The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-02-19
the NATIONAL CRISIS.
Inauguration Of the Presiden; and Vice Pres
ident of the Confederate States of America
Address ofPresitIemt Davis

! MONTGOMERY, Feb. Is. The Inaugur ration of the
President of the Provisional Government of the
Confederate States of America took place here tc-
day as previously appointed. The ceremonies con-
stituted the grandest pageant witnessed in the
South. There was an immense gathering Of people
on Capitol Hill, composing the ''beauty" of Mont
gOmery, and the military and citizens of the differ
ent States.
President Davis commenced his Inaugural pre-
cisely at o'clock. He spoke as follows
9. Gentlemen of the Congress of the Confederate
| states OF America friends and fellow citizens
tailed to the difficult and responsible sta
ton of the Chief Executive of the Provisional
m %hiSn you have Instituted approach the
of my abilities, but with sustaining confidence in the
wisdom OF those who are to guide and aid in the ad-
mlnstraton OF public affairs and abiding faith in the
virtue and patriotism of the people Looking to
the speedy establishment of permanent Government to
take the place OF this and which by its greater moral and
physical power will be better able combat with the
many difficulties which may arise from the conflicting in
office to which have been chosen the hope that the
beginning of our conederacy may not be OBJ
struced by hostile opposition to our enjoyment of sep
crate eXstance and independence which assert
ed, and with the blessing of Providence intend
Our present condition, achieved in manner unprece.
dented in the history of nations, illustrates the Ameri
can idea that upon consent of the
governed and that it is the right of the people alter
or abolish governments whenever they become
tive Of the ends for which they were established The
declared purpose Of the compact of the Union from
which we have withdrawn to establish justice, in.
domestic tranquility provide for the common de-
fence promote general welfare secure the blessings
OF hheIty for ourselves and postertty and when
confederacy Perverted from the purposes
for which ordained and ceased answer the ends
for which established peaceful appeal to the bal
otbox declared that far they were concerned the
government created by that compact should cease to
| exist.
In this they merely asserted right which the Decara
ton of Independence of 1776 defined inalienable
OF the time occasion of its exercise thew as sova
reigns, were the final Judges each for itself The i'm
partial enlightened verdict ofmanknd will vindcate the
recttude of conduct and He who knows the hearts
pnft tha
TO preserve the of fathers in its spirit
The right soemnIy proclaimed at the birth of the States
and which has been affirmed and rearmed in bills OF
rights of the several States subsequently admitted into
the Union of 1889, undeniaby recognize people
| the power to resume the authority delegated by
| them for the purposes of government
Thus the sovereign States here represen proceeded
to form this confederacy and it is by the abuse of Ian
guage mat their act has been denominated revolution
They formed alliance, but within each State its
government has remained, The rights ofperson and
property have not been disturbed The agent through
! whom they communicated with foreign nations is
changed but this does not necessarily interrupt
ternationa relations. Sustained by consciousness that
the transition from the former union present con-
federacy has not proceeded from disregard part
ojust obligations any failure to perform every CON
stitutionai duty moved by interest passion to in
| peace and commerce with all nations-if we NAV
not hope to avoi war we NAV at least
expect that posterity will acqut US of having need
lessly engaged in it, Doubly justified by the absence of
wrong on our part and wanton aggression part of
Others there be to doubt the courage
and patriotism Of the people of the Confederate States
will be found equal to any of defence which our
security require An agricultural people whose chief
interest is the export of commodity required in every
manufacturing country our true policy peace and the
| freest trade which necessities will permit 1t is
alike our interest and that of all those whom would
sell and from whom would buy that there should be
| commodities.
There be but little rivalry between ours and any
manufacturing or navigating community, such the
| Free States of the American Union 1t must follow
therefore, that mutual interest would invite good will and
KIND oIlces. IL, however, passion lust Of domain
should cloud the judgment iname the ambition of
those must prepare to meet the emergency
maintain by the final arbrament of sword the pcs
uon we have assumed among the nations of the earth
We have entered upon of Independence and it
troversy with late associates the Northern States
We have vainly endeavored the tranquility and
obtain respect for the rights to which entitled
necessity, not choice We have resorted to the RENE
dy of separation, and henceforh energies must be
directed to conduct affairs and the psrpetuity of
the Confederacy which we have formed If Just per
ception of mutual interest shall permit peaceably to
pursue separate political career my most earnest de-
sire will have been fulfilled But if this be denied US
and the integrity of territory and jurisdiction as
sailed it will but remain for us with firm resolve to
appeal to arms and invoke the blessing of Providence
| just cause.
