The Atlanta constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, April 27, 1886, Image 2

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J SoniiSSP THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION. ATLANTA. GA., JLLoOAl APRIL 27, 1886. not as a choice, we-have resorted to the remedy of separation, and henceforth our energies must be dim ted to the eonduct of our own affair* and the perpetuity of the confederacy which wo hare h.rnicJ. ir a just j-ererption of mutual interest •hall permit us. peaceably to purine our separate political career, my most earnest desire will hare seen fulfilled. Hut If this be denied us. and the in* Uprity of our territory nod Jurisdiction be assailed, It wl|l remain for ns with a firm reaolve to appeal to arms, and invoke the blessings of Providence on a just cause. •••*•••• With a constitution differing only from that of onr fathers In n> far as It Is explanatory of their well* known Intent, freed from sectional Conflicts, which hare Interfered with the pursuit of the general welfare, it Is not unreasonable to expect tnat states from which we have recently parted may seek to unite their fortunes to ours under the government which Wo have;instituted For this your constitution makes adequate provision, but beyond this, if I mistake not the Judgment and will of tbo people, a reunion with the states from which we have separated Is neither practicable nor desirable. * * Actuated solely by the desire to preserve our own rights, and promote our own welfare, tbo separa tion by the coofcdcratc states has been marked by no eggrcFsion upon others, and followed by no do. me mic convulsion. Our industrial pursuits have received no check; the cultl- vsiftn of our fields has progressed as heretofore; and, even;should wo be involved in war, iht re would be no considerable diminution In lhe | reduction of the Maples hlch have) con* sttiuti d «<ur exports, and in which the commercial veil.I Lra an Interest scarcely less than our C Vx|crWrre .in juMIc stations of subordinate grr«’c fo (hi* which jmr kind css has conferred, fa» is* i M it-c Ibst toll and care and dlsapf^iint* Til* CONFEDERATE "WHITE HOUSE." torntMv Ihu prlMofolllclal clctlou. Yon *111 uo ■<r.y rrron to ft>r,l»e, m»n, doDolonelM to tolar- *!<■: but you aholl not And In mo ■ llher want of * •10, Adtlltf lo tlM win Ibnt J,loom thehlgheri hi lioff, «nd of moat enduring .tr.tloi. Your (rnrrutt, hMhotowad upon me u undoamed distinction, one which I neither mu(ht nor do- •hid. Upon tho eontlnnanoe of that aentlment, and upon jmn wtadomnad pairtntlm, 1 rel, to direct and rapport mo In tbu parformaneo of tho dntle, reunited atmjr hand' “At th. cine of lh...ddrcM,an ey, wltneia, "Ur. Daria turned to Hr. Cobb and annonnoed hit nadiama, to take the oath of •Ore which waa admlniatered by Hr. Cobb. )■ ottering tho worda, 'to help mo Gud,‘ Hr Darli turning hie eye. to heaven, In a moat imprmalre manner, repeated -ao help Oa God’ In a ton* ao loud and clearthat ho could hare boon hoard by arary one present'” Tkla eoneludod tho ceremonies At night there waa n reception, followed by a hall at Kstcll hall. Vhe government of the Confederate States wts organlaed. IU code of laws had been adopted. Ill leader selected and qualified. Its saldlera won already armed. Its uneaam- yled carver waa begun. The Confederate Treasury at Ward.. The confederate treaaury began ba,loess on the morning of February SOth, In a two-story building, on the corner of Commerce and Mar- hat atreota. The etory of tho opening of tho taken from a aharmiug little hook by Colonel ll. D. Oapara, to which wo are Indebted for many ether polnta of Interact. Tho atory of the treasury Is tho atory of the other depart- mints, and shows tho anuulng nakodnoso and cruder tea of tbo beginning of a goyarnmoot Mat ehallrnged the powerful government of the United States, and for four long years mado Itaclallr n,o good. Du the morning of February SOth tho fol- lm, in, notice appeared in the Hontgomory pa- y.n: MoKTconaav, Ala.,February noth, ItWl.—Thoof- ite el the trea»ury or the con Morale etaleo can no found In ihe .'omrarrelsl Imlbllug. corner of Cout- merroaad Market streets, Moniiromerr, whore he £ I bo undw.lgned can ho (uuinl lwtwoou I no un of » a. in. and I p, m. _ , „ If. II. OM-sas, fieri." When young Ur. Capon, chief clerk of tho trtuury, sought tho treaaury building neat morel.],, he preen,od tho ksys of D,. Clanton. Xaamtnlng tha eloaad doom as ha passed down Ike hallway, ha found one labelled “Confeder ate treasury.” Unlocking tho door, ho fbund a dusty and empty ream. Not oven a chair •bowed that It had aver been occupied. Cat- trsrla In tho dust on the floor wore tho only signs of life. As the treasury waa to be oponed In an hour, Mr, Oapen hnrrled to a furniture •tore. Just opened for the day's business, and Soon he and n young clerk, In tho .ton, were on. their any hack with a neat table, a dash and ala chairs. Arrived at the treaeory, they •wept the room, dnstcl out the cobwebs, and by nine o'clock had aa nice a treaanry room as one could wish to see. Pens and Ink-stands were s-cured, nd stationery provided. An hour waa apant in leslrurilng tho green offleo boy aa to how ho tkonld announce visitors. Still, no ono railed. Tho pens were theu carefully trimmed, and tha stationery disposed sons to look huriurss-like. Still no ono had railed on tha secretary, Mr. Hamlnger, and the secretary bed not relied ou hia clerk. At about II o’clock a messenger announced that tho secre tary would ho detained ut congress for tho whole day. Clark Capers took advantage ol this promised seclusion by trying to put down n piece of matting he had purchased. Thu practical Improvement of tho treasury was laterruptad by tha entrance of aa aldorly soldierly man who, In tho vole* of ono aecua- tomrd lo command, said: 'T am looking fo, tha confederate treasury!” "This la It,” replied tha young derk. The visitor cast • Otapticul look about tha room. Mr. Cape;, relied sufficiently to repeat the infe-aatioa. Tbu visitor, atill iocreduloua aid unbending, said: “I am Oaptaln Dees, late of the United State# army, and I desire ta see the secretary on bualnem of lmpor- tance!” The chief clerk, abashed by the evident skepticism of his visitor, replied thst the sec* rttaiy «ss engaged, bat thst he might b# able to attend to the business. Theu cam# the ciosbtr. ' 1 have been instructed, ilr,by the president, whose letter o( introduction I hsnd you.! bear, to provido blankets snd rations for 100 moo, who have reported for duty in tho army. I want tho money, sir, to corns out Ihe ecdsr of th* (resident!" The chief dork of tho treasury returned to Captain Dra< the president's letter and santr* cd him that nothing would give him more pleasure than to comply with his wishes, "but,’’ •aid he, drawing a lean purse from his pocket, •ad counting out four dollars, “1 kave fcrtn on a considerable frolic for tw«> we* ks, snd this, captain, is all the money at ihe disposal of the Confederate treasury at fihis moment." Gsptato Dras insisted that the money must he procured at once, as the troops were wait ing. Bat the treasury had not begun printing Burney, and there was not enough of the old issue oa hand to prevision a platoon, much less a company. Finally, Clerk Cxperi agreed to lockup the treaaury department, uul go with Captain Dess to lo»k for tbo secretary. When found, that gentle* man gave his personal draft on the Central bank of Alabama for the necessary amount, •nd Mr. Capers snd Captain D.*as went to the bank together, drew the money, snd supplied the soldiers. This company, by the way, tbo first enrolled in the Confederate service, was from DaKalbconn* ty, Georgia, and commanded by Captain O. W. Lee, and, as will bo seen, the first com* pany that unfurled the Confederate flag. It is notable, too, that this company did not enlist for a specified time or "for the war," hat do- sired to become part of the "regular standing army" of the confederate government for aJi time. . MAKING THE FIRST SEAL OF TIIK CONFED ERATE STATES, Bluff Commodore Sernmes was one of the first volunteers for confederate service. He was anxious to be afloat under the stars and bars. There b ing no navy he was assigned to the light-house bureau. At length he hesrd of a merchant steamer that could be bought at New Orleans, snd was sent to examine her* lie brought back a picture of the vessel, which he exhibited with great enthusiasm, saying; "Khe Is a good craft, sir; a good craft. When ■he Is cut down to fighting trim she’li do brave work, sir.” This was the famous " Jfomptcr ” whose ca rear on the seas is history. Jt was necemry to commission her. A form of commission was furnished by Commander Hemmes, which was carefully transcribed. It was necemry to affix to this the seal of the Confederate gov ernment. There was no seal, and no engraver. Commander Benmies and Mr. Capers procured a block of boxwood, some typo from the Ad vertiser office, and with their pocket knives began digging out a seal. I)r. DeLeon brought In a young surgeon, who assisted, and tho seal was soon ready at the expense of several pocket knives. When applied to the wafer it made a very fine Impression. With this commission, the first ever issued by the Confederate gov* eminent, Commander Hemmes boarded his Sumpter, and began a career not excelled In bravery and chivalry by any seaman that ever sailed the seas. Them was much gossip about the working of the confederate treasury—induced doubt- levs by the Inflation of tho enrrenry and its shrinking value. General Toombs said: "The preasca In the treasury worn used in tho dty time to print money for the government, and the niggers thst tamed them were allowed to run them at night to print their wages with." The fact is, Mr. Motnminger was able, con scientious, devoted. Ho