The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-02-15
Speech Of A. H. Stephens, the First Vice
President of the Southern Confed-
eracy. ....

r MONTGOMERY, Ala, Feb. 10.
Tho Hon. A ii. Stophons, in response to
a screnude last evening, said
For though wo meot as strangers from
different and Independent States, we are
onco moro citizens of common country -
Allow mo briefly aud sincerely TO return my
unicigned thanks for this compliment. The
state of my hoalth and voice, and tho night
air, apart from other considerations, prevent
me from doing more. This is not tho time
nor place to discuss tho great questions now
pressing on tho public councils. 1t is sut-
iciont 10 say, that this day now republic
has boen formed the Confederate States of
America have been ushorod into existence
to take their place among the nations of the
earth, under temporary or provisional
govornment-it is true--but soon to DO fol
lowed by permanent one, which, while it
surrendors mono of our ancient rights aud
liberties, will secure them more perfectly,
we trust, for peace, security and domestic
tranquility. That ought to be tho Object of
all governments. What is tho future Of this
now government, tho fate of this new re-
public, will depend upon ourselves. Six
States only ut present constitute it--but six
stars yet appear in our constellation and
constitution.
Tho permanent government may have
greater number than the original thirtoen
of tho Union, with moro than three times
their population, wealth and power. With
such beginning tho prospects of tho future
present strong hopos to tho patriots hoart
for bright prospects in our career; but what
tho fuiuro shall be depends upon ourselves
and those who shall come after US.
Our republic, and all republics, to be per-
mancn. aud prosperous, must be supported
by tho virtue, intelligence, integrity and
patriotism of tho people; these arc the
cornor stones upon which tho temple Of lib
ertv must be constructed to bo secure and
permanent, and resting our trust or these
we need fear nothing from without or within
With a climRte unsurpassed by nny on
earth, with staples and productions which
control tho commerce of tho world, with in.
stitutions, SO far rs regards our organic and
social policy, In strict conformity TO nature
and tho laws of tho Creator. whothor read ia
/ tho book OF Inspiration or tho groat book Of
manifos statious around us, wo have all the
natural clements essential TO the attainment
! in the highest dogreo, of power aud glory
! These institutions have boon much assailod
and II is our mission to vindica;e the grea
truth on which they rest, and with them OK
| nlOlt tnc H'BHoSt 'yI'o w o''h<hhou "Hoa
it is possible for human society TO reach
In doing this our policy should bo marked
by desire to preserve and maintain peace
with all States and people. If this cannot
bo done, lot not tho fault be at our door. =
While wo should make aggression on none
we should be prepared to repcl those made
by others, let them come from whatever
quarter they NAV We ask of others simply
10 let us alone, and to be permitted to lool
after our safety, security and happiness il
our own way, without mo'esting or giving
offonse to other people. Let, then, peace
fraternity and liberal commercial rolation'
with all the world be our motto. With thes'
principl without envy towards other State
| in the line of policy they may take to
themselves, we will invite them to generou
rivalry in all that develops the highes
quality of every nation. With the bes
wishes to you, gentlemen, and to :he success
of our common government this day On
nounced, I bid you good night. " I
Ho was frequently interrupted BY applause
and on retiring three cheers were gison 70
Mr.. Stephens, the first Vice President 0
the Confederate States OF America.