Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-15
The Southern Confederacy.

/ The proceedings Of the Southern Congress
now in session at Montgomery, Alabama,
partake of that system, frmness and bust
ness character which generally characterize
bodies that are in earnest. The entire ac-
ton has been that Of firm resolve The
character Of the President and Vice-Presi-
dent not only give assurance Of ability. but
of decision. The recent speeches, after their
election, show that there is purpose to
maintain the government at all hazards, and
to maintain it to the very letter ofthe terms
of Confederation. Justice and moderation
they have laid down as the groundwork OF
their success. Two of the greatest states
men of the age at the head Of affairs-a
population Of over 5000, 000-an area of
over 500, 900 square miles, as great as that
Of all the other States Of the Union that lie
between the Mississippi and the Atlantic
sea coast of 2, 500 miles-with climate
unsurpassed in the world-with staple pro-
ductions that control the commerce of civili-
zation-and an intel igent, educated and
high spirited population, it seems to US
that it is distined to be permanent govern
ment. Let any man glance at these mate
rial facts, and then ask himself the question
is this Union dissolved?
AS on evidence of the purpose Of the Con-
fe9eracy, we attach here the resolution re-
Gently adopted by the Congress in reference
to the Forts and Arsenels in the Seeded
States:
Resolved, That this government takes
under its charge the questions and difficult
ties now existing between the sovereign
States of this confederacy and the govern
ment Of the United States relating to the oc-
cupaton of forts. arsenals, navy yards and
other public establishments, and the Prcsi-
dent of this Congress is directed to commu-
uicate this resolution to the Governors ofthe
various States.
Whatever others may think, we hesitate
not to say that i'll our opinion, there has
never, in the worlds history, been exhibited
more profound and natured craftsmanship
than is presented in the formation of this
Southern Confederacy. Take the pro-
gramme as laid down in Yancey's :.Slaugh-
ter Letter." examine each point and propo-
sition suggested, follow on to the Charles
ton Convention, then to Richmond and to
Baltimore, the Presidential election. its re-
suit, the secession of South Carolina and f.
nally the Congress at Montgomery, and
there is to be seen the single purpose of a
Southern Confederacy adhered to with a
tenacity and nerve truly wonderful. Ma
poleon's coup detat, by which with the
magic Of Aladdin's lamp, he transformed a
Republic into Monarchy, falls short of the
remarkable foresight and craftsmanship ex-
hibited i'll this enterprise. AS much as we
may condemn the design and effect Of the
movement, as piece Of intellectual gran
deur and governmental science it cannot fail
to command the admiration of the world,
for it stands out unsurpassed III the annals
of time.
The mastery craftsmanship which has
been developed, embraces not only the past
and present, but penetrates the future with
a like sagacity, in the selection of those into
whose hands the destiny of the Confederacy
has been placed. Jefferson Davis is one of
the most accomplished military chieftains OF
the day, to which is combined attainments
in the science of civil government sur pas
sed by but few if any Of the statesmen Of
the age. With an iron nerve, unblemished
private character, GOODNESS and caution, and
energy that knows not firing. he seems form
ed by nature for leader. With all these
qualities, he is moved by deep conscious
ness of the justice Of his cause. He has be-
lieved for years that the only true indepen-
dence of his section was to be found in a
separate government His mind has ex-
amined the question with all its great pow
ers of concentration, both in the light Of
civil and religious progress-as a question
of social and political demonstrating to
Gull from the conflicting and Earring ele-
ments that are convulsing the governments
of the world in this the 18th century, the
ripening period Of all philosophers, that sys-
tenn Of government and condition of society,
best adapted not only to develop the true
status of the mind of man, but to contribute
to the ''stat"ly steppings" of genuine reli-
gious truths. 1t is upon such man that
has fallen the duty Of carrying through its
infantile state this new Confederacy.
Alexander Fl. Stephens is known from
one extreme of this country to the other,
and wherever known, beloved and admired
not only for the singular purity of his pri
vate life, but the exalted motives Of his pub
lie actions With heart as gentle and un-
suspecting as maiden's, attuned to the
sweetest symphonies and tenderest emotions
of our nature, he possesses an intellect Of
magnificent proportions, equal to the crea-
ton of governments and beautifully adapted
for their control. With less of John Ran
dolph's eccentricity and none Of his bitter
ness, he has that singular combin alton of
character that is moved by the most effemi-
mite sensibilities, as we'll ais ready to Crap
pie with the sternest and most comprehen-
sive realities OF all the great men now
upon the stage Of active fife, there is no one
more universally admired for his purity,
honesty, unselfshness and ability, than
Alexander Fl. Stephens.
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