did all that could have been done with the means at hand. Mr. Memminger's bonds were npheld by the peo ple. Mr. 8. Hart, of El Paso, Texas, offered the government $100,000 without interest, as long as it was needed. A convention of brok ers held in Atlanta pledged themselvee to the maintenance of confederate credit. Acouven valor, bathed in priceless blood, they were acattered in the whirlwind of war, and bectmo the sport of the world. Fitly did the soldier poet, reflecting on the storm through whieh it had passed, write on the back of one of these bills: Keprescntfug nothing on God's earth now. And naught in the waters below it, As the pledge of a nation that’s dead and gooo Keep It, dear friends, and show It; Show it to those who will lend an ear To the tale that this trifle can tell, Of a liberty born of the patriot’* dream. Of a Korm-cradled nation that fell. Too joor to possess the precious ores, And too much of a stranger to borrow, We Issued today our promise to pay, And hoped to redeem on the morrow. The days rolled by and the weeks became years. But our coffers were empty still: Coin was no run that the treasury’d quake, If a dollar should drop In the till. But the faith that was In us was strong Indeed, And onr poverty well we dirccrncd, And this little ebeck represented the pay That our suffering veterans earned. Wc knew It bad hardly a value in gold. Yet as gold each soldier received It: It gazed In our eyes with a promise to pay, And each southern patriot believed It, But our boys thought little of price or ol pay. Or or bill* that were overdue; We knew If It bought us our oread today, ’Twas the best our poor country could do.* Keep It; It tells all our history over, From the birth of the dream to Its last; Modest, and bora of the angel, Hope, Like our hope of success, it passed, Tha II (story of the Confederate Flag. The fint confederate flag was unfurled at .*1:45 p. m., on March 4th, 1861, from tho capi< tol building in Montgomery. Tho confederate congress had adopted tho design agreed on by the committee (Mr, Miles chairman), at about eleven o’clock. Tho sec retary of tho congress was instructed to pro* cure a flag at once, and if possible float it on the afternoon of tho same day. The secretary commissioned Lieutenant Cal '.flayro (a gallant officer in the United States marine who had resigned and offered his sword to his na tive state) to do this work. Lieutenant Hay re hurried to the «toro of Messrs. Cowles A Co, and purchased tho material. The ladies of Montgomery, who had been apprised of the fact, wero evidently anxious to assist in making it up. Tho work was confid ed to Mrs. Winston Hunter, Mrs. Ozburne, Mrs, Du Bose, Bibb And other*. Liea tenant Sayre meanwhile secured tho halyard^, staff, etc. The staff was placed on tho front of tho capital roof, in clear view of tho surrounding country. It was announced that tho flag would bo raised at four o'clock. Tho publio Impatience was so great that, although the flag waa still unfinished, it was thought best to delay no longer. A band of music waste waiting. Lieu tenant Hayre, taking tho incomplete banner in his arms, marched towards the cepitol. The- streets were lined with people who had flock ed from all quarters to catch the first glimpse of the new-born banner, . and they made the welkin ring of cuccers in the Mexican wax, where, baptiz'd in f-outberu blood, it waved in gloriou* consecrated triumph throughout that cam paign. filr, there la no reason why tho north ebould appropriate that flag. It lx emtncutlya foul hern flag. It la conneutud with oue of the best cf onr national aim. That air Is of IrUb extraction, but the worda were written by a southern mau on board of a Brftbh man of* war. which was em ployed in bombarding* southern fort. And, sir. wc can and will appreciate the sentiments which animated him. when, “in the dawn’s early light,” he witnessed that Hog wnlch he la*t favr in “twi light’* last gleam.” Hlr, let ns preserve it as far as we can—let us continue to hallow it In our mem ory and still pray that “long may It wave o’er the land ol tho free and the homo of the brave. Now, Mr. President, the Idea of a cross no doubt was Eupgeated to Ihe Imagination of the young ladles by the beauteous constellation of the cont ent crow, which the great Creator has placed In the houthern heavens by way of compensation for the glorious constellation at the north yole. Tho imaglna-tlon of the young ladies was doubtless _ inspired by tho genius of IDanto and the scientific skill of Hum- bolt. But, air, 1 have no doubt that there was an other idea associated with it in the minds of the young ladies—a religious one—and; although we have notieen, in the heavens, the “In hoc §i*no vlnces” written upon the lebanan of Constantino, yet the fame sign has been manifested to us upon the tablets of the earth; for we all know that it has been oy the aid of revealed religion that