19

Answer. Mainly, I would say, in their internal, social
polity, and their apprehension from the general consolidating
tendencies of the doctrines and principles of that political
party which had recently succeeded in the choice of a Presi-
dent and Vice President of the United States. It was the
serious apprehension that if the republican organization, as
then constituted, should succeed to power, it would lead ulti-
mately to a virtual subversion of the Constitution of the
United States, and all its essential guarantees of public li-
berty. I think that was the sincere, honest conviction in the
minds of our people. Those who opposed secession, 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 constitutional questions."

In the further examination of Mr. Stephens as to "the con-
siderations or opinions which led him to identify himself with
the rebellion, so far as to accept the office of Vice President
of the Confederate 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 undergone
any change?" &c., Mr. Stephens said, "My convictions on
the original abstract question have undergone no change, but
I accept the issues of the war and the result 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 connec-
tion with the question of punishment of those who held the
obnoxious opinions. And first, that at the time of the adop-
tion of the Constitution of the United States, the absolute
sovereignty of the several States was universally conceded.

The constitution was framed by delegates of only twelve of
the thirteen States of the confederation. By the terms of the
constitution, the ratification of nine States was sufficient for
the establishment of the constitution between the States so
ratifying the same. Eleven States ratified the constitution,
elected a Congress, President and Vice President; and on the
30th of April, 1789, "President Washington was sworn into
office, and the Government then went into full operation in
all its departments." North Carolina had refused to ratify
the constitution without previous amendments and declaration
of rights, and Rhode Island had declined to call a conven-
tion to consider the question of ratification. Thus the pre-
sent Union, under the constitution, consisted originally, of
eleven States. North Carolina became a member of this