The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-03-29
what Jeff. Davis Thinks of
the Prospects of the Com
federacy. 9

The Richmond Enquirer of the 18th
contains special message of JEFF. Davis
to the rebel Congress. That body was
about to adjourn, but Davis urged them to
continue in session, as g the events of the
last three.o four months had SO materi-
ally affected the state ofilhs country as
to evince the necessity of further and
more energetic legislation" The follow
ing extracts exhibit his views as to the
condition of the Confederacy:
"Recent military operations Of the en-
emy have been successful in the capture
of some of our seaports, and in devasta-
ting large districts of our country. These
events have had the natural effect of en-
couraging our foes and dispiriting maRy
of our people. The capital of the Con-
federate States is now threatened, and it
/ is in greater danger than it has hereto
fore been during the war. The fact is
stated without reservoir concealment, as
due to the people whose servants we are,
and in whose courage and constancy en-
tire trust is reposed; and as due to you,
IN WHOSE Wlsuo1n anu ICSV1utO cPiiIe nv
people have eon6ded for the adoption of
the measures requiredto guard them from
threatened perils. s ssr
While stating to you that our SCUM
| try is in danger, also desire to state my
deliberate conviction that it is within our
power to avert the calamities which me-
mace US, and to secure the triumph of the
sacred cause for which SO much sacrifice
! has been made, so much suffering endur-
ed, SO many precious lives been lost. This
result is to be obtained by fortitude, by
courage, by constaDcy in enduring the
sacrifices still needed in word, by the
prompt and resolute devotion of the
/ whole resources -of men and money in
the Confederacy to the achievement o.
our liberties and independence" aan
| The legislation which he deemed sc
important to the Confederacy was, first
a change in the impressment law. SO as te
authorize the seizure of supplies without
making payment at the time. This he
says is an {. absolute necessity" Second
ly, a Law repealing class exemptions
Thirdly, law suspending the writ of ha
beas corpus He then adds: p a
I g Having thus fully placed before yor
the information requisite to enable you tt
4 Judge of the state of the country, th,
dangers to which we are exposed, and .th'
measures Of legislation needed for avert
ing them, it remains for me but to invoke
your attention to the consideration o
!. those means by which, above all others
lwe may hope ITO escape the calamitie
Ithat would result from our failure.
RI First among these measures he place
! Eathe necessity for earnest and cordia
$ go operation Of all departments of tn
j Goyernmcnt; and, next, that Congress
shall adopt bold and energetic legisla
+ ttion; and finally, that the members, at
: ter the adjournment, shall make thei
!, Evoices heardein cheering and encouragin
the people. s'fa8 Stiasiashafas saa
!, notwithstanding the earnestness wit
3 which Mr.. Davis urges this prompt an
!. energetic legislation, the rebel Congres
defeated every one Of the measures who
/, he deemed of such vital Importance. Tb
!. prospects Of speedy independence
!. the Confederacy cannot, therefore, in tn
: opinion of Mr.. Davis, be very cheering
j pc The FREAKS OF MILITARY LAW
Daniel Flanagan, the editor of a Dem,
-. III n.