w© have achieved over fanaticism the victory which we this day witness, and it is becoming on this oc casion Hi at the debt of the south to the cross should be thus recognized. Mr. Miles spoke hotly against this amend- It rarorfluotui to dwell upon tho practical dl«cal- htotolf m hU in.uenral, ••'quoted .boro, onfl. tie, which would flow from the fl*}, 1 "! grated that many of tbo atats. (torn which tho M *«*«>• appreciating tho hotter con. stitution she had framed, would desiro to join her. Running through the early debates in congress was the constant suspicion that this member or that favored admitting the north* cm states to the confederacy, or • reconstruct tion of the union on the basis proposed by tho south. There was feverish haste among tbc volun teer troops—shared it is said hy similar troops in the north—to get into the field before the war was over, new companies organized today left for the front tonight, rushing on hy moonlight, reach the field before the pageant Med. The Wrlghtsville Infantry, ordered to Savannah, of’the oia fl»g,' r ’ we must bear in mind that the battles of the revolution about which our fondest and proudest memories truster, were not f®o*ht beneath its frlds, and although In more recent tiroes, in the war of 1*12 and In the war with Mex ico, the »outb did win her fair share of glory, aud *h«d her full weaswe of Mood under Its guidance and In its defense, we think the impartial paw of bhtory will preferve and commemorate the fact more ImperhhHbly than In a mere piece of striped bur.tlug. When the colonies achieved their inde pendence of the ‘ mother country” (which up to the lest they fondly called her), they did not de- tire to retain the British flag, or anything at all eimilar to it, They were proud of tbclr race and lineage, proud of their heritage lo the glories, and genius, and language of old England; but they were Influenced by the spirit of the —**■ ***~ Hon of cotton planters was hold lu | a. Ucutcnant Sayre carried It aloft. Tho Macon pledging their rapport, luuo of $111,000,000 hondo waa inado. a tag of an eighth of a rent a pound haing laid on the THE FI RUT CONFEDERATE FLAG, (Made In Montgomery Match 4th,aud Afterwards Floated Over Fort Hum ter.) cotton crop to provido for their payment. Tho bonds wero freely taken. Tho currency ol the government went at par with gold and foreign exchanges for at least a month, and even lu Aogust, 1MI1, six months after tho war had started, bills of exchange on Liverpool wore bought for only 8 per cent discount in Now Or leans, Mobile and Charleston. Many hills of rxohsngs wero bought on London and Paris at par for home made money and by baying tobacco, which could bo had for confederate money aa well as gold, and exchanging it, the good credit of the government with the Messrs. Krlonger of Paris, waa very much strengthened It was on August 7, IHrtl, when the sub- treasurer st New Orlcau* announced that b<> must suspend specie payment* This announce ment resulted in a rapid depredation of tho currency, snd there was no halt in lu down ward plunge until $200 wan paid for a plug of tobacco, $600 for a common wool hat, and a soldier's psy tor tho four years of tho war would not buy him a pair of shoes. MAKINO TUK FIRST CONFEDERATE MONEY. The making of Confederate bouds aud notes was a great trial with the young treasury. There was no engraver* In tho south, and no- lunk note paper. Tho first bonds worn printed by tho American lUuk Note company, but seized by tho federal authorities be fore they left New York. Tho first confederate money issued wax eight $100 bills made in Richmond. A Herman namml llnyer was found there, engaged in engraving cards aud pasters. Home pvpor was smuggled through for him, aud upon old aud iuferior stones previously unod for placards, ho on* halyards wore rigged so as to reach the ground The flag was attached by Lieutenant Sayre and Commodore Ingraham. At a given signal the rope was placed In the hands of Miss Letitia Tyler jt grand-daughter ef ex-President Tyler, She pulled tbo ropo with steady hands, the halyards rattled eherrily, tho flag left the hands of those who held It, rose smoothly into the air, the vast and expectant crowd, catch ing sight of Its fluttering folda, burst into un controllable cheers, and tho flag of the confed erate states was for the first time afloat in 4ho welcoming breeze. ' : Congress was In session when tho flof#jstf unfurled from tha capital.; Tlio salute fired by the Montgomery Blues and tho tumultuous shouts of ths populace, broke In noon their deliberations. Judge Clitherall, of tho treas ury department, standing on the roof against the flag-staff, a picture of patriotic animation, called for "Three cheer* for tho confederate flag"—aad th* spirit that flamed behind the answering cheers, if not the cheers themselves, mad* itself heard around the world, and down the echoing COLONEL FRANCIS