Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1866-04-26
Conclusion OF the Testimony of
Alex. EI. stevens.

State whether, from your obserra m tho ryils of
the war have produced any change in the public
mind OF the State, under the Cons titution of the
United States.
Answor-Tlat question | answered in part yes
terity. While | cannot state, from personal
KIN wledgc. TO what extent the opinion of the
Southern states upon the abstract question mar
have changed, my opinion is that very thorough
Change has taken place upon the practical policr
regarding any such rights.
QnesNon-Nhat events or experiences OF the
war have contributed to this changed
Answcr-Fir.t, the people are satisfied that
resort to the exercise of that right while il is de-
MED by the Federal Government, will lead to war;
which many thought. before the late secession
would not be the case. and civil war, they are al
80 now very well satisfied. is dangerous 10 liberty
and moreover. their experience in the late war,
think. has satisfied them that il greatly cnd,nger-
ed their own. allude expressly to the suppress
sion of the writ of h,beas corpus, the military con
scription, and the proclamation of martial law in
various places: general Imprisonment, aud the de-
moralirinS effects OF war generally.
QucstOn-Whe hen were you las. a member OF the
Congress Of the United States?
Answer wen, out the ith Of March, 1889
Question-Will you state, If not indsposed to
DO so, the opinion which led you to identify your
self with the rebellion 50 far rs to ACCEPT the Office
OF Vice President of the Confederate States Of
America, so called7
Answer believed thoroughly in the reserved
sovereignty of the several States Of the Union I'M
der the compac, of Union. tho Constitution OF
l'e'. approved secession, therefore, rs ques-
ton OF policy, and not ofright, on the part Of
Georgia. When the State seeded, against my
Judgment and vote, thought my ultmlte allegi-
snce Was due TO her, and | preferred to ally my
destiny and fortunes with her and her people,
rather than take any othcr course. even though it
might lead TO my self sacrifice and ruin. In ac-
cepiinS position under the new order Of things,
my sole object wast 10 aid the Con!ederacy in pro
serving and perpetuating the principles of liberty
as established under the Constitution Of the Uni
ted States. II the Union was to pc abandoned, Ell
tIer win or without furce, which thought very
mpoliiic measure, wished, if possible. To rescue,
preserve, anu perpetuate the principles OF the Con
stitutlon. This. was not without hope. might be
done IN the new Confederacy of State. formed
when the conflict arose, my efforts were directed
zion possible -
This adjustment, always thought, to be lasting,
would have ultimately 10 be settled upon n coa.ti.
iutIonal basis. founded upon the principles of mu-
'nai convenience and reciprocal advantages on the
part OF the States, upon which the Consti
tuition oil the United States was originally
founded. / was welded to no particular plan OF
adjustment, except The separate sovereignty OF the
several States. with thi. recognized principle |
thought all other questions OF difference ought to
ADJUST themselves, according to the best interests.
peace. welfare, and prosperity of the country, "a
enlightened reason, cool Judgment, and sense of
justice might direct the sovereignty Of the several
States, Ms seifordering, regulating principle of
our American system of government, extending
possibly over the continent.
Question Have your sentiments undergone
any change since the opening of the rebellion In
reference TO the reserved rights of States under the
Consu'uilpa OF the United Statesl
answering convictions on the original. abstract
question have undergone no change; but accept
the issue OF the war and the result as a practical
Element of that question. The sword was ap-
'eaeu 70 to decide the question, and by the decis
on of lhe sword am willing to abide.