Newspaper Page Text
»
»
' •?
gmgMHI
THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION, ATLANTA. GA« TUESDAY MAY 4,1886
lover of froth “With wbat nwiure jre mete. It
•ball be inwnrM 10 } on again’’ A f 0 ** 0,
ci At Ion of toe in* !lvc< that Imuc-lled aud *<f the 0*s-
robin which MiXftlord rnch army and **cUori In
tbelrTltatileeni.fltft.la the17mb.il •» well m the
«uHev.atce«t pot dot bra. IIilMval critic!-m Hoot
only ut>f»tri> tie—lti*Irrational Merit, deucomlu u*
ofeontht-rn Iicmbm ta Implied ctibigy of imrt'wro
prove**' w hi. b. Ii.eflr. d t.y devotion to the uul m
of the rtatea and Mi*faln«d through privation* a id
blond l>y the pmfoui.dC't conviction* brought at
laat thia Hon hearted aectlon to defeat and surren
der T On the other baud, laudations of i.o« great
commander*- of the ‘‘Army of the PoloqtM" and
t ,| |i,, jr harle.a I-Jlowei* and the mono mo.it*
WnlU to thetr memory arc roonumeut* also to Lee
•11! Mi. La ref. ot and hungry henna, who for four
blcody jeara kept thoae v*#! number* at bay, and
In tic rparo r-f three year* defeated and f-msed
ft* m the m.prune • ommand at leant five of tbe#e
ret n« A 1 t-tleral captalna.
And non, without the po*»fbilltjr, I tnirt. of t*v
Inr n.b« ouatrurd In tplrlt or purp.se by either the
noiihorthcKHitb, I will group together some of
the indlrpuiahle facta connected with that mighty
rttnsalo. J oat h e to the conquered aoutn, <0 those
wl o Ml SDd-tO those who survived, a* well as to
th* Ir ih accndanta, demand* the production and re-
production ot theac fact*until they become familiar
in every bouaenold In the land. Truth, self re-
atact ar d u.uthern inaubood demand It. Patriot-
l»m Inelf demand* It. Tbo ataleamandilp and
Deeply Imprraacd with thl* portentoua truth, I
BMi 1 were able to Itnpr.-M every aouthern mind
and Hjfttaln all Miith# rn heartawlth the profound
conviction* which a aomewhat extended iuvwtl-
gallon ho* left upon my own. Htanding near the
Mitun.lt .Tilda, tin nineteenth century, and look
ing Inc k-ard through all hbtory. modem and an
cient .Ivllirec. ann barbaric. I a*«crt the belief,
gintuidcd upon careful thought and rUtUtteat In-
forn aMon. that no more exalted n.irp<*e* ever In-
rplreri n |«.*ph- than th.ee which Impelled the
tenth 10 enter upon her p.-rilo.taatrugRle for Inde
pendent e, nor crer Induced a freer and m»*e coally
ia. flf.ee, nor led to a defence, which, though un-
•tirceaaltil, aecured
fat.i In luatlfl.-iilion or condemnation of the eonne
ftmtird by .lllter aectlon, It la •ulBnlent for the
piirj«*.>of thb argument to realize that theaotith
wrk driven ny her apprehenaiona, whether ill or
well founded, to aeek aecurltjr nuder a aeparate
giMeri.ment; thatalie threw around that Infant
gi ven rneut a cordon of breaata aa devoted and
datitdl.r^aaever withstood the ahock of battle;
at .1 v Itji lavbh liberality gave'olU defence h-r
mliband her Mood, herprayem and her hope
~ n>atibo.id and her wotnaiibiMid, and yleldwl ai
only when exhausted In Maourcoa, bleeding at
rj pur# p*r«l) red and prostrate,
a tab to auhrr.lt one remark before firing the
re* which evldetic the enormmia *expcu<fttun*
flood and tr.-aaure by Nath aocIlona In their
nornlde atrnggle Thcao MatUtlc*. utiimnearh-
id IrnpaaHnned, cduMI-h beyond
tl.e fad that there wa* un exhibition o( marveio-ii
I«r.tiam by the n»mti. They are alao mo-t cm*
1-hatL trlbut. Mtoihe penLtrni and Indomitable
lend id courage of the north. Walks
wiareanilikd tutlaini the credit due on account
•l the great dlaparliy In numbers and resource*
which in.»o aiaibtlra -hove, we inu*t concede to
llu- norib ihn ercdlf of havingeecurod the victory
while waging an ofletralve warfare agalnat Interior
Inc* of m (ei-ce. F*otn the day of our aurrundcr,
my eaincat deal re ha* been, and la now, to»|ieak
dUHty, nrlprocal rcapect and confl
d. pc.* tlir.iiMi.oiit our reunited coun
try 1 The * li»y*-n who at thl* day cannot dls-
I lutu.duce there atatlatlca by remaking that It la
dlfiluuli locbialn any adequate onnrnption oftho
Net (Tlhat war to the country. Perhspi thli gi*
gant»cex|<-nmiurc will bo mn n readily apprecia
ted w hen 1 Male that If extended In ateel track* It
would have rot airucteri ei...urh mllca of railway
to have reached more than eight tlmea around the,
who* earth.
