Our opposition sprang from no hostility to commerce, or to all necessary aids for facilitating it. Notwithstanding this opposition, millions of money, from the common treasury had been drawn for such purposes. We of the South, generally apart from considerations of constitutional principles, opposed its exercise upon grounds of its inexpediency and injustice. The power, claimed by construction under the old constitution, was at least a doubtful one it rested solely upon construction. This old thorn of the tariff, which was the cause of so much irritation in the old body politic, is removed forever from the new.Īgain, the subject of internal improvements, under the power of Congress to regulate commerce, is put at rest under our system. Honest labor and enterprise are left free and unrestricted in whatever pursuit they may be engaged. All, under our system, stand upon the same broad principles of perfect equality. We allow the imposition of no duty with a view of giving advantage to one class of persons, in any trade or business, over those of another. The question of building up class interests, or fostering one branch of industry to the prejudice of another under the exercise of the revenue power, which gave us so much trouble under the old constitution, is put at rest forever under the new. So, taking the whole new constitution, I have no hesitancy in giving it as my judgment that it is decidedly better than the old.Īllow me briefly to allude to some of these improvements. They form great improvements upon the old constitution. Some of these I should have preferred not to have seen made but other important changes do meet my cordial approbation. All the essentials of the old constitution, which have endeared it to the hearts of the American people, have been preserved and perpetuated. The great principle of religious liberty, which was the honor and pride of the old constitution, is still maintained and secured. No citizen is deprived of life, liberty, or property, but by the judgment of his peers under the laws of the land. All the great principles of Magna Charta are retained in it. In reference to it, I make this first general remark: it amply secures all our ancient rights, franchises, and liberties. or form of government, constitutes the subject to which your attention will be partly invited. This revolution has been signally marked, up to this time, by the fact of its having been accomplished without the loss of a single drop of blood. Seven States have within the last three months thrown off an old government and formed a new. I was remarking that we are passing through one of the greatest revolutions in the annals of the world. Not that I have any display to make, or anything very entertaining to present, but such views as I have to give, I wish all, not only in this city, but in this State, and throughout our Confederate Republic, could hear, who have a desire to hear them. I very much regret that everyone who desires cannot hear what I have to say. I shall take my time I feel quite prepared to spend the night with you if necessary. I cannot speak so long as there is any noise or confusion. When perfect quiet is restored, I shall proceed. Stephens's speech is remembered by many for its defense of slavery, its outlining of the perceived differences between the North and the South, and the racial rhetoric used to show the inferiority of African Americans. A few weeks after the speech, on April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, initiating the American Civil War. Stephens presents what he believes are the reasons for what he termed was a "revolution." This revolution resulted in the American Civil War. In his March 21, 1861, Cornerstone Speech, Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Share to Google Classroom Added by 338 Educators Saved Land Browse Interactive Map View active campaigns.Stop the Largest Rezoning in Orange County History.Support the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act.Protect the Heart of Chancellorsville Battlefield.Help Restore History at Gettysburg, Cold Harbor & More. Help Save 125 Battlefield Acres in Virginia.Help Preserve 32 Acres at Chickasaw Bayou and Champion Hill.Don’t Let Data Centers Destroy the Wilderness.Help Preserve 29 Acres at Gettysburg & Second Deep Bottom.Send Students to Learn History Where It Occurred.Phase Four of Gaines’ Mill-Cold Harbor Saved Forever Campaign.Virtual Tours View All See Antietam now!.National Teacher Institute July 13 - 16, 2023 Learn More.USS Constitution In 4 Minutes Watch Video.African Americans During the Revolutionary War.The First American President: Setting the Precedent.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |