Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1861-05-10

termining for themselves what measure
were best adapted to meet SO alarming
crisis in their history.
1ere 1t may be proper to observe tha,
from period rs early as 1908 theer had
existed in att Of the States of the Union q
party, almost uninterruptedIy in the maior.
ity, based upon the creed that each State
"as' IN the last resort, the sole Judge as
well OF its wrongs, rs of the mode and
measure of redress. Indeed, it is obvious,
that under the law of nations, this princi-
pie Is an axiom as applied to the relations
OF independent sovereign States. such No
those which had united themselves under
the constitutional compact. The Demo-
cratic party of the United States repeated
In Its successful canvass in 1856, the dec
'aratlon made in numerous previous poli,i-
cal contests, that i, would " faithfully abide
by and uphold the principles laid down in
the kentucky and Virginia resolutions of
1898, and in tie report of Mr.. Madison to
the Virginia Legislature in 1909; and that
it adopts those principles as constituting one
of the main foundations of its political
creed"
The principle thus empha,ically announc.
ed, embrace tiat to which I have already
adverted, the right of each State to iudpe
of and redress the wrongs Of which it
complains. The principles were maintain
ei Iy overwhelming major,ties of the peo-
plo OF all the States of the Union at differ
e"t elections, especially in the elections Of
Mr.. Jefferson in the 1852, Mr.. Madison in
1909, and Mr.. Pierce in 1852.
In the exercise Of right so ancient, so
well established, and so necessary for self
preservation, the people of the Confederate
State in their Conventions determined that
the wrongs which they had suffered, and
the evils with which they were menaced,
required that they should revoke the dele
CATION of powers to the Federal Govern
ment which they had ratified in their sew
eral Conventions. They consequently pass
ed ordinances, resuming all their rights
as sovereign and independent States and
dissolved their connection with the other
States Of the Union.
Having done this, they proceeded to form
new compact amongst them selves by new
articles of confederation, which have been
also ratified by the Conventions of the sew
erSl States, with an approach to unanimity
Tar exceeding that Of the Conventions
which adopted the Constitution of 1887.
They have organized their new government
in all is departments; the functions of the
Executive, Legislative and Judicial Magis-
trates are performed in accordance with
the will Of the people as displayed, not
merely in cheerful ac4uiescence, but in
the enthusiastic support Of the government
thus established by themselves and but
for the interference of the Government Of
the United States in this legitimate exercise
Of the right of a people to self government
peace, happiness and prosperity would now
smile on our lands.
That peace is ardently desired by this
Government and people, has been manifes-
ted in every possible form. Scarce had
you assembled in February last, when prior
ven to the inauguration of the Chief Mag
istrate, you had elected, you passed reso-
luton expressive Of your desire for the ap.
pointmeDt of commissioners to lie sent to
the Government Of the United States "for
the purpose of negotiating friendly relations
between that Government and the Confed
crate States Of Ameica, and for the settle
ment Of all questions Of disagreement be-
tween the two Governments upon princi-
pies Of right, justice, equity and good
faith"
1t was my pleasure as we'll as my duty
10 co operate with you in this work OF
peace. Indeed, in my address 10 you on
taking the oath Of office, and before receiv.
ing from you the communication Of this
resolution, I had said, rs necessity, not
a choice, VIC have rssorted to sthe remedy
of separation, and henceforth our energies
must bs directed tc the conduct of our own
affairs, and the perpetuity Of iI,e Confed-
eracy which we have formed. Ifa Just
perception of mutual interest shall permit
us peaceably to pursue our separate poliii-
cal career, my most earnest desire will have
been fulfilled. :
1t WAS in furtherance Of these accordant
views Of the Congress aud the Execytive,
that made choice Of three discreet, able
and distinguished cittzsps, prepared to
Washington. Aided their cordial CO..
operation, and that of the Sectatary ei
State, every effort compatible with selfse
spect and the dignity Of tbs napfaaeissy
was exh46sted before / allowed myself te
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