Alexander Hamilton Stephens (1812-1883) was a U.S. congressman, vice president of the Confederacy, and briefly governor of Georgia. Davis, our loved President, and Stephens statesmen are. It is greater than all France, Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain, including England, Ireland, and Scotland, together. May 26, 2016 - Alexander Hamilton Stephens - only Vice President of the Confederate States. ", https://en.wikiquote.org/w/index.php?title=Alexander_H._Stephens&oldid=2888170, Democratic Party (United States) politicians, Members of the United States House of Representatives, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, The leading public men of the South, in our early history, were almost all against. War The taxable property of the Confederate States cannot be less than twenty-two hundred millions of dollars! Our system, therefore, so far as regards this inferior race, rests upon this great immutable law of nature. I very much regret that everyone who desires cannot hear what I have to say. 717-729. . Alexander H. Stephens, in Public and Private (1866) by Henry Cleveland ( external scan) Works by this author published before January 1, 1926 are in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. Stephens attended Franklin College … I would feign hope the former. The idea has been given out at the North, and even in the border States, that we are too small and too weak to maintain a separate nationality. Slavery, Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Stephens proudly affirmed, was the cornerstone of the Confederacy. Regarding the views of the U.S. He is not his equal by nature and cannot be made so by human laws or human institutions. Georgia, alone, possessed last year, according to the report of our comptroller-general, six hundred and seventy-two millions of taxable property. This augurs well for the future, and it is a matter of sincere gratification to me, that I am enabled to make the declaration. Notwithstanding this opposition, millions of money, from the common treasury had been drawn for such purposes. Famous Quotes by Alexander Hamilton Stephens, American Politician, Born 11th February, 1812, Collection of Alexander Hamilton Stephens Quotes and Sayings, Search Quotations by Alexander Hamilton Stephens. All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. Sourced quotations by the American Politician Alexander H. Stephens (1812 — 1883). The new constitution has put at rest, forever, all the agitating questions relating to our peculiar institution, Our new government is founded upon exactly. Alexander Hamilton Stephens was an American politician who served as the vice president of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865, and later as the 50th governor of Georgia from 1882 until his death in 1883. Subordination to the white man is his normal condition. Rumors are afloat, however, that it is the result of necessity. I was remarking that we are passing through one of the greatest revolutions in the annals of the world. This I freely admit, when the authority of their names is cited. Another change in the constitution relates to the length of the tenure of the presidential office. The entire population, including white and black, of the original thirteen States, was less than four millions in 1790, and still less in 76, when the independence of our fathers was achieved. This new constitution. Alexander H. Stephens Quotes and Sayings - Page 1. We have stretched out lines of railroads from the seaboard to the mountains; dug down the hills, and filled up the valleys at a cost of not less than $25,000,000. His grandfather, Alexander, founder of the American branch of the Stephens family, was an Englishman, and an adherent of Prince Charles Edward. Alexander Hamilton Stephens Quotes All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. No such material as such convulsions usually throw up has been seen. But not to be tedious in enumerating the numerous changes for the better, allow me to allude to one other though last, not least. This is without taking into account the heavy city debts, corporation debts, and railroad debts, which press, and will continue to press, as a heavy incubus upon the resources of those States. War can be of no more benefit to the North than to us. With such an area of territory as we have-with such an amount of population-with a climate and soil unsurpassed by any on the face of the earth-with such resources already at our command-with productions which control the commerce of the world-who can entertain any apprehensions as to our ability to succeed, whether others join us or not? No citizen is deprived of life, liberty, or property, but by the judgment of his peers under the laws of the land. If Charleston harbor needs improvement, let the commerce of Charleston bear the burden. Alexander Hamilton Quotes c.1755 - 1804. Read Alexander Hamilton biography. That would have conformed entirely to the practice in the British Parliament, which, in my judgment, is one of the wisest provisions in the British constitution. These inconveniences, it is to be hoped, will be but temporary, and must be borne with patience and forbearance. Being a member of the Democratic Party, Stephens also rendered his services in the United States House of Representatives. The prospect of war is, at least, not so threatening as it has been. I should have preferred that this provision should have gone further, and required the President to select his constitutional advisers from the Senate and House of Representatives. It was a question which they did not, and perhaps could not, thoroughly understand at that time. Are you willing … I replied that I had. All matters relating to the public property, public liabilities of the Union when we were members of it, we are ready and willing to adjust and settle upon the principles of right, equity, and good faith. Long afterwards I told this story to the Confederate General J. Honest labor and enterprise are left free and unrestricted in whatever pursuit they may be engaged. Allow me briefly to allude to some of these improvements. This revolution has been signally marked, up to this time, by the fact of its having been accomplished without the loss of a single drop of blood. He also served as the only Vice President of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865. Under the old constitution, a secretary of the treasury for instance, had no opportunity, save by his annual reports, of presenting any scheme or plan of finance or other matter. Alexander H. Stephens Quote on Slavery and Secession July 6, 2018 shotglassofhistory@gmail.com Leave a Comment Alexander H. Stephens, Diary entry, (June 5, 1865): Wonder and surprise have been expressed in a number of papers at the suddenness and completeness of the collapse of the Confederate Cause, etc. There is no argument over the choice between peace and war, but there is only one guaranteed way you can have … I personally am … That Alexander Stephens understood the Confederacy through its cornerstone of slavery is plainly true and explained in his own words. After his arrest by the U.S. for his part in the rebellion against the country, he was released and served in Congress, being elected Governor of Georgia shortly before his death. Fort Sumter, it is believed, will soon be evacuated. We have all the essential elements of a high national career. Of the men I met in the Congress at Montgomery, I may be pardoned for saying this, an abler, wiser, a more conservative, deliberate, determined, resolute, and patriotic body of men, I never met in my life. The cost of the grading, the superstructure, and the equipment of our roads was borne by those who had entered into the enterprise. These ceremonies and the National Statuary Hall will teach the youth of the land in succeeding generations as they come and go that the chief end of human effort in a sublunary view should be usefulness to mankind, and that all true fame which should be perpetuated by public pictures, statues, and monuments, is to be acquired only by noble deeds and high achievements and the establishment of a character founded upon the principles of truth, uprightness, and inflexible integrity. That as the admission of States by Congress under the constitution was an act of legislation, and in the nature of a contract or compact between the States admitted and the others admitting, why should not this contract or compact be regarded as of like character with all other civil contracts liable to be rescinded by mutual agreement of both parties? Quotes by Alexander H. Stephens. As Secretary of the Treasury (1789^95) he restored the country's finances, but he was killed in a duel with a rival. Alexander Hamilton Stephens (Wilkes, Geòrgia, 1812- Atlanta, 1883) fou un polític sudista, primer i únic vicepresident dels Estats Confederats d'Amèrica.De naturalesa malaltissa, fou congressista a Geòrgia (1837-1842), senador a Geòrgia (1842-1843) i senador federal (1843-1859). The Cornerstone Speech (1861) Context: But to return to the question of the future. If the mouth of the Savannah river has to be cleared out, let the sea-going navigation which is benefited by it, bear the burden. In the conflict thus far, success has been on our side, complete throughout the length and breadth of the Confederate States. You think slavery is right and should be extended; while we think slavery is wrong and ought to be restricted. 1.1. The question of building up class interests, or fostering one branch of industry to the prejudice of another under the exercise of the revenue power, which gave us so much trouble under the old constitution, is put at rest forever under the new. With us it was simply a question upon whom the burden should fall. But to pass on: Some have propounded the inquiry whether it is practicable for us to go on with the confederacy without further accessions? All I can say to you, therefore, on that point is, keep your armor bright and your powder dry. . During the American Civil War, he served as the Vice President of the Confederate States Of America. Alexander H. Stephens was born on Feb. 11, 1812, in Wilkes County, Ga. Sickly almost from infancy and orphaned at the age of 14, Stephens received little education until he went to a small academy in Washington, Ga. All the great principles of Magna Charta are retained in it. He was born Alexander Stephens but later adopted “Hamilton” as his middle name to honor his mentor, Alexander Hamilton Webster. Will every thing, commenced so well, continue as it has begun? The only incentive to that higher ambition which should move and actuate one holding such high trusts in his hands, will be the good of the people, the advancement, prosperity, happiness, safety, honor, and true glory of the confederacy. This is certainly a decidedly conservative change. Why cannot the whole question be settled, if the north desire peace, simply by the Congress, in both branches, with the concurrence of the President, giving their consent to the separation, and a recognition of our independence? He repeated it to Stephens, and, as I heard afterwards, Stephens laughed immoderately at the simile of Mr. Lincoln. This will now be the case to a limited extent under our system. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the state of Georgia in the United States House of Representatives before becoming governor. — Alexander H. Stephens. No State was in greater need of such facilities than Georgia, but we did not ask that these works should be made by appropriations out of the common treasury. — Alexander Hamilton Stephens. Not that I have any display to make, or anything very entertaining to present, but such views as I have to give, I wish all, not only in this city, but in this State, and throughout our Confederate Republic, could hear, who have a desire to hear them. After losing his parents at 14, he grew up amidst poverty. Accordingly, slavery's disintegration compelled the Confederate government to take steps to preserve the institution. That they ultimately will join us be compelled to do it is my confident belief; but we can get on very well without them, even if they should not. Ours is greater than both combined. Goto " Alexander Hamilton Stephens's quotation " section for more. Seven States have within the last three months thrown off an old government and formed a new. Wisdom, prudence, and patriotism, have marked every step of our progress thus far. Now rally round the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star. . In this connection I take this occasion to state, that I was not without grave and serious apprehensions, that if the worst came to the worst, and cutting loose from the old government should be the only remedy for our safety and security, it would be attended with much more serious ills than it has been as yet. Away with the idea of getting independence first, and looking for liberty afterwards... Our liberties, once lost, may be lost forever. Alexander Hamilton said, "A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one." Whether the intention of evacuating Fort Sumter is to be received as an evidence of a desire for a peaceful solution of our difficulties with the United States, or the result of necessity, I will not undertake to say. It will remove from the incumbent all temptation to use his office or exert the powers confided to him for any objects of personal ambition. Alexander Hamilton Stephens was an American politician who served as the 50th Governor of Georgia from 1882 until his death in 1883. France, in round numbers, has but two hundred and twelve thousand square miles. In reply to this anxious inquiry, I can only say it all depends upon ourselves. Translations or editions published later may be copyrighted. As to whether we shall have war with our late confederates, or whether all matters of differences between us shall be amicably settled, I can only say that the prospect for a peaceful adjustment is better, so far as I am informed, than it has been. They form great improvements upon the old constitution. What course will be pursued toward Fort Pickens, and the other forts on the gulf, is not so well understood. Davis was weak and vascillating, timid, petulant, peevish, obstinate, but not firm. Don't Be Afraid Quotes. 289 quotes from Alexander Hamilton: 'Men give me credit for some genius. Our system commits no such violation of nature’s laws. The true principle is to subject the commerce of every locality, to whatever burdens may be necessary to facilitate it. In the British parliament, the premier brings in his budget and stands before the nation responsible for its every item. Thus far we have seen none of those incidents which usually attend revolutions. But at first we must necessarily meet with the inconveniences and difficulties and embarrassments incident to all changes of government. He took his seat in 1843 after serving in both the houses and after winning election to Congress. If they, with a less population, dared maintain their independence against the greatest power on earth, shall we have any apprehension of maintaining ours now? US statesman, Washington's aide-de-camp in the American Revolution and later a congressman. All, under our system, stand upon the same broad principles of perfect equality. Alexander Hamilton Stephens was an American politician who served as the 50th Governor of Georgia from 1882 until his death in 1883. Some changes have been made. Alexander H. Stephens Quotes. We allow the imposition of no duty with a view of giving advantage to one class of persons, in any trade or business, over those of another. Man is either governed by his own laws - freedom - or the laws of another - slavery. . It is that which gives it stability in its facility to change its administration. In reference to it, I make this first general remark: it amply secures all our ancient rights, franchises, and liberties. In 1850s when the Whig party crumpled he eventually teamed up with the Democratic Party. He also served as the only Vice President of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865. He was Vice President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Day and night it is before me. In point of material wealth and resources, we are greatly in advance of them. Social Responsibility Quotes. “Many governments have been founded upon the principle of the subordination and serfdom of certain classes of the same race; such were and are in violation of the laws of nature. So with the mouths of the Alabama and Mississippi river. Some Alexander Hamilton Stephens's quotes. Nay, more not only the cost of the iron no small item in the aggregate cost was borne in the same way, but we were compelled to pay into the common treasury several millions of dollars for the privilege of importing the iron, after the price was paid for it abroad. Alexander Hamilton Stephens (February 11, 1812 – March 4, 1883) was a Democratic politician and lawyer from the U.S. state of Georgia, and the Confederate vice president throughout the American Civil War. The debts of the seven confederate States sum up in the aggregate less than eighteen millions, while the existing debts of the other of the late United States sum up in the aggregate the enormous amount of one hundred and seventy-four millions of dollars. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth. Picture Quotes All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. 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