Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-02-21

Looking FORWARD 10 tne speedy establishment OF a
permanent Government to take the Mace of this
and which, by its greater moral and physical power
will be better able 10 combat with the many diff.
culties which arise from the conflicting interests N
separate nations, enter upon the duties of the Of
ice to which have been called with the hope that
the beginning of our career as a Confederacy NAV
not be Obstructed by hostile opposition to our ENJOY
meIt of the separate existence and independence
which, with the blessing Of Providence we have
asserted, and which, with the blessing of Proyi
dence. we intend to maintain.
Our present condition, achieved in manner IN
precedented in the history of nations illustrates the
American idea that government rests upcn the
consent of the governed and sit is the right of the
people to alter and abolish governments whenever
they become destructive of the ends for which they
were establishedn The declared purpose of the
compact of the Union from which we have with
drawn Twas to establish justice, ensure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defense. pro
mote the general welfare and secure the blessings
liberty to ourselves and our poserityn and when il
the judgment of the sovereign States composing this
Confederaey the Government of the Union has beer
perverted from the purposes for which it was or
dained and ceased to answer the ends for which il
was established, peaceful appeal to the baIlot-box
declared that so far the Confederate States were
concerned, the Government created by that com
pact should cease to exist in this Confederacy In
this they merely asserted the right which the Dec
laratiol of Independence of l776 defined to be sin
alienabie.v
OF the time and occasion of its exercise, the Con
federated States, as sovereigns, were the final
judges, each for itself. ~. ~
The impartial enlightened verdict of mankind will
yindicate the recttude 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.
The right solemnly proclaimed at the birth of
States, and which has been affirmed and re-afirmed
in bills; and the rights of States subsequently adj
United into the Union of 1882 undenably recognize
the power to resume the authority delegated for the
purposes of Government Thus the Sovereign
States here represented proceeded from this Con
federacy and it is by abusive language that their
act has been denunciated revolution. They have
formed a new alliance, but within each State its
Government has remained. The right of person
and property has not been disturbed, put the agent
through whom they communicated with foreign ma
tons is changed but this does not necessarily inter-
rupt their international relations. Sustained by the
consciousness that the transition from the former
Union TO the present Confederacy, did not proceed
from disregard on part of just obligations, or
any failure to perform every constitutional duty
moved by no interest passion to invade the rights
of others, but anxious to cultivate peace and the
commerce of all nations. If we may not hope to
avoid war, we may at least expect that posterity
will acquit of having needlessly engaged in it
doubly justified by the absence of wrongs on our
part, and by wanton aggression on. the part Of
others. {
Thore can be no cause to doubt that the courage
and patriotism of the people of the Confederate
States, will be found equal to any of defence
which soon our security may require. As an agri-
cultural people whose chief interest is the export of
commodity, true policy is peace and the freest
trade which our necessities will permit 1t is alike
our interest and that of all those to whom we would
sell, and from whom we would buy, that there
should be the fewest practicable restrictions upon
the interchange Of commodities. There can be but
lrw md n,,fo
or navigation community, such as the Northeastern
States of the American Union. 1t must follow.
therefore, that mutual interest would invite good
will and kind offices. If, however, the passion or
lust for dominion should cloud the judgment or in
flame the ambition of those States, we must pre-
pare to meet the emergency and maintain by the
final arbitrament of the sword. the position which
we have assumed among the nations of the earth.
We have entered upon career of independence, and
it must be infexibly pursued. Through many years
of controversy with late associates, the North
ern State, we have vainly endeavored to secure
tranquility and to obtain that respect for rights
to which we are entitled. As a necessity and not
as a choice, we have resorted to the remedy of Sc
paration, and henceforth our energies must be
directed to the conduct of our own affairs, and the
perpetuity of the Confederacy which we have
formed.
If lust perception of mutual interests shall per-
nit us peaceaby to pursue our separate political
career my most earnest desire will have been full
filled but if this shall be denied U.S. and the integ-
rity of our Territory and jurisdiction be assaed,
it will but remain for US, with firm resolve, to
appeal to arms and invoke the blessing of Proyi-
dence, in this just cause.
As consequence of our new condition and
with view to meet anticipated wants, il will be
necessary to provide speedy and efficient organi-
cation of the different branches of the Executive
Department, having special charge of foreign in
tercourse, the finances military affairs, the 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 well instructed and disciplined army, more
numerous than would usually be required in peace
establishment
also suggest that for the protection of our har
bors, and our commerce upon the high seas, Navy
adapted to those objects will be required.
These necessities have, doubtless engaged the
attention of Congress.
With Constitution differing from that of our ia
theirs only in far is explanatory of their well
known intent freed from sectional conflicts which
have interfered with the pursuit of the general
welfare, it is not unreasonable to expect that the
States from which we have recently parted may
seek TO unite their fortunes with ours under the
Government which we have instituted For this,
your Constitution makes adequate provisions; but
beyond this, if mistake not, the judgment and will
of the people, reunion with the States from which
we have separated is neither practicable nor desir
able.
To increase the power, develop the resources
and promote the happiness of a COnfederacy, it is
requisite that there should be much Of hOmOgen-
ity, that the welfare of every portion shall be the
aim of the whole Where this does not exist, an
tagonisms are engendered which must aud should
result in a separation.
Actuated solely by desire to preserve our own
rights and promote our own welfare the separation
of the Confederate States has been marked by no
apIfo
tic CONFUSION. Our industrial pursuits have re-
ceived no check, the cultivation of our fields has
progressed as heretofore and even should we be
involved in war, there would be no consider
able dIminuton in the production of the staples
which have constituted cur exports in which the
commercial world has an interest scarcely less than
cur own. This common interest of producer and
consumer can only be intercepted by an exterior
force which should obstruct the transmission of
these staples to foreign markets. course Of con-
duct which would be unjust towards u.s. as it
would be detrimental to manufacturing and com
mercial interests abroad.
Should reason guide the action of the Govern
ment from which we have separated, policy
So detrimental to the interests of the civilized world
the Northern States included could not be dictated
by even the strongest desire to infict injury upon
us; but if the Government should act otherwise,
terrible responsibility will rest upon it and the suffer-
ing of millions will bear testimony to the folly and
wickedness of our aggressors.
In the meantime, there VIII remain 10 US besides
the ordinary remedies before suggested, the well
known commerce of an enemy.
Experience in public stations of subordinate
grades to this which your kindness has conferred
upon me- has taught that care, and toll, and dis
appointment are TIE price of official election You
will see many errors TO forgive, many defcien-
cies to tolerate, but you shall not find in me either
yapt of zeal or of fidelity to the cause that is
TO me the highest in hope, and Of the most endur-
ing affection. Your generosity has bestowed up on
me an uDdeserFsd distinction-one which neither
sought nor deserved. Upon the continuance of that
sentiment, and upon your wisdom and patriotism, !
rely to direct and support in the performance of
the duty required at my hands. We have changed
the constituent parts but not the system of gov
eminent. The Constitution formed by eur fathers
ia that these Confederate States in their exposition
of T. and in the judicial constitution il has received,
we haze Light which reveals its true meaning
Thus instructed as to the just Interpretation of the
instrument, and even remembering that all offices
are but trusts held for the people and that deegat
ed powers are to be strictly construed, viii hope
by due diligence in the performances of my duties
though may disappolnt your expectations, yet to
retain when retiring something of the good Will and
confidence which welcomes my entrance into office.
+bo midst of DoriIOus times TO look