March 28, 1861. |
March 3. |
 |
| John Forsyth. |
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of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity — invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God1--do order and ordain this Constitution for the Confederate States of America.”
This Constitution was that of the United States, with the alterations and omissions seen in the Provisional Constitution,2 and others made by the Committee.
It prohibited the giving of bounties from the Treasury, or the laying of duties for the purpose of protecting any branch of industry.
It made the Post-office Department rely wholly upon its own revenue to pay its expenses; it attempted to prevent fraudulent legislation by prohibiting the introduction of more than one subject in any act; it fixed the term of service of the “President and Vice-President” at six years, and made the former ineligible to re-election; it provided for the government of new Territories, and prohibited the enactment of any law “denying or impairing the right of property in negro slaves.”
There were several provisions for securing an economical expenditure of money.
The delegates from South Carolina and Florida voted against the clause prohibiting the African Slavetrade.
Davis had already been authorized by the Convention
to assume control of “all military operations between the Confederate States,” or any of them, and powers foreign to them; and he was also authorized to receive from them the arms and munitions of war “acquired from the United States.”
At the middle of March, it recommended the several States to cede to the “Confederate States” the forts, arsenals, dock-yards, and other public establishments within their respective limits.
These recommendations were cheerfully responded to by all except the South Carolinians, who were tardy in relinquishing the means for maintaining their “sovereignty.”
Already P. G. T. Beauregard, a Louisiana Creole, who had abandoned the flag of his country, and sought employment among its enemies, had been appointed brigadier-general,
and ordered from New Orleans to
Charleston, to take charge of all the insurgent forces there.
Already John Forsyth, Martin J. Crawford, and A. B. Roman had been appointed Commissioners to proceed to Washington, and make a settlement of all questions at issue between the United States and the conspirators; and Memminger had made preparations for establishing Custom Houses along the frontier “between the two confederacies.”
After
1 This expression called forth much debate. Some opposed the introduction of the sentiment in any form. Chilton wished it stronger, by adding, “who is the God of the Bible and the rightful source of all government.” As the word “Bible” would include the New Testament, this suffix was opposed because it might offend Mr. Benjamin, who was a Jew, and did not admit the divinity of Jesus. It was voted down. One of the Cobbs proposed to introduce in the Constitution a clause recognizing the Christian Sabbath, in the following form:--“No man shall be compelled to do civil duty on Sunday.” This was voted down, partly out of deference to Mr. Benjamin, the Jew, and partly because Perkins, of Louisiana, declared that the people of that State would not accept of such a provision. Delegates from Texas made the same declaration concerning the people of their State.
2 See page 251
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