized as it exists in Southern States of the Un-
ion; the rights of shareholders shall be protected
by the U. 5. Courts and all departments of the