S. BARTOW, Utorgla.”] HON. CAL L SAYRE, (Who 1’nftoled the Fine Confederate Flag the Capitol at Montgomery, Mareh 4|h, WU graved the first confederate treasury nates. They were so fruity, foil of errors, that they would hive been thrown away as useleea, but the demand for the money wae Imperative, atonee were scarce, and the secretary ordered them printed, endorsing ou tho proof: “When the money changers become familiar with there incoming bills, it will be as difficult to peas * counterfet as if they had been engrav ed on steel—perhaps more ao." And so the first confederate notes were is sued. They were pulled by hand from the old press, tho proccre being very slow. Un couth end homely bil!s,they undoubtedly ware. Awkwardly issued and bot poorly maintained. They found no buyers in tho outside world* snd no credit save in tho hearts of onr people. A1‘ the same, they were ths pledgee of a bravo aid honorable people. A hundred aad fifty thousand men died to fire them value, end three Han • a hundred thousand died to nuke item wsrtklcre. Never wa* more wealth be* bind lille payable aad never fere wealth in them* Issued in integrity, defended with < Ottidors of history. The flag itself was re- moved, when a better one had boon providod, ami delivered to Mr. Milra of South Carolin i, Mr. Milea carried it Charleston and gave it to Mis. Pickens, with the request that It be float ed over the walls of Fort Sumter, which re quest was doubtless complied with, HOW TUE FLAO WAS SBLKtTED-CURIOUS DERATES. The selection of the confederate flag makea • curious chapter of history. White it was a ronxtaat topic in debate, thirty days elapsed after centresa met before a flag was chosen. Several state flap had already been unfurled. On January '27th South Carolina had floated a blue flag, with a golden palmetto worked in. a white oval in the centre, and a white creicont overhead. Mgjor Lachlen McIntosh had mounted over the custom house in Savanuaha Georgia flag—a white flag bordered with red, aud her coat of arms iu the center. Five red tars represented the other seceded states, while a blue star stood; for Georgia. A halo arrhed tho temple, and au Ail Seeing eye Mirmounted it. Other states had displayed the improvised eusigus of the commouweelth, but the confederate flag had notfet been conceived. A motion in the provisional congress provided e committee heeded by Mr. Porchrr Miles, of Pouth Carolina* Mr. Brooks, of Mississippi, who bad been a co-opcretiouist,moved to amend the committee's instructions by urging that the flag be made as nearly like tho United Plates flag as was consistent with distinctive character. He spoke in these words: The object of thl« resolution is to make tho new flat to it* p* rt at little a* poasthle from the old. In revolutionary tint*** It 1* deniable to make as little charge as possible In those things to which the people have long been accustomed. Wo should is spect even iholr prejudices. The flag of the United States remains yet the emblem of the for mer (lory, strength and power of our na'ton. We. a r, a* well as the northern confederacy, have an L teresi lo Its pa* history. True, rir. It Is bot a arnthBeut, bot the feelings which hallow that em blem are not (bore merely of custom or habit, but they are the result of associaiion. That flog Is an dol of the heart, around which cluster lbs memo rtesef the nest, whieh time can neerr efface of cans* to grow dim. That flag, sir, Is not only eotv- nacted wMh onr vketone* on land and are in the lmt war with Ureal Britain, but H Is with our reooBecUoas HOW. WM. L. YANCEY, [Ftnatorof tho Confederate States, and Confed erate Minister to England.] ment, declaring that ho loved the flag of Cpro- lina better than the flag of the union, because the battles of Entaw, Cowpens and Moultrie had been fought under it, end becauso it was the symbol of independence fonght for and won, while the stars and stripes symbolized the revere*. The amendment wsa lost. The fint design form confederate flag wsa presented by Mr. T. B. B. Cobb, and oamefrom Mr. E. V, Bharpe, of Augusta, Ga. It wag not desirable, and was modestly adorned by Mr. Cobb. A few days later, Mr. Chilton submitted in a fiery and eloquent speech the following de sign from M ss Bebecca C. Ferguson and Miss Mollle A, D. Sinclair, of the Tuskoegee female school, and seven designs. Theso young ladies said they bnrned with ardor to do something for their country, and had employed their pons in sketching flsgs. They added: You will appreciate the difficulties of their task, when you reflect that amldnt all their efforts at originality, there have ever danced beforo them virions or the star-gemmed flag, with lu parti-col ored stipes that floated so proudly over the late United tiiates. Let us snatch from the eagle of the cliff our Idea ol Independence, and cull from the earth diamonds and gems from tne heavens to deck the flag of the southern confederacy. With sotton for king thero i flhsln of sluterTy loyq enward. they move pcndcncc. Tho designs wero seven eaglets in a nest— seven rings hound together by golden links— un eagle on lotto rock with seven stars rising rent tempestuous sea—seven diamonds, mak ing largo diamond, with cotton bate In center, lu presenting their designs, Mr. Chilton allud ed to tho "visions of tho stars aud stripes dan cing boforo those ladies' eyes," and said it must not lie understood from this, as from the speech o£Mr. Brooke, a few days previous, that there was any design for a reconstruction of the anion. This brought Mr. Brooks to his feet whossid: I wish Ju.