Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1861-02-15
The Southern Congress.

MONTGOMERY, req. y.
Unusual interest was manifested in the
proceedings of the Southern Congress, to- day.
The hall Of the convention and the galleries
were crowded.
MIR. Memming0r presented a beautiful
model flag, made by the ladies of South Car
DINA. The flag has blue cross on red
field, and seven stars on the flag. 1t was
highly admired. lie also presented another
model flag, by gentleman of Charleston. 1t
has cross and fifteen stars on field Of
stripes. A committee was appointed to
report on flag, seal and coat of arms and
motto for the Southern Coniederacy.
! The President was directed to appoint
commissioners on finance, military and naval
affairs, postal affairs, commerce and patents.
| Hon. jeff. Davis was then elected President,
and Hon. A. II. Stephens, Vice President, of
the Southern Confedercy. The vote was
unanimous.
a resolution was adopted for appointing a
committee of three to inquire and report on
what terms suitable buildings in Montgomery
may be had for the use of the several Executive
Departments of the Confederacy under the
Provisional Government.
| An ordinance was passed continuing in
force, until repealed or altered by the Southern
Congress, all laws of the United States in
| force or in use on the 1st of November last
1t is understood that, under this law, tariff
will be laid or all goods brought from the
| United States.
| A resolution was adopted instruc.lng the
committee on finance to report.
MONTGOMERY, Feb. 10.
The Hon. A. H. Stephens said, IN response
to a serenade, last evening:
| 1t is sufficient to say that this day new
| Republic has been formed. The Confederate
States of America have been ushered into
existence, to take their place amongst the
nations Of the earth--under temporary or
provisional government, 1t is true, but seen
| to be formed by one of a permanent character,
which, while it surrenders none of our ancient
rights and liberties, will secure them more
perfectly, we trust, for peace, security and
public tranquility, that ought to be the object
Of all Governments. What is the future of
this new Government, the fate of this new
Republic, will depend on ourselves Six States
only at present constitute it-but six stars
yet appear in our constellation and constitu-
ton. The permanent Government may have
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 Che future
presents strong hopes to the patriots heart
for bright prospects in our career; but what
the future shall be depends upon ourselves
and those who shall come after US. OR
Republic and all Republics, to be permanent
and prosperous, must be supported by the
virtue, intelligence and patriotism Of the
people. These are the corner-stones upon
which the Temple Of Liberty must be con-
structed, to stand securely and permanently,
Restiny our trust on these, we need not fear.
MONTGOMERY, Feb. ID.
Standing committees were announced in
Congress.
A dispatch was received from the Louisiana
Convention approving the election Of Davis
and Stephens.
Aresolution was referred continuing custom
officers in Office.
The resolution that, as soon as the President
is inaugurated, commissioners be sent to the
Government of the United States, was referred
During secret session, resolutions were
passed taking charge of all questions or diff
eulties now existing between the sovereign
States of this Confederacy and the United
States, relative to the occupation of forts,
arsenals, navy yards, and other public estab-
lishments, and the President was directed to
these resolutions to the Gov
ernors of the States.