The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-02-15
Speech of Alexander H. Stephens.
Montgomery, Feb. 10.

Montgomery, Feb. 10.
The Hon. A. III. Stephens said in res
ponse to serenade last evening.
For though we met as strangers from
different aud independent States, we are
once more citizens of common country.
Allow me briefly and sincerely to return
my unfreigned thanks for the compliment.
The state Of my health and voice, and the
night air, apart from other conside, atoms
prevent me from doing more. Thi. is
not the time nor place to discuss the great
question pressing on the public councils.
1t is sufficient to say that this day a
new Republic has been formed. The con
federate States Of America have been ush,
cred into existence to take their place
among the nations Of the earth, under a
temporary or provisional government, it
is true, but soon to be followed by one of
permanent character, which, while it
surrenders none Of our ancient rights, will
secure them more perfectly, VIC trust, for
peace, security aud domestic tranquility.
That ought to be the subject of all governs
ments.s
ment! The fate of this new republic will
depend upon ourselves. Six States only
at present constitute it, but Six States yet
appear in our constellation and Constitu>
ton. The permanent government may
have a greater number than the original
thirteen of the original Union with more
than three times their population, wealth
and power.
With such beginning, the prospect of
the future presents strong hopes to the
patriot, heart for bright prospects in our
character, but what the future shall be,
depends upon ourselves and those who
come after us-our Republic and all Re-
publics to be permanently prosperous must
be supported by the virtue, intelligence
and patriotism of the people.
These are the corner stones upon which
the temple of Liberty must be constructed
to stand securel y and permanently. Rest>
ing on these We need not fear.
Nothing from without or within, with
climate unsurpassed by any on earth,
with staples and productions which con-
troll the commerce of the world, with in>
situations, SO far as regards our organic
and political policy, in strict conformity
to nature and the laws Of the Creator,
whether read in the Book Of Inspiration
or the Great Book Of Manifestations
around US, Ne have all the natural ele,
ments essential to the attainment in the
highest degree Of power and glory.
These institutions have been much as>
sailed, and it is our mission to vindicate
the great truth on which they rest, and
with them exhit the highest type of civil
ization which it is possible for human So
ciety to reach.
In doing this, our policy should be
marked by desire to preserve and mains
tain peace with all States and people if
this cannot be done, let not the fault be at
our door; while we should make aggres-
sions on none, We should be prepared to
repel those made by others, let them come
from whatever quarter they may.
We ask of otheis simply to let us alone
and to be permitted to look after our
safety, security and happiness in our own
way, without giving or moderating to
other people. Let peace, fraternity and
liberal commercial relations worth all the
world, be our motto.
With these principles without envy to-
wards other States in the line Of policy,
they may take for themselves, we will in
vite them to generous rivalry in all that
developes the highest quality Of every ma
ton.
With the best wishes to you, gentlemen
and to the success Of our common govern
ment, this day announced, bid you good
night.
He was frequently interrupted by ap-
plause, and on retiring, three cheers were
given for Mr.. Stephens, the first Vice Pres
ident of tie Southern confederacy.