M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1861-02-28
Speech of Vice -PrcSiden I
Stevens Of Con. Sta tes.
MoNTGOMERY, Ala, Feb. 10


The Hon. A. II. Stephens said in
response to serenade last evening"
For though wc meet as strangers from
different and independent States, We
are once moro citizens OF a common
country Allow me briefly and sim
cerely to return my unfelgned thanks
for this compliment. The state Of my
health and voice, and the night air,
apar! from other cosideratins, prevent
me from doing more. This is not the
time nor place to discuss the great
question now pressing in the public
councils.
1t is sufficient to say that this day a
new Republic has been formed. The
confederate States Of America have
been ushered into existence to take
their place among the nations of the
earth, under a temporary or provis.
ipnal Government it is true, but soon
to be followed by one Of a permanent
character, which, while it surrenders
none Of our ancient rights and liber.
ties, will secure them more perfectly.
We trust for peace, security and DO
mestic 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 de-
pend upon ourselves. Six States only
at present constitute it, but six years
yet appear in our constellation and
Constitution. The permanent Gov.
ernment may have creator number
than the original thirteen Of the orlgi.
nal Union with more than three times
their population, wealth and power;
with such beginning, the prospect Of
the future presents strong hopes in our
career, but what the future shall be,
depends upon ourselves and those who
shall come after us. Our Republic
and all republics to be permanently
and prosperous, must be supported by
the virtue, intelligence, integrity and
patriotism Of the people. These are
tho corner.stones upon which the tenn.
pie of liberty must be constructed to
stand securely and permanently
Resting our trust on these, we need
not fear.
Nothing from without or within,
with climate unsurpassed by any on
earth, with staples and produce which
control the commerce OF the world,
with institutions, so far as regards our
social policy, in strict conformity to
nature and the laws of he Creator
whether read in the book Of inspira.
tion, or the great book of manifesto
tions, around US, we have all the
natural elements essential to the at.
tainment, in the highest degree, of
power and glory. These institutions
have been much assailed, and it is our
mission to vindicate the great truth on
which they rest, aud with them, OK.
hibit the highest type of civilization
which it is possible for human society
to reach. In doing this, Vnr policy
should be marked by desire to pre-.
serve and maintain peace with all
States and people. If this can not be
done, let not the fault be at our door.
While we should make aggressions
on none, we should be prepared to re
pei those made by others, let them
come from whatever quarter they may.
We ask Of others to let us alone, and
be permitted to look after our own
safety, security and happiness in our
own way, without molestation or Civ
ing ofense to other people. Let, then,
peace, fraternity and liberal CONNER.
cial relations with all the world be our
motto. With these principles, with.
ont envy toward other States in the
line of policy they may take for them.
selves, we will invite them to a gen.
erous rivalry in all that develops the
highest quality of every action.
With the best wishes to you, gen.
tlemen, and to the success ofour COM
mon Government, this day announced,
l bid you good night.
He was frequently interrupted by
applause; and. on retiring, three cheers
were given for Mr.. Stephens, the first
Vicc-President Of the Confederate
Statest of America.
N~o~oe~~0~~O-~N-0-~~~~---o-~
A greenhorn standing by a sewing
machine at which young lady was
at work. looking alternately at the
machine and its fair operator, at
length gave vent to his admiration
thus:
by golly! its mighty purity, 'speci.
ally the part covered with caliker.
A yOuDgster, not quite three years
..1I oo;1 ~ he e;oko, ,,l.,lo