Jti.t let uacome to the detail*. The original col-
Ob lea which rebelled agalnat the mother no’ttnry
and taiablUhed their ln.tc|icndence werethlneou
fn eumtrr. Ti e aouthern a'atea which anight
thtlr inde|>ciidence were alao thirteen in nuiniser.
Ihrte ihlrfeen, Inoliidlug the border ataie*. which
wen- divided In aentimeut. embrae d a territory of
gloat Ml!MM aquare mllca, leaving the govern*
mrut 1 f the United Hiatea In undisturbed and mn-
threat curd poaacaaion of a territory of about 2,HM,-
StfMMiraie nillea.
Thcae thirteen aouthern atateapovaeared an ag-
gvecatewegJih of about $ft 000000,000. They were
ecu fio- te.l by an aggregated wealth ofaNnit 910,-
throM-.d through every flbre or the south- ru bra!i_
w as that the right* of the atatea, the aecnrlty of
|>i. perty, ot home andot 11 r^rty, were Involved In
ibeinue The .plait of defence, not of dedanoe
ror of conquest, nerved her |«ople. Thlv wav
her |mi.i ply of |mwer; thl* the tower of her amax-
IbgMrciiatn: Ihlatbc Individual Inaplratloi mat
rni.de of her Individual Boldicr* Individual heroea,
» 1 o have k it a record unequalcd in the annaU of
hut wc were not successful. Circumstances de
er. ed ft otb.rwbo Failure came became a«ieeesa
wa. ttr-poeMt.!c, imt.l.^rM-r and more IndtUibLe
tlo n tli*.- m are and linea left by war on the face of
the c. til-try la the Impress made by your valoron
th* page* . f hbtory. A pfl't ao liisirotia and a
pit*.in ao f* ll of eucouraip^mentare prophetic of
a hrlll ant future ]x> ymi a*k for m-w* ap-j-ific
■ a.bf. rtblspr. ml e? fr I* In the striking con
trol or your prraent condition, with paaitxpcrl-
eocca.
A It-vr years rlnce your hack* were bent under
luidtna tncldcut tobloody strife, to defeat, .md
subsequent poll'leal spoliation*. You wcreanflkr*
Ing nr.f.rccidcnb-d privations, consequent upon
thedesuncth-n of four thousand millions of prop-
my. You were enduring the keen anguish of a
ptolorigcd recnstruuiloti and of repressive and
to# reive legislation, which you solemnly believed
ui Juat to jouraelvca and unneceasary for the
national winy—a »ya*cm of letdMatl.m, the wht-
dim of which la Impeached by experience here
ar d experlenteln tiriwt Britain, and which is con-
d. mned uy the recent and noble utterances of the
S ost conspicuous, if not the ablest, statesman of
<-1 ri ser, t (true • Yon bore these trial* with a for-
tin de ai d < Mirage worthy the highest commenda
tion. \l lih rare and unremcdltated disturbance!,you
l-rmrv. d the im see. obeyed the laws and sought
redr.-s only by manly appeals to the asuae of
Justice of yonr conntryineii. fn the midst of an
almost endless expanse of desolation andflnaa-
Mai ruin, yon heroically turned to the task of
restorailon, realising that yours was a "goodly
land," and, though parched and mad* hare by the
flr.s of war. that a benignant God still bent above
It iho balmiest of skies and peopled It with the
binv.at ot men and loveliest of women With
what surcesa you have atrlven, vour Increased
cm fort a, your Increased agricultural products,
your Increased mile* of railway, your increased
mine sand manufactures sufficiently attest. Amld.t
ll all. and better than all, you have retained the
rest id of mankind and preserved vour own.
And now. let the many virtues or the fathen and
the stainless purity of the mother* dwell richly In
their s. ns and their dan-htera; let personal and
t-t.bllr honor lie the commanding law both of your
thought and of your action; let yonr representa
tive*. slate and federal. Mill maintain untarnished
iiptfbllltj ' “
wintry I
peace as was your devotion to the tooth during d*
v miailng war; let the south’* plighted falilidp. the
fimat-eut union of the states an I t
giilmate
loti of
... nits of
unquestioned; let all constitutional polirlci that
.1 to mule more closely the sections and pople.
and at the same time to promote simplicity and
(C ti« my of administration, find among you their
JO Of ihw south's wealth the greater pot-
Uou was leprearntcd by slave*.
The lonthern Mates had, a* a mean*
ef transporting, ooncau trail ng
:
Beet Ion opt .Wing toem mea-ured 30, 48 mile.
In the
Ijea^Tho
andastd when if Is 'known 'tfal a recent ablo
wnlter estimates tbs*, with tb# aid of railroads, No*
wo o»n wt ul 1 have conquered Knrmio.
The southern states had Invented in manufactur-
tnaestabllahmentatmm which to supply Ih- aouih*
orn armk a. aN ut line/jnft.iMi, while tne north bad
hi like etluhlPhtnenta nNuii|073,MP i 78|.
Ih. south Im-IU'IIms the bonier atatea,eontalned
a |si|ulai|. n of 1 l -f41,t* > Ji», They were coiifnmte<t
bvsfstes contslun-ga isipiilHtloooflIf.AIV.IM To
a- d to this .Ihpa-liy, Hie southern state* rum Is tied
to the t nlon ato-len more than ,1-tti.OOO men.
hi It be furt n-r remembered, that the move-
n-.ni ¥— n-d<- by the icn-ling southern Mates
with* nt an organised central government, wlth-mt
an srmy and navy, practically without arm*,
art mu Is. animnul l.m or artisans. Thl* embryonic
power of poorly armed stsba was autagouUt-d In
th* iticli-leiicy of the movement by a government
thon ughly organlacl and equipped; withatl-a*t
tec uucieua of an army and navy; with tnagaxiuc*.
munition* aud manufact-wlea fur sup-
piling all the Implements of war.
When the lutnic nutorUn shall consider thl* re-
mstksble Inequality In territory In wealth, In
meaiiaof treu»|>ortatlon. in iNipulatlon—lit all tho
dreumatanr* * surrounding ih« s**ctl 1
_i kht ' **' -------
he>haII add to these the still
show that the number of meu i-MMe-t In tint
aunlta during the war wa»2.NM.hi.'. The tin uber
eullstHt to the MHithern anulea during the wir, as
—.—*—•--•»- r department waa atmnt «»,
thewi man agatuM nun-
,.J8—there waa hurled againv
the south more-than'.MOO.tnvof uten lu excv*s of
Ibe tiumN r» #he h * ** ‘
Three official Ihn
<t*l report Ion. will Tor ever attest an unrivaled
courage and remseeratiou ny southern troops. Let
Mn. who can. ixiintto the parallel.
and not by lucrcruary hirelings Itoth gave alle
giance to govrrunient« organlzcl under similar
eonsiltntlon*. g.iaranieeliig lanltlcal and religion*
liberty, trial by Jury, taxation only with represen
tation, aim a<t the fmmamenta! rights of equality
ard n publican freedom Both gat hereI luspira
tiun flora the example of the Fathers. Bottt were
iB-pi Mid hy the authoritative sanction ofa genuine
patriotism; and every soldli-r who fell nit either
aide lurnc.1 his twle (ace to Heaven, a martyr to Uni
tight aa be understood It.
It la necessary, therefore, to dud In *ome other
and peculiar-eUtm uta of power the explanation
lot tnl* unexatnplro resistance made by the stmth
to one of the wuM superb armies ever mustered for
be tile. Of the same race, b-.ru of a cunum an
cestry, rretrel under the same dree tnsiUuuoua. It
Would bavesceiut-d safe to predict that with the
dkodvautagre under which the south labored she
wi-wW be compvHtd to ourrender to a force not
greatly superior to her turn. It l» true that the
rural lifts of the southern people waa pmmotlve of
iarfividual Indeiwndence. aud this tnde|>cndenre
was productive oflndlv klual herotwn, which was
one of the marked eharacteristtea of the southern
soldier, llut on tne other hand, the northern
eol.tirr was more vtgoroua In constitution, more ro
bust tu physical energy, and was reared un Vr a
•Iv m<atk ti and don estle Institutions Whleh devel
oped. In a high degree, the virtue of oelf reliance.
