St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-03-29


for the protection of the states and the 'peo-
pie of the states in the enjoyment of their
rights and liberties. Whatever tends to the
enjoyment of these in their fullest measure
advances the interests of the whole.
The usurpations which war engenders adj
monsh us that "eternal vigilance is the
price" which the states and the people must
pay for the preservation of their liberties.
We must never forget that the government
of the Con federate states, being the common
agent of the states, cannot constitutionally
have interests or objects antagOnistic to those
of the states. Nor should the states cease to
regard it with the friendly affection parents
feel for their child. If the child is hayward,
and, with the flush of power, becomes forget
full of the respect and duty to his parents, he
must be admonished in the spirit of love and
Christian charity. Such admontions rarely
fail to correct the errors OF the hayward child,
while harsh treatment will but widen and
deepen the breach.
Just this course understand you to pro-
pose toward the govern ment of the Confeder-
ate states. Many and grave errors have been
committed by the president, his heads of de-
partments, and by congress. More watchful-
ness on the part of the states might have
prevented these. Future watchfuiness may
not only prevent future errors, but may
greatly mitigate the effects of those already
committed.
/ know of no better plan to accomplish this
desired end than the one you propose. |, as
the representative of the people of Alabama,
will heartily unite with you and the executive
of other states in friendly remonstrance to
the president or to congress against measures
which may be deemed detrimental to the in
terests of the separate states or to the cause
in which all are now engaged. much prefer,
in the first Instance. at least, that these re-
monstrances shall be confidential.
The interests of the states composing the
Confederacy are essentially the same in peace.
In the present war they are identical. What
ever, therefore, siren CITIZENS one adds to the
strength of the common cause, and pro-
notes the ultimate success of all.
As far as my power extends under the
constitution and laws of Alabama, shall at
times cooperate with the other states. l am
reminded, however, that the powers of the
executive of Alabama are small. Under the
laws as they now stand the troops of Alabama
can not, without their consent, be taken be-
yond the limits of the state. Feeling fully
the Importance OF extending aid to Georgia
last summer, 1 called the atten ton of our
legislature to the defect in the laws at the
extra session held in September last. Again,
at the regular an nual session, held in Novem-
Der last the same recommendations were
urged. / regret to say these defects were not
remedied by the legislature. I fear, know
ing the temper of the legislature, that moth
ing better can be done until new election
shall place III power other men.
The militia power of Alabama is paralyzed
by provision in our law that the frst-class
militia can not be carried beyond the limits
of their respective counties without their con-
sent.
The second-class militia, properly state mi
litia, originally composed of all males between
II and 45 not in the Confederate service, have
been greatly reduced by the action of con-
gress of the last winters session.
This class Of militia is composed now
mainly of bonded agriculturists, and does
hot amount to more than fifteen hundred
efficient men in the whole state, in ciuding
about three hundred cadets of the state uni
versity.
The first class of militia is composed Of
boys between l6 and II years of age and men
between so and go. OF this class 2O,OUO eff
cient men might be obtained were it not that
the law limits their services to their respec-
tive counties.
The legislature has made ample provision
Tor arresting deserters and stragglers from
the armies. and l trust that much good may
result from the energetic execution Of such
laws.
The impressment laws of congress have
been unfortunate in their operation. In my
judgment, good policy dictated but little use
for them. The supply of our armies could
have been better and more cheaply made in
another mode. The lawS themselves, and
their abuse, have together dampened greatly
the affection and spirit of our people toward
the Confederate authorities, and thus have
their affections to the cause of our independ-
ence been weakened. The people rarely have
the intelligence, or if they possess the inteli-
gence they stop not to consider the differ
ence between the cause and the agents who
administer that cause. The odium attaching
to the insolent, oppressive or dishonest agent
is but too easily, sometimes insensibly, Wis
tied on the cause in whose behalf the agent
acts
From the very pleasant conferences have
had with ex-Gov Manning in reference
to your views of public men and measures, |
am happy in the belief that your views and
mine do not materially differ. And | can
now see no obstacle to thorough and cor
dial cooperation in all measures subscribing
the great interests Of the states and the cause
Of independence.
1t will afford me pleasure to correspond
freely with you, and to unite in any recon-
mendations to the president looking to the
public defense.
will only say that / have profound con-
viction that the government OF the Confed-
crate states should be so conducted as to de-
yelop the whole strength OF the country in
this crisis Of our public affairs. The strength
which the support Of a united people would
give must he courted, by healing unfortu-
nate differences among our pubic men, and
By acceding to the wishes of the armies and
to the calm judgment of the people, on the
part of the Confederate administration.
We have no surplus strength to spare.
Gen. J. E. Johnston should again be called
to the command of an army. His restora-
ton to command would greatly augment and
strengthen the armies, and increase our
power, by renewing the confidence of the
people and the armies in the president. l
have so written the president.
If you agree 10 this sentiment, perhaps a
joint letter OF The governors would effect the
purpose.
With very great regard, have the honor
to be Your Excellency's obedient servant,
J. H. WATTS, Governor of Alabama.