The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-02-22

SONCEuCu, duu tuot ~ 10 tu0 IiSue VI VIZ
people to alter and abolish governments
whenever they become destructive to the
ends for which they were established. The
declared compact of the Union, from which
we have withdrawn, was to establish justice,
ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defence, promote the general wel7
fare, and secure the blessings Of liberty to
ourselves and our posterity, and when in
the judgment of the sovereign states now
comprising this confederacy, it has been
perverted from the purposes for which if
was ordained, and ceased to answer the
ends for which it was established, a
peaceful appeal to the ballot box
declared that so far as they were concerned, !
the government created by that compact
should cease to exist. In this they merely
asserted the right which the Declaration Of
Independence Of 1776 defined to be inalien.
able. OF the time and occasion of its ex-
ercise, they (the states) as sovereigns, were
the final judges, each for itself. The i'm
partial, enlightened verdict of mankind will
vindicate the rectitude of our conduct, and
He who knows the hearts of men will Judge
of the sincerity with which we labored to
preserve the government of our fathers in
its spirit. ,t
The right, solemnly proclaimed at the
birth of the original states, and which has
been affirmed and reafirmed in the bills Of
rights of the states subsequently admitted
into the union.of 1889, undeniably recogni-
zes in the people the power to resume the
authority delegated for the purpose of gov
ernment. Thus the sovereign states here
represented proceeded to form this coDfeder-
acy, and it is by the abuse of language that
their act has been denominated revolution.
They formed q new alliance, but then in
each state its government has been retained.
Rights of property have not been disturbed.
The agent through whom they communica-
led with foreign nations is changed, but this
does not necessarily interrupt their interna-
tional relations. Sustained by the conscious
ness that the transition from the former
Union to the present confederacy has not
proceeded from disregard on our part of
our just obligations, or any failure to per-
form every constitutional duty--moved by
no interest or passion to invade the rights
of others-anxious to cultivate peace and
commerce with all nations-if we may not
hope to avoid war, we may at least expect
that posterity will acquit us of having need
lessly engaged in it. Doubly justified by
the absence of wrong on our part, and by
wauton aggression on the part of others,
there can be no cause to doubt that the
courage and patriotism of the people of the
confederated states will be found eqal to any
measures of defence which their security
may require.
An agricultural people, whose chief in-
terest is the export of commodity re-
quired ln every manufacturing country,
our true policy is peace, and the most free
commerce which our necessities will permit.
1t is alike our interest, and that of all those
from whom we would buy, that there should
be the fewest practicable restrictions upon
the interchange of commodities. There
can be but little rivalry between ours and
any manufacturing or navigating commu-
nifty, such as the free states of the American
Union. 1t must therefore follow therefrom,
that mutual interest would invite good will
and kind Offices. If, however, passion or
lust of dominion should cloud the judgment,
or infame the ambition of those states, we
must prepare to meet the emergency and
maintain by the final arbitrament of the
sword, the positions which we have assumed
among the nations of the earth. We
have entered upon career of indepen-
dence which must be iuhexiby pur-
sued. Through many years Of coutro-
versy our late associates. and nor! bern
states may have vainly endeavored to secure
tranquility and obtain respect for the rights
to which we were entitled. AS necessity,
not choice, we have resorted to the rene
dy of separation, and henceiorth our
energies must be directed to the condition
OF our affairs, and the perpetuity OF the con-
tederacy which we have formed l. just
recognition of mutual interests shall permit
us peaceably to pursue our separate politi-
cal career, my most earnest desire will have
been fulfilled, but if this be denied u.s. and
the integrity of our territory and jurisdiction
be assaulted, it will but remain for us, with
a firm resolve to appeal to arms ana invoke
the blessing of Providence on just cause.
AS a consequence of our new condition,
and wi view to meet anticipated wants,
IL Will pe necessary to provide speedy and
efficient organization OF the branches OF the
exeSptive department, having special charge
of foreign intercourse, finance, military
affairs, and postal service. For purposes
of defence, the confederate states may under
ordinary circumstances rely mainly upon
their militia, but it is deemed advisable, in
the present condition of affairs, that there
should be we'll instructed disciplined army,
more numerous than would usually be re.
quired on a peace establishment.
Ever remembering that all offices are
but trusts held for the people, and that
delegated powers are to be strictly con-
strued, | will hope, by due diligence in the
performance OF my duties, though / may
dlsappoint your expectations, yet to retain
when retiring, something of the good will
and confidence which will welcome my en-