M bee. then, ere we to And the explanation of me
astounding (act that It required to defeat the >ouih
tet (our >• an an eubated force more than twice aa
great aa the entire Prussian armUs* which In m-v^u
Bn-iitU overwhelmed aud humiliated FranceT
what la the explanation, 1 again luqnlre.ofme
Bhexampltd n-tx-nl made by the aouthern arutl-w
It can nut be attributed to any want of u.gq
•eo-are to tlw soldiers of th- north. I•ldepclt<l-
ent of the exhibitions of ludlvhbutl heroism by
wbkh all were ttni-n»s«d who met tnein 00 tiv«
a*M, the ratio o( fed. ral iowea In bat le as com
part d to the losKiot Europ-an arrau-a.tne ru'itng
end oft repeat* a an*t« of n-wtuem pnatanxe*
with fixed bayou*ts. ogaluts the walls ot fire (him
Bontbcra guns, and over the dead bodies uftnc.r
•uBiadeo. pilld in ghastly hecat.Kubs het.ru
aoutb.ru forts and breastworks, hear wituew u>
fcdetsl eon race and deVotiou which uotUlug can
tvvr Impeach.
In seeking the aonr^e of this marvelous exht
Mtion of resist log |atwrr shown by Him aouh. u la
proper to take Into the acnouit the fact that she
•rvuplert Ibe interior line* of drfrnce. Rut to my
mmo. the one sufficient explanatlon-the "ot isa
ear ran*”-u to be fonud In tbc great, distinctive,
pilmel thought that moved, domluated and tu
•tired
dlcTW
«n.1augcre«l the permanence of
Hen of tbe 1 ^
free Inatt'utiun* and that to save the
Mve republican fre-edoa
Baton ..
•J* this i ti. iin. nt, the south «oa moved, on Tne
eibtrffiand.by obedience to nature'* Him la v-the
!•* w*llo»fcnrr. If she HN.ghl toiever her re-
‘'-ir' i’ •>"<
■ IQUllrf tbit «fi» »0.|M Slid hTm. unl 't •
KrUT." 1 ' e 5->®"**»"*- ItKMt'lUnot. tier
y*Xl*»#»«*• aud for a «tn-
*-.*,! t, ufMrrtfljr rrlaitm.,, nt cmptdld und
aysL.iL^jugg* «.~*****
MU»wS,U *u«uti ik« bep* ^
Ipcereal and most enlightened cliarnpl
n the march of the rci.ut.ltc to it* high destiny,
he re.uili will resume her place with the rank* at
the h* t.l i f the column, and the names of south
ern state.men and .onthern w.ldlcrs will live ntuotig
the most conspicuous and nonored In our out in try's
history.
When General Ciordon atepj«d bank, Hr.
Davit arose and grasped hie hand warmly, lay
ing. "General, I heartily congaatulato yon."
The booming of the cannon shook the
f founds and Boon the amoke curled gracefully
over head. Mr. Davis nnd party rode over to
Armory hall. In the city building, where he
held an impromptu reception, after which here
tut aid to ble room* in iho Kxchango hotel.
TIIK I»KCf.A RATIONS.
The rotlie city it gaily decorated and the
city ball boa United States flags fluttering oat
•f every window. IMcturc* of confederate
g.neralanre fastened to tbo onUido walla,
while (be names of Robert K. Loe, Htonownll
Jstkcon, Albert Sidney Johnson, Robert K.
R. sa, and many other confederate generals
fluttered In the breeze on streamers. The
eapitol waa beautifully decorated. From the
topmost point on tbo high dome, towering far
above everything in tho city floated tho ktara
and stnpea. The entire front was covered
with streamers and devices,
while there was suspended
along the front columns immense federal flags,
iing down almost to- the heads of the
More federal flags float la Mont
gomery today than any time sfhee I860.
Private houses and business houses all havo
liberal supply of decorations and devices and
words of welcome to Mr. Davis. The scenes
around Mr. Davis this morning and tho great
draire to see and shako him by tho hand are
itiiti aci iliable. People wore packed in the Kg
clisttyo hotel liko sardines, aud it was with
difficulty that there was cntranco nnd exit.
They wanted to see tlu-ir old prcaidontand
uotbiug would satisfy them until they had
douo so.
A HTORY OF TUB WAR.
"Again, Mr. Davis, let mo place thme in
your !•knda l ,, said an elegant matrouly lady,
who lushed In, having in hor arms several
Iwnners. "Hern is tho flag of tho PJtlt Louis!
ana under which General Polk was klllod. Boo
where It is torn by bullets. Then this," said
she, tears rolling down her cheeks, "this was
an apron rnado l.y a llitlo girl out oftho bare
of mi and white. A Ismisina regiment was
passing. One of tho uiotubers, a buy of flfteon,
raid: ‘Little girl, give that to me.* Tearing it
oil she handed It to him. Next day ho was
fouud dead. His heart’s blood atatniug th,o
gift. "Bee,” said she, "see the etain of the
poor hoy’s precious blood. God bless you, Mr.
lhivis," said she and the bowel a« quickly out
of tbo room as aho had entered It.
"Who is that?'* a*ked one of the party.
"That,” said Mr. Davis, ”la Mre. Fannin A.
I)< ares, now of New Orleana,!but fur four years
of the confederate army a good and noblo
woman,”
Colonel Thomas O. Jones next entered
"Mr. Davis,” said he, "no men in the world
ever exceeded thoso of the valley of Virgiuia
In heroism.”
"Again, the women of the Talley of Vir
ginia did,” rejoined Mr. Davis. "The enemy
burned everything there except the fences,
and the fences were not burned, becauso they
were built of atouc. The men in the front—
provisions none, shelter gono—these brave
women still proved what Spartans they were.
The women of Virginia—noble womeu,” said
Mr. Davis, dcjectively, looking down upon the
floor.
MB. I»AVIS WANTS TO SBB LACiRANaB.
"I have been asked to atop in LaOrango on
my way to Atlanta,” aaid Air. Davis. "1 will
be only a passenger on the train, in the hande
of the llill committee, but I do hope they will
make time for me to look upon the people of
LaGrange aa I pass through."
Here the venerable Bishop Wllmer entered,
when the whole party withdrew, and left the
two together.
-MISS MINNIE'S RECEPTION.
In the parlor of the hotel an interesting
evt ut waa In process. Miss Minnie Davis, a
beautiful, sweet-fared girl, one whose purity
aboue front her lustrous eyee—held a recep
tion, in which she was assisted by Mist Got-
d%»n, daughter of General Gordon, Mies Reese,
tad a brilliant bevy of Montgomery’s fairest
flowers. It waa an occasion devoid of eerw
*, but tell of hearty good will, and unaf
fected simplicity.
An stunting incident of the reception oc
curred when a man of about forty approached
Mias Minnie. He stood six feet high, wore a
faded linen duster and carried a satchel which
might have been in the waf. "Mias
Minnie,” said he, *T love you for your
father.” Tha young lady smiled approvingly
"Yon must have been quite a youtn when tha
rebellion was going on?”
know nothing of any rebolHon,” said tho
lady quickly. "But 1 know all about tho war
whirk waa waged between sovereign states.”
This calltd forth a sally of laughter, which,
however, waa hushed when the stranger
•aid:
"I don’t rare whether they call It rebel lion
or war. bat I wore the gray for four yean and
»#v*r dndsed ire.”
•Mr. Gladatoae's speech 00 Orerbou oTHe-
The stronger explained that his nsm* was
A. W. Barnes. He is a nephew of Galvin
B one kutt, of Atlanta. When the war broke
ont he wss living in Gwinnett county. Os.,
where be Joined TliomaVs Independent Blue*.
He now lives in -Double Spriogs, Winston
county, forty-live miles from a rallmd
office, where he read in Tub Weekly
Constitution that Mr. Davis wa«
going to visit Montgomery. He put business
aside and started out for that city.
"I was determined to sec the old man
again,” said he, as ho wiped a tear from his
eye with his coat sleeve.
It is needless to say that Barnet had more
friends after that than [he ever expected to
meet.
"What do you think of the demonstration?”
yonr reporter asked of Miss Minnie.
Laughing, the replied: "It is tho first time
I have ever teen any outward honors shorfn
to father. We have lived so quiet ever since I
can remember, but I cannot express how
much 1 think of all these good people.”
THE GORDON LEVER.
The attentions paid M Us Gordon were equally
as interesting as tho others. 8he reigned all
day a belle among a bevy of belles whose sway
has never been disputed. *Jn still another
parlor of the hotel General Gordon held a
levee.
"My name is Gibson,” said a distinguished
looking gentleman; "I rodo In the last charge
with, yon at Xppomatox.”
"And I am Major Roulhac. I served under
you all through the war.”
"Gentlemen, comrades,” said General Gor
don. as he stood surrounded by just such meo,
“you overwhelm me with recollections.
Hearts blinded together in the blood of
hat tlo cannot help wqrming toward each
other.”
"General,” said half a dozen voices, "We
old soldiers of Alabama can never forget the
comrade who rode uuderahot aud shell with
us.”
Mayor Reese, accompanied by tlio elty conn-
cisl entered, "General Gordon,” said he,
have tho honor to present yon with tho
freedom of tho city. You have
our hearts a plnco which but few
other men could havo. May your future life
be as happy as your presence hero nulkoa u§
today.”
"My heart has been’moved several times since
my arrival here. Tho recollections of 1801,
when I passed through yonr city, rush over
me. There is no piaco to which I would rather
be wtlcomcd than to Montgomery. I canuot
expTOhtbe depths of my thanks.”
