Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-03-05
The Old and New Union.

Hon. A. II. Stephens thus closed his
late speech:
The old Union was based upon the
assumption that it was for the best inter-
eat of the people of all the States to be
anited as they were, each State faithfully
performing to the people of the other
States all their obligations under the
common compact. always thought this
assumption was founded upon broad,
correct and statesmanlike principles. |
think so yet 1t was only when it seemed
10 be impossible further to maintain
it, without hazarding greater evils
than would, perhaps, attend a separSai-
ton. that | yielded my assent in obedl-
ence TO the voice of Georgia, to try
the experiment which has resulted so
disastrously to us. Indeed, during the
whole lamentable conflict, it was my opin-
ion that however the pending strife
might terminate so far as the appeal to
the sword was concerned, yet after
while, when the passions and the excite
ments of the day should pass away, an
adjustment of arrangement would be
made upon continental principles, upon
the general basis of reciprocal advan-
taee and mutual convenience, on which
the Union was first established. My
earnest desire, however, throughout, was
whatever might be done, might be peace
fully done; might be the result OF calm,
dispassionate and enlightened reason;
looking to the permanent interests and
welfare of all. And, now, after the severe
cbastiserient of the war, If the general
sense of the whole country shall come
back to the acknowledgment OF the
original assumption, that it is for the best
interests of all the States to be so united,
as trust it will the States still being
separate as the pillows, but one as the
sea III can perceive no reason why,
under such a restoration, we, as whole,
with peace, commerce and honest
friendship with all nations and entangling
alliances with none" may not enter upon
a new career, exciting increased wonder
in the old world, by grander achieve
ments hereafter to be made than any
heretofore attained by the peaceful and
harmonious workings of our American
institutions Of selfgovernment
All this is possible, if the hearts OF the
people be right 1t is my earnest wish
70 see it. Fondly would / indulge my
fancy in gazing on such a picture Of the
future. With what rapture may we not
suppose the spirits of our fathers would
hail its opening scenes from their man
sion above. Such are my hopes, resting
ON such contingencies But if, instead
of all this, the passions Of the day shall
continue to beat away; if prejudice shall
rule the hour; ifa conflict of races shall
arise; if ambition shall turn the scale;
il. the sword shall be thrown into the
balance against patriotism if the en-
bers of the late war shall be kept aglow-
ing until with new fuel they shall flame
up again, then our present gloom is but
10 shadow, the penumbra of that deeper
lad darker eclipse which is to totally
ascure this hemisphere and blight for
YER the anxious anticipations and ex-
pectations of mankind Then hereafter
BY some bard it may be sung,
"The Star of Hope shone brightest in the West.
The hope of Liberty, the last the best
That, too has set, upon her darkened shore,
And Hope and Freedom light up earth no
more.
May we not all on this occasion, on
this anniversary of the birthday of
Washington, join in a fervent prayer to
Heaven that the Great Ruler of events
may avert from this land such fall
such fate and such requiem