Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-02-13
THE SOUTHERN CoNFEDERAcY.
speech OF vice PRECEDENT stephens.

speech of Vice President stephens.
MONTGOMERY, Feb. IO.-The Hon. A. H. Stephens
said, in response to serenade last night Though we
met as strangers, from different and independent
States, we ere once more citizens of common
country. Allow me briefly and sincerely to return
my unfegned thanks for this compliment. The state
of my health and voice, and the night air, apart
from other considerations, prevent me from doing
more. This is not the time place to discuss the
great question now pressing in the public councils
1t is sufficient to say that this day new Republic
has been formed The confederate States of Amer
lea have been ushered into existence to take their
place amongst the nations of the earth under tenn
porary provisional government. 1t is soon to be
followed by one of permanent character which,
while it surrenders none of our ancient rights and
liberties, will secure them perfectly trust
for peace. security, and domestic tranquility; that
ought to be the object of all Governments
What is the future of this new Government
The fate of this new Republic viii depend upon
ourselves Six States only at present constitute it ;
but six stars yet appear in our constellation and
Constitution The permanent Government may
have greater number than the original thirteen
in the original Union with more than three times
i
beginning, the prospect of the future presents strong
hopes to the patriotic heart for bright prospects in
our future career but what the future shall be de-
ponds upon ourselves and those who come after u.s.
Our Republic, and ali Republics, to be permanent
and prosperous, must be supported by the virtue,
intelligence, integrity and patriotism of the people
these are the corner stones upon which the temple
Of liberty must be constructed to stand securely and
permanent Wrestling our trust on these, we need
fear nothing from without within. Witha climate
unsurpassed by any on the earth with staples and
produce which control the commerce of the world :;
with Institutions, far regards our organic and
sacred policy in strict conformity nature and the
laws of the Creator, whether read in the Book of
Inspiration or the great Book of Manifestations
around u.s. we have all the essential elements to the
attainment of the highest degree of power and glo
~. These Institutions have been much assaulted, and
it is our mission to vindicate the great truth on
which they rest and with their vindcation to expe-
dIte the highest type of civilization which it is posi-
BILE for human society to reach. In doing this our
policy should be marked by desire to preserve and
maintain peace with all States and people. II this
cannot be done, let not the fault lie at our door.
While we should make aggreSsiOns on none, we
should be prepared to Tepel those made by others,
let them come from whatever quarter they may.
We ask of Others simply, to let Alone and to be
permitted to look after our safety, security, and
happiness in our own way, without molesting or
giving ofense to other people "Let there be peace,
fraternity and liberal commercial relations with the
world" be motto. With this principle, with
ont envy towards other States in the line of pol
icy they may take for themselves, we will invite
them to glorious rivalry in all that developes the
highest equality of every nation. With the best
wishes to you, gentlemen and for the success of our
common Government this day announced bid you
good night
Mr.. Stephens was frequently interrupted by APP
pause, and, retiring, three cheers were gvenfor
Mr.. Stephens, the first Vice President Of the Con-
federate States of America.