Next came a delegation of the veterans of
the old Sixth Alabama.
General raid|tbey:‘ , You must come over to the
armory with os,” and taklog him by the arms
they fairly lifted him along, refusing to let him
go to his room for his hat, one of them going
for it instead.
A SINGULAR SCENE
met the general at the armory. There were
legless and alevelcaa veterans,
maimed in battle, but who had never deserted
their colors. There they stood, greeting their
old commander with cheers. When th<
men bad passed hy came a number of yoang
meo. "These,” said the leader of the party,
"are the orphans of tbo fallen braves of the
old Sixth Alabama.” Tears stood in the eyes
of all, aa Gordon, when an orphan’s name was
called would tell him somo reminiscence of
hia father, tho acene of his death, and, in sav
er al instances, the last words of tho dying sol
dier, The saddest sceno was yet to come,
whan a number of women in crape moved un
"General,” here are tho widows
of your dead soldier*—women who
have treasured tho names which
were given then by bravo husbands.”. Evory
brad In the houso waa bowed half way down
to tbo ground. With tonchiog pathos Gen
eral Gordon spoke some kind word to each of
tbeio bereaved womeu, his stetenionta in
some esses coming like a voice from tho grave.
After it waa over Genoral Gordon said:
"1 have seen mtn mowed down in battle;
I havo heard tho dying groana of thousands,
but never in my Itfo was 1 so pained as when
t!ir»e widows of my brave, dead soldiers ap
peared before me.”
HONORS TO MIN. GORDON.
Tlio honors to Mrs. Gordon hpvo been of the
moat touching and chivalrous kind. On the
arrival of tbo train hore last night
tlio Independent Rifles and the
Sixth Alabama Ycterans captured General
Gordon. Mrs. Gordon and her daughter were
In the sleeper "Juniata.”
"General,” said a sleeveless brave, "we havo
left a detail to take care of your wife.”
All right,” said tho general, "I trusted her
with you during tho war, and I know 1 can
do it now.”
Tho detail waited upon tho good lady, who
at cnco recognized the old faocs, and, after
making the acquaintance of tbo young lady,
whom they had never soon before, lioth were
taken in charge and treated with all that
consideration, chivalry and thought which
only confederate veterans can show.
In forming the procemion today in front of
the Exchange hotel, Mrs. Gordon was
the second ferriage. At one
point along the line of march, a halt
t(K>k piaco when Mrs. Gordon had occasion to
rite from her teat.
Gmtlemen, I propose three cheers for the
gallant commander of the army of northern
Virgiuia, whom yon all recalled at tho battte
of Wiucheeter—Mrs. General J. B. Gordon.”
Tho cheers were given and then throe
times three.
8CKNBS OF THB DAY.
The Full Speeches Delivered ud Other
Kventa ot the Day.
Montgomery, Ala., April ‘J9.—[Speeial]—
The military pageant on Gspitol hill this
morning waa folly equal to that of the day be
fore, while the assemblage at large was more
democratic, owing to tho absence of gate
keepers.
A platform had been erected by the site for
the monument* For several hours a large
number of ladies were engaged in. decorating
the structure, which looked after leaving their
hands like a bower of rosea. Near at baud
stood tha corner atone, on which, in raised let
ters, was tha inscription:
corner trroNK,
LAID BY
ex-prefident jkffkrson davk,
Aran 2). KM6.
Opposite this STBS a large platform for speak
ers. The procession formed in front of the
Exchange hotel. Mr. Davla, his daughter, ex-
Governor Watts and Hon. H. V, Tompkins,
chairman ef the committee of arrangements,
wrr*- in a carriage drawn hy four white horses,
etch led by a negro In livery. The next Car
lisle contained General and Mrs. Goidon,
their daughter, Miss Fannie, and
Mro. Clement C. Clay, and was
auironudtd hy the survivors of the Sixth Ala
bama and other eon federate veterans. The
preceesion waa preceded by a cavalry and ar
tillery escort and waa further made up of other
local military, Knights of Pythias rraud
rommandcry of Knights Templar and Masonic
hi dies from different parts of the state.
TUB DEMONSTRATIONS ALONG TOR ROUTE
were aa eathnoiaaite aa they were yesterday.
