The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-01-17
Jefr Davis, Message.
Headquarters Army Of Potomac,
January 10th.

Richmond papers Of this morning have
come to hand. The most important fea-
ture of the news is JEFF Davis message.
After briefly referring to the campaign
since his last Annual Message, he says !:
The anticipation which entered with the
contest here. now ripens into conviction
which is not only shared with US by the
common opinion Of neutral nations, but is
evidently forcing itself upon our enemies
themselves. The advent Of peace will be
hailed with JOY. Our desire for it has
never been concealed but earnest as has
been our wish for peace and great as has
been our sacrifices and suiierings during
the war, the determination of the people
has with each succeeding month, became
more unalterably fixed to endure any suf-
fering and continue to sacrifice, however
prolonged, until their right of self govern
ment ard thesovereignty of the States
shall have been triunphantIy indicated
and established
lie then refers back 10 the history and
the days that four Of the States nov form
ing the Conlederacy were recognized az
independent sovereignties by the two
great maritime powers of Europe, in a
treaty OF peace concluded in 1888.
He reviews the prosperity of the Con-
federation, and the ultimate reunion of
the States, and asserts that The Confedera-
ton of the Union, with the right as indie
pendent sovercigntlcs TO secede when in
their ju l4tnenl their safety and honor re-
quires such step. He peaks Of the
eally determination OF England, France
and other European powers, to recos-
nlze the fac, Of the existence of st,ie,
neutrality during the progress of the war,
but draws from this conclusion, that their
course Of action was but an actual deeis-
ion against the South, and in favor of the
Union, and AT the same time tending to
prolong hostllities. He complains of the
injustice Of Europeans in other matters,
and especially with regard to the conclu-
sion of a treaty with the United States
for the adjustment of privateering, thus
preventing the Cunfederates from dispos-
Ing of in foreign ports the prizes their
privateers have captured. This, he
thinks, directly aimed at the success of
the South, notwithstanding the repeated
remonstrance of the Confedcrstes to the
neutrals. and their own admission as 10
the inefficiency of the Federal blockade.
Neutral Europe has received these remon-
strances in almost unbroken silence.
He says in relation to Lincoln's eman-
cipation proclamation, he leaves it to the
instincts of that common humanity hich
benefcent Creator has implanted in the
breasts of our fellow-men of all countries,
to pass Indignant on measure by which
several millions of contented laborers, In
their sphere, are doomed to extermina-
ton; while at the same time they are
encouraged TO the general assassination Of
their masters, by the ingenious recon-
mendation to abstain from violence unless
in necessary selfdefence
Our own detesta,ion Of those who have
attempted the most criminal massacre re-
corded in the history Of guilty man, is
coupled with q profound contempt for the
impotent rage which it discloses. AS far
as regards the acts Of the Government on
such criminals US may attempt its execu-
ton, / confine myself to informing you
that shall, unless in your wisdom you
deem some other course more expedient,
deliver to the State authorities all com
missioned officers Of the United States
that may hereafter be captured by our for
ces in any Of the States enumerated in
the proclamation, that they may be dealt
with in accordance with the laws of these
States, providing for the punishment Of
criminals engaged in exciting servile in
surrections. In its political aspect, this
measure possesses great significance, and
to it in this light would invite your at-
tention. 1t affords to our people the com
plete and GROWING proof Of the true ma
ture Of the designs Of the party which
elevated to power the present occupant
Of the Presidential chair at Washington,
and which strove to conceal its purpose
By the perfdious use of the most solemn
and repeated pledges.
Speaking of the financial affairs of the
Confederacy, he says it is true that at the
close Of the war our debt will be large,
but it will be due to our own people, aud
neither the interest nor the capital will be
exported to distant countries
Our military successes he ascriDes to
Congress. which enac.ed4he consumption
laws and organized the army, together
with the spirit Of unity, endurance and
devotion Of the people.
While congratulating the Confederacy
on the friendly relAtions with Indian
tribes, he deprecates the hostility Of por-
ton of the Cherokees,