Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1875-03-04

dominion should cloud tie Judgement Or
inAame the ambition Of these States, we
must prepare to meet the emergency,
and maintain, BY the fnal axhitrauent
Of the sword, the position which Ne
have Assumed among the nations Of the
earth. We have entered upon . new
career of independence, and must be In
nsxible in maintaining it, @tkough par
sued through many years of controver.
y with our late associates of the North
ern States. 83ss eH.s ssvt
We have vsinly endeasosed 20 secure
tranquility and 5btzin respecs Tor tie
rights to which we were entitled, aud 8
Q necessity, not q choice, we have re-
sorted TO the remedy Of separation, and
henceforth our energies must he direc-
ted TO the conduct Of our own affairs and
the prosperity of th. Confederacy which
we have formed. L a Just perception
Of mutual interests shall permit Us peace
ably to pursue our separate political ca.
reer, my most earnest desire will have
been fulfilled. But if this be denied rs,
and the integrity Of our territory and
jurisdiction be assailed, it viii but re-
main for us, with firm resolve, to ap-
peal to arms, and TO invoke the bles-
sings of Providence on Just cause
As q consequence of our new condition
and relations, and with a view to meet
anticipated wants, it will be necessary
to provide for the speedy and efficient
organization Of branches Of the execu-
tive department, having special charge
of foreign intercourse, financial, militia
ry affairs, and postal service. For pur-
poses of defense, the Confederate States
may, under ordinary circumstances, rely
mainly upon their militia; but it is
deemed advisable, in the present condi-
tion of affairs, that there should be a
well instructed and disciplined army,
more numerous than would usually be
required for peace establishment. I
also suggest that for the protection of
our harbors and commerce on the high
seas, a navy be organized. But this, as
well as other subjects appropriate to our
necessities, has doubtless engaged the
attention Of the Congress.
With a Constitution differing from
our fathers only so far as it is explapa-
tory of our wei known intention to be
freed from sectional conflicts, which
have interfered with the pursuit of the
general welfare, it is not unreasonable
to expect that other States from which
we lave recently parted may ask to
unite their fortunes with ours under the
government We have instituted. For
this your Constitution makes adequate
provision, but beyond this, If mistatte
not, the judgment and will of the peS"
pie are that q reunion with States from
which we have separated, is neither
practicable nor desirable. To increase
the power, develop the resources and pro-
mote the happiness Of confederacy, it
is requisite that there should be SO much
honogeneity that the welfare of every
portion be the aim Of the whole When
this does not exist, antagonisms are en-
gendered, which must and should re.
suit in separation. Actuated solely by
the desire to preserve our own rights,
and promote our own welfare, the sep
aration from the United States bas been
marked by no aggressions upon others.
and followed by no convulsion. Our
industrial pursuits have received no
check. The cultivation of our fields has
progressed as hereto. ,re, and even should
we be involved in war, there would be
no considerable diminution in the pro-
dnction Of staples which have constitu-
ted our exports, and IL which the COM
mercial world has an interest scarcely
less than our own. The common inter-
est Of producers and consumers can only
be interrupted by exterior force, which
would obstruct the transmission Of our
staples to foreign markets; q course Of
conduct which would be as unjust to-
wards us as it would be detrimental to
manufacturing and commercial inter-
este abroad. Should reason guide the
action Of the government from which
We have separated, q policy so desri-
mental to the civilized world, the North
ern States included. could not be dicta-
ted but by the strongest desire to in
fiict injury upon us. But if the con-
trary should prove true, . terrible re-
sponsibility will rest upon and the suf-
ferings Of nultitudes viii bear testimo-
nv to the folly and wickedness Of our
aggressors. In the meantime there will
r, main to US, besides the ordinary rem
edies before suggested, the well known
resources for retaliation Upon the CON-
mere Of an enemy. My experience in
%. bile stations, Of q subordinate char
acter to this, which your kindness has
conferred upon me, has taught me that
care and toll and disappointment sre
the prices Of official elevation. You will
see many errors to forgive, many def.
ciencics TO tolerate; but you shall no,
fiId in me either want Of zeal or fideli.
ty TO the cause that Is to me of highest
and Of most enduring affection. Your
generosity has bestowed upon me m
undeserved distinction; one which
neither sought nor desired. Upon the
continuance of that sentiment, and upon
your wisdom and patriotism. / RELY d
direct and support me in the perform.
ance of the duties required at my hands
We have changed our political relation
but not our system Of government
The Constitution framed b. our father,
10 that Of these Confeaerated States
In their expeditions Of it. and the judi
eial constructions il has received, VI
have . light which has revealed its tru,
meaning. Thus instructed - 10 Ii,
true meaning and just Interpretation q
that instrument. and ever Remembering
that oil afiairs are but trusts, keld fo1
the people, and that powers deleeatet
ere 70 Z strictly cnnstfued. I viii hope