As consequence of our new coalition and with view
to meet anticipated wants it will be necessary toprOvde
for the speedy and efficient organization of the various
branches of the Executive Department having special
charge Of foreign intercourse finance, military affairs
and postal service For purposes of defence the Coned
crate States may, under ordinary circumstances, rely
mainly upon their military, but it is deemed advisa-
be in the present condition Of affairs that there should
| be well instructed and disciplined army more hume
rous than would usually be required peace establish
| ment.
also suggest, for the protection of our harbors and
commerce on the high SEAS navy adapted to those OBJ
Jecs be required These necessities have doubtless en-
| gagged the attention of Congress
With constitution differing only from that Of our fa-
Tiers in so far as it is explanatory of their well known
intent; free from sectional conflicts which inter
fered with the pursuit of the general welfare not
unusual to expect that States from which have recently
parted seek to unite their fortunes with ours under
| the government we have instituted.
For this your constitution gives adequate provision;
! Judgment
OF the people that union with the States from which
have separated is neither practicable nor desirable
To increase the power develope the resources and pro
mote the happiness confederacy it is requisite that
there should pc so much of homogenity that the welfare
of every portion be the aim of the whole Where this
does not exist aatagonsms engendered which must
and should result in separation
Actuated solely by desire to preserve rights
and promote our own welfare the separation of the Con-
ederae States has been marked by aggression upon
Others and followed by domestic convulson Our
dustrsl pursuits have received check; the cutva-
ton OF our fields has progressed heretofore and
should we be involved in there would be consd-
cradle diminution in the production of the staples
which have constituted exports, in which the com
merca world has an interest scarcely less than
TINS common interest of producer and consumer only
be intercepted by exterior force which should
its transmission to foreign markea of conduct
whch would be detrimental to manufacturing and COM
mercia interests abroad Should guide the action
of the government from which have separated policy
so detrimental to the civilized world the North.
ern States included, could not be dictated
by the stronger desire inic injury upon u.s. But
if otherwise terrible responsibility will rest upon it.
and the suffering of millions will bear testimony to the
folly and wckedness ofour In the meantime
there will remain to u.s. besides ordinary remedies be-
fore suggested the wellknown for retaliation
upon the commerce of an enemy.
Experience in public stations of subordinate grade to
this which your kindness conferred has taught
that care and toll and dsappointments the price
official elevation You will see many to forgive
many deficiencies to tolerate but you shall find in
either want of zeal fidelity to the that
me highest in hope and of most enduring affection
our generosity has bestowed upon me undeserved
destnation-one which l neither sought desired
pom the continuance of that sentiment and upon your
wisdom and patriotism rely to direct and support me
in the performance of the duty required my
We have changed the constituent parts not the sys
TEN of government The Constitution formed by
fathers is that of these Confederate States in their exro
son of it, and in the judicial construction re-
ceived We have light which reveals its meaning
Thus instructed to the just Interpretation of the
srument and ever remembering that all offices but
trusts hed lor me people and that delegated powers are
the performance of my duties, though may disappont
your expectations, yet to retain, when retiring,
thing of the good will and confidence which welcome my
entrance into office.
It is joyous, in the midst of perilous times to look
around upon people united in heart purpose
high sense anmates and acuates the whoe-where h
sacrifices to be made are not weighed in the balance
against power right liberty and equality Obstaces
retard but they cannot long prevent progress of
movement sancfed by its Justice and sustained by
viruous people ReveentIy let US invoke the God of
fathers guide and protect US in efforts perpetua
the principles which, by his blessing, they able tt
vindcate establish and transmit T. poserlty and
with continuance of His favor gratefully acknowl
edged we may hopefully look forward to success
, and TO prosperity.
[sECoND DEsPArCu.1
MONTGOMERY, Feb 1S.-The signing of the Pro
visional Constitution was the only business before
: Congress to day. The day was consumed by tn
Inauguration ceremonies.
Tonight the city is gorgeously illuminated. Th
President is holding his first levee in Eselle Hall
Bands of music are playing at various points
whilst fireworks and other demonstrations of re
! : joicing are general throughout the city,
, VIRGINIA CONVENTION.
RICHMOND, Feb. 1S.-The Commissioners of Mis-
sissipp and Georgia addressed the State Conventio
' to-day, appealing strongly to Virg ginia to go wit
them. They pictured the advantages of such
course, and the dangers of remaining with tn
t North. Their speeches contemplated no such even
4 as reunion.
Mr.. Preston, of South Carolina speaks to
morrow.
Especial Despatch.
: WAsHINGToN, Feb. l9.-Commodore Thornton A
Jenkins has been appointe Secretary OF the light
Y house board.
: Mr.. Lincoln has telegraphed Mr.. Seward that ht
' his quarters here, precedent to his Inauguration
a The latter has not yet received the letter.
: The order to Commodore Barren, U. S. N, t.
o take command of the navy yard at San Francisco
has been rescinded. He is ordered to the light
house beard
1t has been calculated at the Treasury that tn
issuing of coupon bonds of the denomination of ft
y | dollars, redeemable in twenty years, will requir
| the services two hundred and ffty clarks fnr