-t here, Mr. President, to ask permission of this home to niuko somowhai of a personal ex planation. I was pained ou yesterday to learn from a reference which the di*tlngul»hcd gentloman from Alat«ma(Mr. Chilton) waa pleased to make desire for ihe reconstruction of thin government. On my part here, or in tho state which 1 have tho pat t to represent ou this floor, 1 repudiate sentiment*. I had tho honor of belonging to what wa* called the ro-o|tcrntion party In Missis sippi—a parly large ami respectable in number* and liitt lligeiitc—but. Mr. I can say, with truth and confidence, that the only important difference bo- |w«eu that party and Urn out which triumphed lu the election, wa* the questtou of time and the ding from many a hillock ami liouretop in my native state. And while, sir, the tear* may glisten In the eye* or many who witnesa the diminished number of star* and stripes, yet, sir, they am tear* of memories p# st. to be succeeded by tho smile* or n ‘ liter and better future. However my former ate* may have regarded the old government; ever lingering feelings of regard and aflbctl m jnay have or may have had for It, I bellevo now, sir,with myself, they will say, a* with Othello: Thus alt my fond love I blow to heaven. ’Tis goue." Mr. Stephens, of Georgia, presented a mod el of a flag from Mr. Jacob Platt, of Augusta, which he urged with warmth. Mr. B. H. Hill proseuted a flag from a lady in Darien, and stated that central idea of her design was that tho start on the flag should differ in size—tho largest star standing for the first state that seceded, aud graded as each other state came out. lie did uot urg* this design,but presented it as a ccurtesy to a most excellent lady. Mr. Monningcr, of South Carolina, in pre senting a design of a bine cross on a red field, id: A striking design was presented by Mrs. But ler. She began hy agreeing with Audubon in his surprise that the grey eagle had never been eh cud us tho Americau symbol. She pro posed an eagle ou a cliff to represent our prowe'ts—a field of gold to represent our wealth—a knight in full armor forour valor— a negro strangling the serpent of hypocrixy, which was Jiving him to his ruin—a live oak or strength—cotton, tobacco aud sugar cane for our resources, and fifteen sura grouped as a diamond for our confederacy. Of the hundreds of designs that poured in on congress, nine out of ten came from ladies. In fervor and suggeetiveness they surprised the men. At length Mr. Miles reported for the ommittee. Extracts from his speech make tnteiesting reeding now m then. He said: nr commute bt « leave to report that they ....given thi* ftubjcct due consideration and carefully Inspected ail the dreign* and models •nt mined to tnctn. Tbo number of the** has been irmenre, but they all may be divided Into two great chore*. Firet, *ho*e which copy and pro* rerve the prii cipal fiatureaof the United States flag with ►light and unimportant modification; tance. be readilv dftUnauDhrd from the one which they imitate Whatever attachment may be felt, from oaacetation for the Mare and stripe* (an aD tschment which your committee may be permitted to ray they all do not share), tt ta mantflwt that In IrarsurailDg a new governm«at wo oannot retain the flag ol tha goveruBtent from which wo hove -''“IT” uSSE torailTT^keeptat^JbSSSoftho nnifed Bmlg when wo have voluntarily receded from them. It . . motto of the great Hampden: “Vestigia nulla retrovsum,” They were determined to build up a new power among the nations of the world. They, therefore, did not gjfempt “fo keep up tlie old flag.” We think it good to imitate them In this comparatively little matter, a* well as to emulate them in greater and more Important ones. The committee, In ex amining the representations of the fla ~ ■* ** countries, found that Liberia and tho Islands bad flags so similar to the Ubit that It seemed to them an additional, L itrelf a conclusive reason, why we should not keep, copy or imitate it. They felt no inclination to borrow at second hand what had been pilfered and appropriated by e free negro community and pable of being made up In bunting. It should be readily distinguished at a distance. The colors should bo well contrasted, and (durable, and laatin and not the least Important