The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1864-06-04

have been furnished and are now afioat in the
harbor, and all Indications portend the resump
! tion of offensive operations by the Rebels.
| MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT DAVIS.
On the End May 1S6A.
TO tie Senate and House Of Representatives,
of the Confederate States Of america:
You are assembled under circumstances
Of deep interest to your country and it is
fortunate that, coming as you do, newly
elected by the people, and familiar with
the condition Of the various localities, you
will be the better able to devise measures
adapted to meet the wants of the public
service, without imposing unnecessary bur-
thens on the citizens. The brief period
which has elapsed since the last adjournment
Of Congress has not afforded sufficient op.
portunity to test the efficiency of the most
Important laws then enacted, nor have the
events occurring in the interval been such
as materially to change the state Of the
country.
The unjust war commenced against us,
in violation of the rights Of the States, and
in usurpation of the power not delegated
to the government of the United States, is
still characterized by the barbarism with
which it has heretofore been conducted by
the enemy. Aged men, helpless women
and children, appeal in vain to the human
ity which should be inspired by their con-
dition, for immunity from arrest, imcarcera-
ton or banishment FROM their homes.
Plumber and devastation Of the property
Of non.comba.ants, destruction Of private
dwellings, and even Of edifces devoted to
the worship of God, expeditions organized
for the sole purpose of sacking cities, con-
signing them to the flames. killing the uu.
armed inhabitants and inficting horrible
outrages on women and chill dren, are some
of the constantly recurring atrocities Of the
invader. x
It cannot reasonably be pretended that
suehsacts conduce to any end which their
authdlg dare ayow before the civilized
woridS and sooner or later Christendom
must mete out to them the condemnation
which such brutality deserves. The suffer
ing thus ruthlessly inflicted upon the people
Of the invaded districts has served but to
illustrate their patriotism. Entire unani-
nifty and zeal for their eountry's cause
have been prominently conspicuous among
those whose sacrifices have been greatest.
So the army, which has borne the trials and
dangers of the war, which has been subject
ed to privations and disappointments {feats
of manly fortitude far more severe than
the brief fatigues and perils of actual corn !.
bat), has been the centre of cheerfulness
and hope. From the camp comes the voice
Of The soldier patriots, invoking each who
IS at heme il the sphere be best may I'LL,
TO devote his whole energies to the support
Of caase, in The success of which their
confidence has never faltered They, the
veterans Of many a hard fought field, tender
10 their country. without limit Of time, d
service Of priceless value to US, one which
posserity will hold in grateful remenl-
brance.
& In consequence Of the state of the coun-
~, the reflection is naturally suggested
hat this 4 the third Congress Of the Con-
Iederate States Of America The Proyis-
onal Government was formed, its Congress
held four sessions. lived its appointed term
ind passed away. TIE Permanent Gov
srnment Was then organized, its different /
established, Congress elected
which also held four sessions. served its full I
constitutional term and expired. You, The |
|acond Congress under the Permanent
government, are noT assembled at the +
ime and place appointed By Law for COM
neDcing Jour session. All these events
ave passed into history, notwithstanding
he threat Of our prompt subjugation, made
hree years ago, by people that presume to
ssert title to govern States whose sepa.
ate and independent sovereignty was re-
ognizea By treaty with France and Great {
5rltaln III tho last century, and remained
Ilaquestioned for nearly three generations
fet these very governments, III disregard
f duty and treaty obligations, which bind
ben 70 recognize as independent Virginia
nd other Confederate States, persist IN
ouutenancing, By moral influence. if not
ldlng By unfair and partial action, the
lain set up BY the executive Of a foreign
oVernment, to exercise despotic sway over
ae states thus recogaized, and treat the
1vasion Of them by their former limited !
90 special agent. as though il were the
tempt Of q sovereign to suppress rebel
% against lawful authority.
sungenerous advantage has been taken Of /
y present condition, and onr rights have /
'en violated, our vessels of war detained I
ports % which they had been invited By /