The es president was, aa la nasal when aver
the people caught eight ef him, cheered es-
tbnsisstfcally. He took bis seat with the
committee of the memorial as«ociation. Be
hind him sat Mrs. Gordon, Histes Davis aud
Gordon, on bis left General Gordon, on his
right ex Governor Watte. The officers of the
Sixth Alabama and others were on the plat
form. The Hxth regiment wss present also,
aa were tbc trustees of the Soldiers armament
association, Colonel W. L. Bragg, Mayor
Rt-rsc, General W. W. Allen, Colonel
William R. Jones, Colonel W. W. .Screws, and
Governor O’Neal. Before the services began
Colonel Bragg presented Mr. D*via with an
elegant basket of flowers from Major B ding
Hall, who lives near this city. Major Hall is
descendant of Georgia’s Lyman Hail, and he
wst a noted opponent to secession, but bod
eight sons in tbo war, some of whom gave
tbier lives to the confederacy, and the eighth
carries lead in bim as evidence of his devotion,
Mr. Hall stated in his note that as he woaau
invalid be could not be present, but sent the
flowers as an evidence of respect. Some old
foldier brought forward a muster roll of the
8ixth Alabama, and|Misiea Gordon and Davis
with Mr. Davis, examined -it. The old veterans
standing near were swelled with gratification
and purdoLsble pride.
Ex-Governor Watts, the presiding officer of
the occasion, opened the exercises with
references to the importance of calling down
the benediction of heaven npon tho occasion
and requested the Rev. Mr. Andrew, pastor of
tbo Methodist Episcopal church to pray.
KX-GOVKBKOB WATTS SPEAKS.
Ex- Governor Watte then arose and spoke as
follows:
I can scarcely express to you how proud I am
hi having the honor ot introducing Iks fore you
today the ex president of the conrc<lerate>tate*,
now known as the chief of the lost cause. D» fore
be was elected president of tho confed* rate states
1 knew him simply by reputation, a* a fearless
commander on the field of Buena Vista, a* the
dUtliigubdied secretary of war In the cabinet of
President Fierce and as a representative of tbo
grand old state of Mississippi in the I'uitcd States
senate. After he was elected president of tne con
federate states 1, without seeking on my part, was
►elected saono oftho members of his cabinet. I
was, therefore, associated with him for eighteen
months lu Intimate and almost dally relations.
Before I knew him personally, I admired him as
su Minor and state*raau. When I left his cabinet
in October, 1863, after having been selected by the
good people of Alabama as their chief magistrate,
I not only admired him as soldier aud statesman,
hot 1 lovid dim os a man—{applause]—und now,
after twenty years of anuventftil career, he appears
Itcforcns ‘oday, and that which calls him hero to
day 1* full of memories and fills us with emotion.
1 *ee In my mind’s eye two great sections of the
r*!«ib1lc of states divided; two great peoples,
springing from tbc same rod, speaking the
same language, worshipping the same God al«1
professing to lovo the grand principles of republi
can government, under hostile banners. I see
four yean of war. I sec sltcniato victory and de
feat. I see the horror and w«.e and gloom which
enveloped onr laud as with some mighty ftineral
pall. And now that war has ended, I see tho sis-
terhood of out fslr countrymen with every return of
opting costing flowers upon tho graves o* the hon
ored dead. Are we ashamed of this homage to the
memory of oar lost ones? No, no, not my
fellow counttymen. They (ought for liberty; they
died for liberty, and posterity will treasure their
names to tho most distant time. (Applause.]
Now, follow citizens, I desire to introduco to you
this grand old man. I dvsirwto s«y to you why we
love him. Wi- love bim boosuse he has ever beca
true to constitutional government. Wo lovo him
Is cause be bos ever becu true to tho pconl-* of tho
south, and we love bim above all, because In tho
time of misfortune, in prison st Fortress Monroe,
hi* hards were crossed and manacled for southern
blood, |Long applause.] and hence wo lovo him.
Now, Mr. Davis, (Mr. Davis takes his posltlou
besides the speaker) i desire to present you to our
' Alabama people and yon must permit mo to say,
follow citizens, that In all my resdlog of anftlent
and modern history, I have never rood of s slnglo
man wbo possessed the sterling qnallilos of Jeffer
son Davis, (tong and repeatedly renewed op-
planes and cbtvrs, as ex-Uovernor Watts ended,
and Davis stood forth.]
MR. DAVIS'S SPEECH.
As Governor Watts flnlsbod, Mr. Davis arose
and grasped the hand of his old sttornoy-
general In a most affectionate manner. It wss
some minutes before ho could proceed, as
cheers were again and again repeated. When
there was sufficient quiet Mr. Davis said:
It is deeply gratifying to mo to bo presented to
you by one on whom 1 loaned for advice, when ad-
vbo was wanted; whose sterling qualities always
made me sure that the Judgment he wss drawing
(mu the bottom of his heart. When you
called him sway the place was raiding which ho
once (Hied, nnd 1 have always desired to lay my
hand upon him again (doing so). lApplanso].