point, it shculd be ei Is very easy to make. It is entirely any national flag. Tbo three colors of which it is composed—red, white and blue—are true repub lican colors, in heraldry they are emblematic of three great virtues of valor, purity and truth. Naval men assure ns that ft can be recognized and distinguished at a great distance. The colors con trast admirably, and are lasting. In effect and appearance It must speak for Itself. “Your committee therefore recommend that the flag of tho confederate states of America shall con sist of a red field with white spaces extending horizontally through tho * width to one third the wldi spaces above and below are to be of the same width as the white, the union blue extending down th 1 ongb the white space and Mopping at tho lower red space. In the center of the union a circle of white stars corresponding in number with the states in the confederacy, ir adopted, long may ft wave over* brave, a free, and virtuous people. May the career of the confederacy, whoss duty It will be to support and defend it, be such as to en dear it to our children's children as the flag of a loved, because a just and benign government; and the cherished symbol of its valor, purity and truth. Respectfully submlted." The report of the committee was adopted without debate. The flag was st once ordered and within four hours waa floating over the capital fn which it had been that day decreed as tho ensign of th* new government. Such Is the history of the confederate flag. A bonnier flag never led a bravor people. Wherever it flashed there were honest hearts behind It, dauntless spirits around it. wrote*piteous appeal to be transferred "where there was a prospect of a fight." Governor Biown quieted disaffection in the anion die* tricts by giving their volunteers • piece in the early regiments. There were 250 companies actually tendered on the call for the first regi ment. Companies were limited by law to 80 men. The moment a company had seeared enlistment its ranks w#-.ro swelled beyond tho limit. One captain insisted on taking 120 men to the field, and it almost produced a riot when 40 were forced beck. Everything wag dona with frantic hurry. Captain G.W,Lee,who took from DeKalb county, Ga., the first company that reached Montgomery, saw the fint con federate flog raised at Montgomery. Retain* ing home next day, he bought materials at» way station snd summoned the, lady passen gers on the train, and tho first confederate flag seen in Georgia was soon ready. A com pany secured early enlistment by its name—• "Mrs. Joe Brown'e boys." Governor Col quitt, then captain, brought oat tho Baker Fire Eaters and was made colonel of the first Georgia regiment that organized. General Gordon, then captoim brought down "The Coonskin Bangers." Cap tain Kendrick came np with the "Miller Wild Cats,” and the "Monroe Crowders" came from Forsyth. A Milledgevillo company of thirty- five men represented t wo and a half million on the tax books. A Milledgevillo company of forty men represented $730,000. Tho Bain- bridge Volunteers, representing over a million dollars, came up In coarse homespun uniforms and flanntl shirts. Every distinction was lev* el led in the fine spirit of chi velry thst swept high and low. In just six months after the first call Georgia had sent forty anpetb regt- , meats ta the field. (Beforo the war was over she had enrolled 120,000 soldiers, theugh s^p .. HON. ALEXANDER n. stephens, W but 100,000 Youra-so that if her courage [Vice President of the Confederacy«V flamed bright!^ it certainly bnrnedly stub- Wherever it waved, in bright folds or battle- stained, it lent glory to the air. From tho day it flamed before victorious legions on the plains of Manassas until the day when Lee’s starved and ragged veterans closed shout it in despair, and lifting their grim and gaunt faces to Where its tattered bravery still streamed, sought death rather than snrrcndor, it never saw a moment of dishonor, nor caught a taint of shame. Whatever mistakes the con federacy may have mado, all tho time on land and tea Its flag was stainless. AU tho gross ness and all the wrong that ambition might have bred or conspiracy furthered, woro lost in the sparkling inspiration that showered as •nnshino from its opening folds. Under the descending touch of this inspiration a purpose and impulse wero clarified, and in the light of this inspiration tho path of duty was mado luminous. The flag ennobled all who followed it. And tbo knighthood of the bars aud stars shall endure and carry its heritage of glory aa long as heroism has its wonhippon aud martyrdom holds its menuing. Furl that Bannor, fbr ’tis weary, Bound its staff 'tlx drooping dreary: Furl it, fold it,—it i* best; For there’s not a mau to wave it, And there's not a sword to *avo it. And there’s not ono left to lave it In the blood which hcroe* gave it. And Its foes now scorn and brave It; Furl it, hide U,- let It rest I Take that Banner down ! ’tis tattered ; Broken Is it* staff and shattered, And the valient hoti* are scattered Over whom it floated high Oh, 'tis hard for us to fold it, Hard to think there's none to hold it, Bard that thoto who once unrolled it Now must furl it with a sigh 1 Furl that Banner-furl it sadly; Once ten thousands hailed it gladly, And ten thousands wildl), madly, Bwom it should forever wave— Swore that focmen’s sword* could never Hearts like theirs entwined dissever, And that flog should float forever O'er their freedom or their grave! Furl it!