Hagars Daughter | Page 5

him from the
temple of liberty, or pull down its pillars and involve him in a common
ruin. Never permit this federal government to pass into the traitorous
hands of the black Republican party.
"My language may appear strong; but it is mild when we consider the
attempt being made to wrest from us the exclusive power of making
laws for our own community. The repose of our homes, the honor of
our color, and the prosperity of the South demand that we resist
innovation.
"I rejoice to see around me fellow-laborers worthy to lead in the
glorious cause of resisting oppression, and defending our ancient
privileges which have been set by an Almighty hand. We denounce
once and for all the practices proposed by crazy enthusiasts, seconded
by designing knaves, and destined to be executed by demons in human
form. We shall conquer in this pending struggle; we will subdue the
North, and call the roll of our slaves beneath the very shadow of
Bunker Hill. 'It is a consummation devoutly to be wished.'
"And now, I call upon all true patriots in token of their faith, to drink
deep of one deserving their fealty,--the guardian and savior of the
South, Jefferson Davis."

Vociferous cheers broke forth and shook the building. The crowd
surrounding the hotel took it up, and the name "Davis!" "Davis!" was
repeated again and again. He arose in his seat and bowed profoundly;
the band played "See the Conquering Hero Comes"; a lady in the
gallery back of him skilfully dropped a crown of laurel upon his head.
The crowd went mad; they tore the decorations from the walls and
pelted their laurel-crowned hero until he would gladly have had them
cease; but such is fame. When the cheers had somewhat subsided, Mr.
Davis said:
"I must acknowledge, my fellow-citizens, the truth of the remarks just
made by our illustrious friend, Senator Toombs. I was never more
satisfied with regard to the future history of our country than I am at
present. I believe in state rights, slavery, and the Confederacy that we
are about to inaugurate.
"The principle of slavery is in itself right, and does not depend upon
difference of complexion. Make the laboring man the slave of one man,
instead of the slave of society, and he would be far better off. Slavery,
black or white, is necessary. Nature has made the weak in mind or body
for slaves.
"In five days your delegates from all the loyal Southern States will
meet here in convention. I feel the necessity that every eye be fixed
upon the course which will be adopted by this assembly of patriots.
You know our plans. South Carolina will lead the march of the gallant
band who will give us the liberty we crave. We are all united in will
and views, and therefore powerful. I see before me in my colleagues
men to whom the tranquility of our government may be safely
confided--men devoted and zealous in their interest--senators and
representatives who have managed everything for our aid and comfort.
Few of the vessels of the navy are available at home; the army is
scattered on the Western frontier, while all the trained officers of the
army are with us. Within our limits we have control of the entire
government property--mints, custom-houses, post-offices, dock-yards,
revenue-cutters, arsenals and forts. The national finances have been
levied upon to fill our treasury by our faithful Southern members of the

late cabinet. Yes, friends, all is ready; every preparation is made for a
brief and successful fight for that supremacy in the government of this
nation which is our birthright. (Tremendous applause.)
"By the election just thrust upon us by the Republican party the
Constitution is violated; and were we not strong to sustain our rights,
we should soon find ourselves driven to prison at the point of the
bayonet (cries of 'Never, never!'), ousted from the council of state,
oblivion everywhere, and nothing remaining but ourselves to represent
Truth and Justice. We believe that our ideas are the desires of the
majority of the people, and the people represent the supreme and
sovereign power of Right! (Hear! hear! cheers.) For Abraham Lincoln
(hisses) nothing is inviolate, nothing sacred; he menaces, in his election,
our ancient ideas and privileges. The danger grows greater. Let us arise
in our strength and meet it more than half way. Are you ready, men?"
"We are ready!" came in a roar like unto the waters of the mighty
Niagara. "What shall we do?"
"No half measures; let it be a deed of grandeur!"
"It shall be done!" came in another mighty chorus.
"In such a crisis there must be no vacuum. There must be a
well-established government before the people. You, citizens, shall take
up arms; we