February 11, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Stephens, of Georgia, Vice President.
THE PROVISIONAL CONGRESS, ETC., ETC., ETC.
MONTGOMERY, February 8 – The Congress last night unanimously agreed to a Constitution for the Provisional Government. A strong and vigorous Government will go into immediate operation, with full power and ample funds. No proposition for compromise or reconstruction will be entertained. Congress will remain in session to pass all necessary laws.
SECOND DESPATCH.
MONTGOMERY, February 9.—Unusual interest is manifested among outsiders today, and the Convention Hall and gallery is crowded.
Mr. MEMMINGER presented a beautiful flag, consisting of a blue cross, studded with seven white stars, upon a red field. It is the handiwork of South Carolina ladies, and is much admired. He also presented another model, suggested by a gentleman of Charleston, consisting of a cross of fifteen stars upon a field of fifteen stripes. A Committee has been appointed to report on a flag, a seal, and a coat of arms for the Confederacy.
The President has been directed to appoint Committees of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Military and Naval Affairs, a Committee on the Judiciary, on Postal Affairs, on Commerce, on Patents, and on Printing.
The election for President and Vice President of the Provisional Government next came up, and resulted as follows:
PRESIDENT: JEFFERSON DAVIS, of Mississippi.
VICE PRESIDENT: ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS, of Georgia.
The vote by which these gentlemen were elected was unanimous.
A resolution was adopted appointing a Committee of three, of the Alabama Deputies, to inquire and report on what terms suitable buildings might be procured in Montgomery, for the use of the several Executive departments of the Confederacy, under the Provisional Government.
A bill has been passed continuing in force, until repealed or altered by Congress, all laws of the late United States which were in force upon the 1st of November last, provided they shall not be inconsistent with the Constitution of the Provisional Government.
It is understood that, under this law, a tariff will be laid upon all goods brought from the Northern States.
A resolution has been adopted, instructing the committee on Finance to report promptly a tariff to raise a revenue for the support of the Government.
A resolution has been adopted authorizing the appointment of a Committee to report a Constitution for the permanent Government of the Confederacy of the States.
The Congress was in secret session for about two hours today. The remainder of the session was held with open doors.