Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-02-27

which it was established, peaceful appeal to the
ballot box declared that so far as they were con
cerned, the Government created by that compact
should cease to exist In this they merely as
serted the right which the Declaration of indie
pendence of l776 defined to be inalienable. Of
the time and occasion of its exercises, they, as
sovereigns were the final judges each for itself.
The impartial, enlightened verdict of mankind
will vindicate the rectitude of our conduct, and
He who knows the hearts of men, will judge of
sincerity with which we labored TO preserve the
Government of our fathers in its spirit.
The right solemnly proclaimed at the birth Of
the States and which has been affirmed and re-
affirmed in the bills of rights of the States subse-
quenty admitted into the Union of l1o9 indi-
vidually recognized in the people the power to
TO resume the authority delegated for this pur-
pose of Government Thus the sovereign States
here represented proceeded to form this confede-
racy and it is by the abuse of language that their
act has been denOminated revolution. They
formed new alliance, but within each State Its
Government has retained the rights of person and
property and have not been disturbed. The
agent through whom they communicated with
foreign nations is changed, but this does not
nOminaliy interrupt their International relations.
Sustained by the consciousness that the transition
from the former Union to the present Confede-
racy has not proceeded from a disregard on our
part to our Just obligations or any failure to per-
form every constitutional duty, moved by no in
terest or passion to invade the rights of others
anxious to cultivate peace and commerce with all
nations, five may not hope TO avoid war we may
at least expect that posterity will acquit US OF
having needlessly engaged in it.
Doubly justified by the absence of wrong on
part and by wanton aggression on the part OF
Others, there can be no cause to doubt the cour-
age and patriotism of the people of the Confeder
Will 10 tn any
of defence which soon their security may require
An agricultural people whose chief interest is
the export of commodity required in every
manufacturing country, our true poiicy Is peace
and the freest which our necessities viii permit
1t is alike our interest and that of all those from
whom we would levy, that there should be the
fewest practical restrictions upon the interchange
of commodities. There can be but little rivalry
between ours and any manufacturing or naviga-
ting community, such as the free States OF the
American Union 1t must therefore follow that
mutual interests would with good will bind Off
ces.
We have entered upon a career OF indie
pendence which must be inflexibly pursued
through many years of controversy; but our
late associates in the Northern 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 remedy of a separation, and henceforth our
energies must be directed to the condition of our
affairs, and the perpetuity of the Coniederacy
which 1--WE have formed
fla lust perception of mutual interests shall
permit US peaceably to pursue our separate po-
litcal career, my most earnest desire will have
been fulfilled But if this be denied US, and the
integrity of our territory and jurisdiction be as
sailed, it will but remain for us with firm re
solve, to appeal to arms and invoke the blessings
of Providence on our just cause.
As consequence OF our new condition, and
with view to meet anticipated wants it will be
necessary to provide speedy and efficient or
ganizaton OF the branches of the Executive De
partment, having special charge of foreign inter
course, finance, military affairs and postal SER
vice. For purposes of defense the Confederate
States may under ordinary circumstances rely
mainly upon their militia, but it is deemed adj
yisable in the present condition of affairs that
there should be a well instructed, disciplined army
more numerous than would usually be required
ON peace establishment.
/ also suggest that for the protection of our
harbors and commerce on the high seas, a navy
adequate to those objects will be required. These
necessities have doubtless engaged the attention
of Congress With Constitution differing only
from that of our fathers in so far as it is explana
tory of their well known nsent, free from sec
tional conflicts, which have interiered with the
pursuit of the general welfare, it is not usual tC
expect that the State from which we have re
Gently parted NAV seek to unite their fortune;
under the Government we have instituted. Fol
this your Constitution makes adequate provisions
But beyond this, if | mistake not, the judgmen
and will of the people are that union with thu
States from which we have separated is nethel
practicable desirable to increase the power
develope the resources and promote the happi
GA II thara cloulf
be so much of homogenity that the welfare o
every portion should be the aim of the whole
When this does not exist, antagOnisms are en-
gendered which must and should result in separa
ton. Actuated solely by desire to presery'
our own rights and 10 promote our own weltar
the separation of the Confederate States has beer
marked by no aggression upon others and fol
lowed by no domestic commissions. Our indus
trial pursuits have received no check.
The cultivation of our fields progresses as here
tofore, and even should we be involved in wa
there would be no considerable diminution in tn
production of the staples which have constitutes
our exports in which the commercial world has al
interest scarcely less than our own. This com
mon interests of the producer and consumer Cal
only be interrupted by am exterior force whiel
should obstruct its transmission to foreign parties
course of conduct which would be detrimental
to the manufacturing and commercial interest
abroad Should reason guide the action of tn
Government from which we have separated a pol
icy so detrimental TO the civilized world, tn
Northern States included, could not be declares
by even stronger desire to infiict injustice upol
us, but if it is to be otherwise, terrible response
bility will rest upon it, and the suffering of mil
lions will bear testimony to the policy and wick
edness of ouraggressors. In the meantime Their
will remain to us, besides the ordinary remedie
before suggested, the well known resources to
retaliation upon the commerce of an enemy.
Experience in public stations of subordnat
grade to this which your kindness has conferred
has taught me that care and trial, and disap
pointments are the price of official elevation
You will see many errors to forgive, many def
cencies to tolerate, but you shall not find in m
either want of zeal or fidelity TO that cause tina
is to me the highest in hope and of most endear
ing affection. Your generosity bestowed upol
me, an undeserved distinction which l neithe
sought nor desired, upon a continuance of tina
sentiment upon your wisdom and patriotism
rely to direct and support me in the Performance
required at my hands. We have changed the con
sttuted parts but not the system OF our Govern
ment. The Constitution framed by our father
is that of these confederated Sates in their exposi
ton of it, in the judicial construction it has re
ceyed, we have light which reveals its tru
meaning; thus instructed as to the just interpreta
ton of that instrument, and even Remembering
that offices are but trusts held by the people, 10
the delegated powers and to be strictly construed
i will hope by due diligence of the performanc
of my duties, though may disappoint your ex
pections, yet to retain when retiring something
of the good will and confidence which will wei
come my entrance into Office.
1t is joyous, in the midst of perious times, t
look around upon people united in heart; to hea
one purpose of high resolves which animates am
actuates the whole, when the sacrifices TO be mad
are not weighed in the balance against honor
right, liberty and equality. Abstracts may re
tard, but they can not long retard movement
sanctioned by its justice and sustained by viz
tuous people. Reyerently let us invoke the Co
of our Fathers to guide, provide and protect u
in our efforts to perpetuate the principles whic
through his blessings they we're able TO vindicat
and transmit 10 their nosteritv and beseech con