GENTLEMEN AND FELLOW-CITIZENS, for though we met as
strangers from different and independent States, we are once more citizens of a
common country. [Applause] Allow me briefly and sincerely to return you my
unfeigned thanks for this compliment. The state of my health, my voice and the
night air, apart from all other considerations, will prevent me from doing
more. This is not the time or the place to discuss those great questions which
are now pressing upon our public counsels. We are in a transition condition — in
the process of a new formation.
Sufficient to say, that this day a new republic has been
born — the Confederate States of America has been ushered into existence, to
take its place amongst the nations of the earth — [cheers] — under a temporary
or provisional government, it is true; but soon to be followed by one of a
permanent character, which, while it surrenders none of our ancient rights and
liberties, will secure more perfectly, we trust, the peace, security, and
domestic tranquillity that should be the objects of all governments. [Applause.]
What is to be the future of this new government — the fate
of this new republic — will depend upon ourselves. Six States only, at present,
constitute it — but six stars, as yet, appear in our constellation — more, we
trust, will soon be added. By the time of the adoption of the constitution of
the permanent government, we may have a number greater than the original
thirteen — of the original Union, and with more than three times their
population, wealth, and power. [Applause] With such a beginning, the prospect
of the future presents strong hopes to the patriot’s heart, for a bright and
prosperous career. But what that future shall be, depends, I say, upon
ourselves and those who shall come after us. Ours is a republic. And all
republics, to be permanent and prosperous, must be supported by the virtue,
intelligence, integrity, and patriotism of the people. These are the
corner-stones upon which the temple of popular liberty must be constructed, to
stand securely and permanently. Resting ours upon these, we need fear nothing
from without or from within. With a climate unsurpassed by any on earth; with
staples and productions which control the commerce of the world; with
institutions, so far as regards our organic and social policy, in strict
conformity to nature and the laws of the Creator, whether read in the Book of
Inspiration or in the great book of manifestations around us, we have all the
natural elements essential to the attainment of the highest degree of honor,
glory, and renown. [Applause]
These institutions have been much assailed. It is our
mission to vindicate the great truths on which they rest — and with them to
exhibit the highest type of civilization which it is possible for human society
to reach. In doing this, our policy should be marked by a desire to preserve
and maintain peace with all other States and peoples. If this cannot be done,
let not the fault lie at our door. While we should make aggressions on none, we
should be prepared to repel them if made by others; let it come from whatever
quarter it may. [Applause] We ask of all others simply to be let alone, and to
be permitted to work after our own safety, security, and happiness, in our own
way, without molesting or giving offence to any other people.
Let then peace, fraternity, and liberal commercial relations
with all the world, be our motto. [Cheers] With these principles, without any
envy toward other States in the line of policy they may mark out for
themselves, we will rather invite them to a generous rivalship in all that
develops the highest qualities of our nature. [Applause]
With best wishes for you, gentlemen, and the success of our
common government, this day announced, I bid you goodnight.
SOURCE: Henry Whitney Cleveland, Alexander H. Stephens, in Public and Private, p. 157-9
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