The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-04-12
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THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERAOY.
SPEECH OF ALEX. H. sTEpaErs.



speech at Savannah, Georgia, on the 2lst
of March, in which he defended the distinc-
tive features of the new Constitution, de.
veloped the policy and gave statement of
the resources of the new Government. The
main features of difference between the Con.
stitution of the Confederacy and that of the
United States are noticed at length, and
ably vindicated. The prominent and dis
tinguishing characteristic of the new Con-
stitution is the light in which it regards the
negro race. On this subject we quote the
language of the speaker
SLAVERY AND THE NEW CoNFEDERACY.
Our new government is founded upon
exactly the opposite ideas its foundations
are laid, it's corner stone rests upon the
great truth that the negro is not equal to
the white man; that slavery, subordination
to the superior race, is his natural and mo.
raj condition. Applause.] This, our new
Government, is the first in the history of
the world based upon this great physical,
philosophical and moral truth. This truth
has been slow in the process of its develop
ment, like all other truths in the various
departments of science. 1t has been SO even
amongst us. Many who hear me, perhaps,
can recollect well that this truth was not
generally admitted, even within their day.
The errors OF the past generation still chung
to many as late as twenty years ago. Those
at the north who still cling to these errors
with zeal above knowledge we Justly de.
nop,ipo fanatics Co. .~.:,,~.
from an alteration of the mind; from a
defect in reasoning. 1t is species of in
sanity. One of the most striking charac-
teristlcs of insanity, in many instances, is
forming correct conclusions from fancied or
erroneous premises so with the anta.Slavery
fanatics; their conclusions are right if their
premises are. They assume that the negro
is equal, and hence conclude that he is en-
titled to equal privileges and rights with
the white man. If their premises were
correct their conclusions would be logical
and just--but their premises being wrong,
their whole argument fails. I recollect once
of having heard gentleman from one of
the northern states, of great power and
ability, announce in the House of Represen-
tatives, with imposing effect, that we of the
south would be compelled, ultimately, to
yield upon this subject of slavery; that it
was as impossible to war successfully against
a principle in politics, as it was in physics
or mechanics. That the principle would
ultimately prevail. That we, in maintain.
ing slavery as it exists with US, were war
ring against a principle principle founded
in nature, the principle of the equality of
man. The reply made to him was, that
upon his own grounds we should succeed,
and that he and his associates in their crn-
SADIE against our institutions would ulti.
mately fail. The truth announced, that it
was as impossible to war successfully
against a principle in politics as we'll as in
physics and mechanics, I admitted, but told
him that it was he and those acting with
him who were warning against principle.
They were attempting to make things equal
which the Creator had made unequal.
In the conflict, thus far, success has been
on our side, complete throughout the length
and breadth of the Confederate States. It
is upon this, as l have stated, our social
fabric is firmly planted; and 1 cannot per-
NIT myself to doubt the ultimate success of
full recognition of this principle through.
out the civilized and enlightened world.
As have stated, the truth of this prin-
ciple may be slow in development, as all
truths are, and ever have been, in the vari-
GUS branches ofscience. 1t was so with the
principles announced by Gallileo-it was so
with Adam Smith and bis principles of
political economy. 1t was so with Harvey,
and his theory of the circulation of the
blood. 1t is stated that not single one of
the medical profession, living at the time of
the announcement of the truths made by
him, admitted them. Now they are uni.
versally acknowledged. May we not there
fore look with confidence to the ultimate
universal acknowledgment of the truths
upon which our system rests. 1t is the first
government ever instituted upon principles
in strict conformity to nature, and the or.
dination of Providence, in furnishing the
materials of human society. Many govern
ments have been founded upon the principle
of certain classes; but the classes ensaved
were of the same race, and in violation of
the laws of nature. Our system commits
no such violation of natures laws. The
negro by nature, or by the curse against
he occupies in our system. The architect,
in the construction of buildings, lays the
foundation with the proper material-the
granite-then comes the brick or the
marble. The substratum of our society is
made of the material fitted by natu re for it,
and by experience we know that it is the
best, not only for the superior, but for the
inferior race that it should be so. It is,
indeed, in conformity with the Creator. 1t
is not for US to inquire into the wisdom of
his ordinances or to question them. For
bis own purposes he has made one race to
differ from another, as he has made zone
star to differ from another in glory"
The great objects of humanity are best
attained when conformed to his laws and
degrees in the formation Of governments as
well as in all things else. Our confederacy
is founded upon principles in strict conform
ity with these laws. This stone which was
rejected by the first builders " is become
the chief stone of the corner" in our new
edi6ce. Applause.
RESOURCES OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT.