[Footnote 132: "New York Tribune" of November 9, 1860, quoted in "The
American Conflict," vol. i, chap. xxiii, p. 359.]
CHAPTER X.
Temper of the Southern People indicated by the Action of the
Confederate Congress.--The Permanent Constitution.--Modeled
after the Federal Constitution.--Variations and Special
Provisions.--Provisions with Regard to Slavery and the
Slave-Trade.--A False Assertion refuted.--Excellence of the
Constitution.--Admissions of Hostile or Impartial Criticism.
The conservative temper of the people of the Confederate States was
conspicuously exhibited in the most important product of the early
labors of their representatives in Congress assembled. The Provisional
Constitution, although prepared only for temporary use, and necessarily
in some haste, was so well adapted for the purposes which it was
intended to serve, that many thought it would have been wise to continue
it in force indefinitely, or at least until the independency of the
Confederacy should be assured. The Congress, however, deeming it best
that the system of Government should emanate from the people,
accordingly, on the 11th of March, prepared the permanent Constitution,
which was submitted to and ratified by the people of the respective
States.
Of this Constitution--which may be found in an appendix,[133] side by
side with the Constitution of the United States--the Hon.
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