Nuts and bolts...reflections of V.P. Stephens. The secession- movement had continued under the management of the political leaders and on February 4, 1861, delegates met at Montgomery to organize a government. Conservatives like Stephens were still opposed to secession as a remedy against anticipated aggressions. Stephens finally decided to accept a place in the provisional government, though he wrote that when he considered the ambitious . . . men at the head of the movement, who necessarily control [led] at least for the present he had apprehension and mistrust for the future. Some who joined the movement hoped for something to occur to prevent permanent dissolution, and expected to obtain better terms for slavery by a temporary withdrawal from the Union; others dreamed of a peaceful dissolution, for many in the North were opposed to coercion. There was a strong Southern opposition to secession, especially in Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and Louisiana. Yet the movement did not lack the substantial support of the majority of the people after it was once begun, though in Georgia especially there was at first a majority of the white people who opposed it. It was only by impassioned persuasion, or by argument of temporary expediency, that the leaders in some parts obtained popular support for their project. Perhaps the United States constitution could never have been carried in 1788 if its ratification had been voted upon by the whole people at the polls, and it has been said that secession would have failed if it had depended upon the popular vote. Fact is the Georgia secession vote was fixed and the die cast. As with other states. secession was NOT a guarantee but politicians did as they did and do.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:40:10 +0000
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