Speech of Mr. Jemison, the Successor of Mr. Yancey in the Confederate Senate.
[Delivered on retiring from the Alabama Senate, August 24th, 1863.]
Senators: My election to the Confederate. States Senate renders me, from the commencement of the term of service ineligible to hold a place amongst you as a member of this body. I shall, therefore, this morning tender my resignation as such. Before doing which, however, I tender you my resignation as your presiding officer, that you may at once proceed to fill my place.Elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the lamented Yancey, whose eloquence and perseverance in the cause of Southern rights contributed more largely than the efforts of any other man to bring about our separation from the old Federal Union, and to whom, up to the period of secession, as well as upon the question of secession itself, it is well known that I was opposed in my political views, it may not be deemed inappropriate to briefly state my views as to what course the Government and the people of the Confederacy, in the present trying emergencies of the country, should pursue.
The question of secession is of the things that are past. It has become a part of the country's history. Future historians, other men, and other times, will pass a more impartial verdict as to its wisdom and its policy than the present generation. But it is for the present generation to decide its own political status. It matters not whether our separation was right or wrong, wise or unwise. The alternative now presented to us is, to press forward, arms in hand, until we shall have achieved an honorable and glorious independence, or to tamely and basely submit to the lowest political and social degradation. However ardently peace may be desired, there is not, I trust, amongst us, or in the Confederacy, one who would accept peace on any other than honorable terms.--Who would, for the sake of peace, be willing to see the Southern people consigned to political degradation and doomed to a social, equality with our slaves? We are told by our oppressors that no terms of peace will be accepted but upon the unconditional and immediate abolition of slavery, and confiscation of rebel property. If there is any man in the land who would accept peace on these terms, he deserves a traitor's doom.
Though a more able and eloquent advocate of Southern independence, my predecessor, if living, would not give to the cause of our bleeding country a more zealous and unwavering support than myself.
Whatever clouds may darken the prospects of our independence, let us not despair or despond. Let us bear in mind "the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong. "Relying upon the justness of our cause, and imploring the favor of Divine Providence, let us press forward to conquer an honorable peace or to honorable graves. Let us know no such word as "fail." Let our lips never whisper it. Let it not enter into our thoughts. Let us banish it even from our dreams.
My connection with the legislation of the State is now about being terminated. Yes, in all human probability, terminated forever. Our parting brings many sad reflections.-- We part, some of us, never to meet again either in the halls of legislation or the common walks of life. We part with many, dark and threatening clouds hanging over the prospects of our beloved country. Let me in this her hour of adversity, exhort you that each of us shall pledge to the other his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor in defence of her holy cause.
Senators and friends, I bid you an affectionate farewell. May the God of Heaven bless you individually! May He direct your councils, and deliver our bleeding country from the hands of her enemies.
