The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-04-18
BY TELEGRAPH.
MIDNIGHT REPORT.
Alex. IL. Stevens Before the Reeonsfrue.
ton Committee-His Testimony.
WASHINGTON, April II

WASHINGTON, April II.
Q.-State whether, from your obser-
yatlon, the events OF the war have produced
any change in the public mind of the South
on the question of the reserved rights of the
State. under the Constitution of the United
States.
A--lhat question | answered YESTERDAY.
while cannot state from personal knowledge
to what extent the opinions of the Southern
States on the abstract question of the reserved
rights of the States may have changed Nv
decided opinion Is that a very thorough
change has taken place upon the practical
policy OF resoriing to any such rights.
Q-h hat event or experience of the war
has contributed to this change?
A.-tirst the people are satisfied that re-
sort to the exercises of this right, while ii is
denied by the Federal government. will
lead to war, which many thought before the
late attempted secession would not be the
cause of civil war, they are also now verv
well satisfied as dangerous to liberty. and
moreover their experience in the late war,
think has satisfied them that il greatly endan
gered their own. ! alude especially 10 the
impression of the writ Of Aa5eas corpus. and
the military conscription, the proclamation OF
martial las in various places. general i'm
peessments, and the levying OF forced contri
buttons. as we'll as the very demorailzing ef.
ieots OF war generally.
Q.-Nh hen were you last a member of the
Congress OF the United States?
Al went out on the 4th of March. 1859.
q Will you state, il not indisposed to do
so, the consideration or opinion that led you
TO identify yourself with the rebellion SO Tar
as TO accept the Office of Vice President of
the Confederate States ?
Al believed thoroughly in the reserved
sovereignty of the several States of the Tn
ION under the compact of union or the Con-
stitation Of l7s7. / opposed secession there
fore as question of policy. and not of right
on the part OF Georgia, when the state seced.
cd against my Judgment and vote. | thought
my ultimate allegiance was due to her, and |
preferred to cast my fortune and destiny with
her and her people rather than to take any 9th.
er course, even though it may lead to myself
sacrifice and his ruin. In accepting posi-
ton under the new order of things, my sole
object was to do all the good l could IN pre-
serving and perpetuating the principles of
liberty established under the Constitution of
the United States. Ifthe Union was ID be aban-
doned, either with Or without force, which I
thoaght very impolite measure. / wished, if
possible, to secure, preserve aud perpetuate
the principles of the Constitution. This. |
was not without hope, might be done in the
new confederate, of States formed When
tie soi,iiee arlse. my Efforts were directed to
q. SPECIFY and peaceful adjustment of ques-
tions rs possible. The adjustment ] always
thought to he lasting, and would have ulti-
mateiv~ settled upon a Constitutional basis,
founded upon the principles of mutual con.
venience, aud reciprocal advantage
on the part of the States in which
the Constitution Of the United States
was originally formed. | was welded to no
particular plan of adjustment. except the
recognition rs basis of the social sovereign.
ty OF the several States with the recognized
principles. | thought all other questions of
difference ought tc adjust themselves accord
ing TO the best interests of the peace, welfare
and prsperity of the whole country, as en-.
lightened reason. calm judgement, and a
sense OF justice might direct in this doctrine
OF the sovereignty of the several States as
seh adjusting regulating principle OF our
American system Of State Government ex-
'e1uihe ~ possibly all over the continent
,haVe Your sentiments undergone any
enhhse since the opening of the rebellion in
le'eienee 70 the reserved right OF States un-
'ne W. Moassl.a,ion of the United States.
:; 10y convictions on the ori.i inal cues
non have undergone no change. bnt + accant |
the issue of war and its results &c @ ,,.ao.;aai
settlement of that question. 'iha sass r.a"
appealed to, to decide the ouest;s. ou vas
the decision of the sword | am w;,l;n Anu ~
abide. ~iiiihg 20