The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-07

Florida. January Z. 1861; Mississippi, Janu-
arv - 1861: Alabama. January II, to5i,
Georgia. January -. ISL Louisiana, Jan
uary ~. 1861: Texas. February |, 1861.
Representatives from these states met IN
convention at Montgomery, Ala, on the fth
Of February. 1861. for the purpose OF form
ing a provisional government. ON the sth
OF February. this body adopted q c0nstitu-
ton and proclaimed an addition to the fam-
ily of nations under the title Of
..ruF CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA
The next day the Congress announced its
choice Of the two highest constitutional Of
fcers of the new government: President,
Jefferson Davis. Of Mississippi; Nice-Presl-
dent. Alex. II. stephens, Of Georgia.
4 MODEL REPUBLIC.
There can be no doubt that in this selec-
tion of The President Of the COnfederacy, the
new Congress ratified the previous choice OF
the south, who almost unanimously regard
ed Mr. Davis a. the man best ftted for the
position by ability, character, and political
and military experience. Inc new govern
ment i'm the incidents attending its cOnstruc-
ton and setting in operation fully wildcat
cd the earnest and conscientious cOnYic-
tions of the people who called 1t into exist
ence. The absence Of tumuit and Of all
passionate display al Montgomery was IN
marked contrast with the indecent exulta-
fion witnessed AT Washington from the adj
bpreuts of the incoming administration
there. The caimness. moderation, aud eyi-
don't oarnesfnc,s Of purpose which prevailed
AZ the south. aud was thus manifested by
those who were interested with the framing
of the new government. impressed the
world 20 such an extent that prepared 1t 10
entertain sympathy for the southern cause,
not 10 have been expected from the preNa-
lent though erroneous impressions Of for
eieners. respecting the merits Of the sec
tienal quarrel in America. The COnteder-
ATE leaders at Montgomery exhibited an al
most religious generation for the spirit and
form. of the government which they had
abandoned.
The strict adherence Of the Montgomery
Constitution 10 the features OF the Federal
instrument indicates the absurdity OF the
impression that il was proclamation OF
revolution. and the circumstances OF It's
adoption are totally inconsistent with cor
rect conception of the conduct OF an insur-
gent body. The Confederate Constitution
positively prohibited the African slave
trade. which the Federal Constitution failed
to do; and q striking proyision-never be-
fore ayowed in any similar instrument
was the prohibition OF dulles for the pur-
pose of protection. The responsibilities
and difficulties Of the trust did not suggest
To Mr.. Davis any hesitation as to its accept
ance. His assumption Of them was char
acterized by a dignity. absence OF ostenta-
ton. and profound appreciation Of It's deli
cate nature. in the highest degree imposing.
Informed Of his election. Mr.. Davis left his
home for the seat Of government.
Along the route to Montgomery he was
greeted with every possible demonstration
Of patriotic enthusiasm and personal re-
gard. Arriving there he was inaugurate
with "A simplicity Of ceremony, an absence
Of personal imitation aud Il degree OF pop
ular ioy which we'll betitted the formal AS
sertion of true republican liberty, equally
protected against The licensed OF mobs and
ihe usurpation Of tyrants. The ceremonies
OF inauguration were simple, consisting
of taking the oath OF Office and the delivery
OF the inaugural address. The latter ranks
among the highest order of state papers.
rs a model II composition IL IL rarely
equaled. and it, statement Of the position OF
the South, the grievances which had led IL
the assumption of that position, her hopes,
aspirations and purposes has never been
surpassed in power by any similar docu-
ment
President Davis selected for his cabinet
Mr.. Robert Toomb>, Of Georgia, as secret ir.
OF state; Mr.. LEROY L. Walker, Of Alabama.
as secretary Of War; Mr.. Charles u. Mem