Daily national Democrat., 1861-03-10

SPEECH OF a. II. s.-MoNTGoMERY,
Feb. I0th.-A. Il. Stephens said, in response
to a serenade, last evening:
Though we meet as strangers from different
and Independent States, we are once more
citizens OF a common country. Allow me
briefly and sincerely to return my uEtelgned
thanks for this compliment. The state ct my
health and voice, and the night air apart
from other considerations, prevent me from
doing more This is not the time nor the
place to discuss the great question now press
ing in the public councils. IL 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 uatinns of the earth
under temporary or provisional Govern
ment, it is true, but soon to be followed by
one of permanent character which while it
surrenders none of our ancient rights and
liberties, will secure them more perfectly, we
trust, for peace, security and domestic tran
guilty, which ought to he the object of all
Governments What is the future of this new
Government? The fate of this new republic
will depend upon ourselves. Six States, only.
at present, constitute it. But six stars yet
appear in our constellation and Constitution.
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 the
future presents strong hopes to the patriotic
heart for bright prospects in our career but
what the future shall be depends upon our
selves, ane those who shall come after U.S.
Our republic and all republics, to be perma-
nently prosperous, must be supported 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 securely and permanent
". Resting our trust on these, We need not
fear nothing from without or within
with climate unsurpassed by any one
whose staple productions control the COM
merce of the world with institutions, so far
as regards our organic and social policy, in
stllct conformity to nature and the laws Of
the Creator, whether read in the book of in
spiraton or the great book of manifestations
around us We have all the national ele-
menls essential to the attainment of the high
est degree of power and glory. These iusti-
tutions have been much assaiIed, and is our
mission to vindicate the great truth on
which they rest, and with them exhibit the
highest type of civilization which it is posi-
ble for human society to teach. In doing
this, our policy should be marked by desire
TO preserve and maintain peace with all
States and people. If this cannot be done.
let not the fault be at our door. While we
should make aggressons on none, we should
be prepared to repel those made 10y others,
let them come from whatever quarter they
may. We ask Of others simpI y to let us
alone, and 10 be permitted to look after our
own safety, security and happiness in our
own way, without molesting or giving offense
to other people Let, then, peace, fraterni-
ty, and liberal commercial relations with all
the world be our motto. With these prnei-
pies, without envy towards other States, in
the line of policy they may take for them
selves, we will invite them to a generous RI
vaIry in all that deyelopes the highest quali-
ty of every nation.
With the best wishes to you, gentlemen,
and to the success Of your common govern.
meut, this day announced, ! bid YOU good
uiuht