The eastern clarion. [volume] (Paulding, Miss.) 1837-1863, 1861-02-20
JoHN PERKINS, JR.,
w. p. HAIRS,


From this it appears to be the general
desire that shouldIn person make known
to this body in verbal response, my ac-
ceptance OF the high position to which ]
have been called.
This | do now-in this august presence,
before you, NIr. PresIdent-betore the
Congress, and before this large concourse
OF people-under the bright sun and bril-
liant skies which now smile SO suspicious
" upon us. | now take the occasion to
return my most profound acknowledge
ments for this expression OF confidence on
the part of Congress. There are special
reasons why place an unusual high esti-
mate on it. The considerations that in
duce me to accept it, / need not state
Suffice it to say that it may be deemed
questionable whether any good citizen can
refuse to discharge any duty that may be
assigned him 10y his country in an hour Of
need
1t might be expected at this time that
| should indulge in some remarks upon
1 the State of our public affairs, the dan
/ gers that threaten Us, and the most adj
yisable measures to be adopted to meet
/ pressing exigencies. Allow me to say that
( IN the absence of the distinguished
/ gentleman who has been called to the
/ Chief Executive chair, ! think it best to
forbear to-say anything on such matters.
1 We expect him here in few days-by
/ "Wednesday of this week, at the favthest,
unless providentially detained LONGER
/ When he comes we will hear from him on
ali these difficult questions and / doubt
not we shall cordially and tremendously
concur in the line OF policy his superior
/ wisdom and craftsmanship shall indicate.
In the meantime, there are matters we
may very protitably be directing our at
tention TO. Such as providing necessary
/ postal arrangements, making provision
for the transfer of the Custom Houses from
the jurisdiction Of the separate States to
the Confederacy, and the imposition OF
such duties as will De necessary to meet
present and expected exgencies. In the
exercise of the power to assess duties we
are limited to the object of revenue. 4
small duty not to exceed ten per cent
Applause upon importation, ii is believ.
ed, will be sufficient and above all. in
the interim, between this and the arrival
and Inauguration of the President, we can
be devoting our attention to the constitu
tion of permanent government, stable
and durable, which is one of the leading
objects of our assembling.
am now ready to take the oath o
office.
The President then administered to Mr.
Stephens the following oath
"You do solemnly swear that you vii
faithfully execute the office of Vice Presi
dent Of the Confederate States of Amer
lea, and will, 10 the best OF YOUR ability
preserve, protect and defend the Consti
tuition thereof-so help you God"
u
you, sir, that tie letter addressed by til,
committee of this Congress to the Hon
Alexander II. Stephens, informing him o
his election as Vice-President of the Con
! federate States Of America, with his reply
; be entered on the journals of Congress
Adopted.
Mr.. Perkins. move that Congress d
now adjourn until the usual hour Of meet
ing tomorrow.
Mr.. Rhett. | move to amend the nc
ton of the gentleman from Louisiana, b.
I making the adjournment until u o'clocl
tomorrow. The most Of the business c
Congress, before the arrival of the Pres
dent, will necessarily have to be transac
ted in committees, and my object is to ex
tend more time to the committees.
Mr.. Rhett's motion prevailed, and Con
I gross adjourned until tomorrow at |
: o'clock.
! During the secret session a committe
8 of two from each State was appointed t
I. report on permanent Constitution. Tn
! committee was appointed on a resolutio
introduced by Nv. Rhett. The secresy o
the resolution has not been removed, bu
u that on names of the committee has beer
! The committee are as follows:
" Alabama-R. w. Walker and r. i
. Smith.
I Florida-Jackson Morton and !. ]
. Owen.
- Georgia-Robert Toorabs and T. r. ]
= Cobb.
: louisiana. Declouet and Gen.
: Sparrow.
!, i Mississippi-A. NJ. Clayton and w.
!. Harris.
l South Carolina-R B. Rhett, SEN, an
, J. Chestnut, jr.