JOINT RESOLUTIONS. 901
Question—In what particular did the people be-
lieve their constitutional, liberties were assailed or
endangered from the Union ?
Answer—Mainly, I would say, in their internal
social polity, and their apprehension from the gen-
eral consolidating tendencies of the doctrines and
principles of that political party which had re-
cently succeeded in the choice of a President and
Vice President of the United States. It was the
serious apprehension that if the republican organ-
ization, as then constituted, should succeed to
power, it would lead ultimately to a virtual sub-
version of the Constitution of the United States,
and all its essential guarantees of public liberty,
I think that was the sincere, honest conviction in
the minds of our people. Those who opposed se-
cession, did not apprehend that any such results
would necessarily follow the election which had
taken place, they still thought that all their rights
might be maintained in the Union, and under the
Constitution, especially as there were majorities
in both Houses who agreed with them on Consti-
tutional questions.
In the further examination of Mr. Stephens a
to " the considerations or opinions which led him
to identify himself with the rebellion, so far as to
accept the office of Vice President of the Confed-
erate States, he said, I believe thoroughly in the
reserved sovereignty of the several States of the
Union under the compact or Constitution of 1787,
and proceeded to give his reasons for following the
fortunes of his State.
In reply to the question, have your opinions un-
dergone any change, &c., Mr Stephens said, my
convictions on original abstract question have
undergone no change, but I accept the issues of
the war, and the results as a practical settlement
of the question. The sword was appealed to to
decide the question, and by the decision of the
sword I am willing to abide.
There are some historical facts connected with
the original abstract question which ought to be
considered in connection with the question of pun-
ishment of those who held the obnoxious opinions.
And. first, that at the time of the adoption of the |
Report of the
Committee.
|
|
 |