—for the hands that grasped It, And the hearts that fondly clapped it, Cold and dead are lying low; And the Banner—it is trailing, While around it sounds the wailing i f Us people in their woe ; For though conquered, they adore it— Love the cold dead hands that boro It, Weep for these who fell before it, Pardon those who trailed and tore it; And oh, wildly they deplore it, Now to furl aud fold it so! Furl that Banner I True, ’tis gory. Yet ’tis wreathed around with glory, And ’twill live In sonx and story Though its folds are in the dust! Fcr its feme on brightest pages, Penned by poets and by rages, Shall go sounding down tho age*— Furl iu folds though now we must! Furl thst Banner, softly slowly, Treat it gently-11* holy, Fo-1 droop* abovu the dead; Tench it not- un old it never: Let H droop there, foiled foreve*- For iu people’s hopes are fled. ABuuc J. Ryan. Memories of Early Confederate Days The moot curious phase of the eager and earnest and foolish day* of the young confeder acy, was the universal belief that the yankees woodn’tfight and couldn’t fight "We can whip ? e» with pop guns." said Judge Sam Bice in aeeceaiion speech in 1800. "But d—m fem they wouldn't fight ns that way," said he is an aaplanatory speech In 1808. I don't think anyone said "he would drink •II the blood thst was spilled." "Bets were mad# in Montgomery." says tho Mail of that day, "that In sis months Mr. Davis would be laaagmted in Washington city. Mr. Devis HON. HOWELL COBB, [President of the First Confederate Congress and Major O'cnersl^n tbo Confederate Service.] bornly.) A battalion of Georgia troops, com manded hy Colonel Tom Hardeman, retched Noifoik, Va.. before the Virginia troops had reached their own seaboard. The military ar dor swept over union sentiment. Newton county, an anii-scceasiou stronghold, raised five companies iu two Tdays snd $10,000 in money. The co^'npcra-lvnists left no gronod to impugn th«ir motives after the Rk sue bad been cast. The enthusiasm was irresistible. A buiv worn a bonnet made of black snd white cotton, the streamers deco- rated with palmetto tree* and stars in gold thread, snd feather* of blaok and whits worsted. Iu LaGrangc the ladies formed them- srlvis Into a military company called "The Nancy Harts." Many ladies formally tendered their family plate to he melted for tho use of the government. Iu Charleston a body of yonng men went to the cemetery, and finding the tomb of Calhoun, clasped hands around ifc snd swore to devote their lives and honor to the cause of southern independence. A com pany that protested against being enlisted for one year as an iurauely Img period did not get home for four years, and nine in ten of tha bravo fellows are still eleepiog in the valley of Virginia. Tho first company that "enlisted for tho war" was the Oglethorpe Light In fantry, which telegraphed its captain, tho Immortal Bartow, then in Montgomery, ta en roll its name. ' The saving power of salt was lacking in tho confederacy. With the ocean beading its shores from Baltimore to Galveston, it could not make enough salt to save its meet. Salt became worth its weight in silver. Salt speculators, by hoarding the precious stuff, tc- ORJtRRAL THOMAS R. R. COBB, [Killed at the Battle of Fredericksburg. —“Ood grant that this Army aud Our Country may never be call*'O again to mourn so great a sacrifice.’'—R. K. Lce’e Report.] tually impt-i iltid the iita of the government. Governor Bruwu. of Georgia, under authority of war, seized all the salt he could find. The legislature after a tremendous fight passed salt laws sustaining the governor A salt barest! was organized for the proper distribution of wbat nit was left. A half million dollars wag appropriated for tho manufacture of salt. A. reward of $50,000 wa* offered for the discovery of a salt spring that would produce a gives quantity. Driven from the oeeen beaches by blockading vessel#, tho confederacy was terror ized by the salt famine from Ihe openiog tothe close of the war. and more than $2,000,- 000 was appropriated Georgia'alone to avert The temper ef the time* is frintly indicated in the following extract from a speech made by Governor Brown in 1861. >1 would cheerfully expend in the esnae the Last dollar I could raise, and would fervently pray Uxe Samson, of old. that <ted would give Rt««ttcagta to