Thus it whs that wheu wc met tbo other night,
after year* of separation. Some people In tbo room
gave a sardonic runic to see two old weather beat
en men embrace, but our hearts were young,
though our heads were old. Associated hero with
many memories—thrilling aud tender-I have
felt that It were dangerou* for mo to attempt to
•peak to you ss my heart would prompt me. Not
that 1 am always treasuring up bUtorners against
anyone, but I am overflowing with lovo aud admi
ration for our beloved people. [Long Applause).
To avoid, therefore, anything which might be
prompted by the fullness of my heart—for I be
lieve 1 am csre-hsrdeucd by that condition of
non-citizenship which leaves mo very Rule to
foar fapplaure]—for tho purpose of guarding oth
ers rather than myself, I have prepared some
notes that I might read which would not contain
anything that would be constructive or hurtful.
A voice—"Go on; ssy whst you please. You
are In the house of your friends."
My friends-partuers In Joy and In sorrow, In
trills and sufferings—1 havo come to Join you In
tho perfoimsnce of the sacred task to lay the
foundation of a monument st the cradle of
the confederate government, which
•hall commemorate tho gallant sons of
Alabama wbo died for their country;
wbo give their lives, a free-will offering,
in defense of tha rights of their sires won
in the war of the revolution, and the state sov
ereignty, freedom and independence which was
left us as an inheritance to thetr posterity forever.
The»e righto, a compact of union, was formed not
to destroy, but the better to preserve aud perpetu
ate. Whose denies this cannot havo sttentirely
read the articles of confederation or thoconstltu-
tlcn of the United States. The latter was formed
and designed better to effect tho purpose of the
first. II is not my purpooo to dwell upon the
evcnU ot the war. They w ere laid before you yes
terday by that great soldier, in so able a manner
as to require no supplement from me. They were
lsld before you by one who, like .Russ, •'Cu
tlets ( quorum vidi ct magus pars
General John B. Gordon
wss a soldier who, when our times seemed darkest
st Drtersburg, wss selected! by his chieftain—Lee
-ss tbc best man to lead the charge to repel the
betelging army; to make a sortie aud attack In the
flank and reverse: to double np Grant’s army, and,
If I rosy ssy so, in his presence hare, he failed,
nut his failure was due to the failure of his guides
toesrry him where he proposed to go. Again, that
man and gallant soldier was one person whom
General Lee called at Appomatox when he
wanted to know whether It were possible to
break the line that obstructed his retreat towards
the mounurins of Virginia. He answered that it
was Impossible: that, after four years of hard
fighting, bis division wss worn down
to a fragment. It being then ‘Impossib'e
to break the line that obstructed his march to ths
mountains, tee, like Washington, without know
ing perhaps that Washington ever used the exprro
•ion, said If he coaid reach the mountains of Vlr^
glniahe could continue the war for twenty years;
bnt when he found that the line which obdrooted
his retreat could not be broken, he said there was
nothing to do but to surrender. Be it remembered,
however, that Lee waa not a man wbo content-
plan d surrender asking ss he had the power to
fight or retreat; and when he came to the last mo
ment of surrender, he said to General Grant, *T
have cone to treat with you for the purpose of sur
render ; but. General GrauL understand I will tor-
muter nothing that reflects upon the honor of my
army." General Grant, like a man, said he want
ed nothing that would have that eflfeet, and that
might draw op the papers himself,
It Is not my purpose either to dUctm poHttoal
qtwsttoiis, on whleh my views have eisewhere.aad
1m other times, been freely expremed, or to review
the past except in vindication of character and the
conduct of those to whom it is propo-cd to do hou
or on this occasion;' That we may not be misun
derstood by such as are not willfully blind, it may
be proper to state In the foreground that we have
no desiie to feed the fires of sectional hate, while
we no not SM-k to avoid whatever responsibility
attaches to the belter in the righteousness of oar
csnre.'atrd the viitoe of those who risked their
lm s to defend it. [long applause end cheers.]
Revenge is not tho sentiment of a Christian peo
ple. and the apothegm that forgiveness Is more
easily to the injured than to those who inflict
i> Jury, has tever bad a more powerful illustration
than in the present attitude of too two section*
towards one another. Policy, in the absence of
magnanimity, would have indicated that in the
n sterol union of the states there should have been
a full restoration of equality, privilege* and bene
(its, ss they had pre existed. Though this has not
been the cate, yet you have faithfully kept your
resumed obligations as citizens, and la your Im
poverishment have borne equal burdens without
equal lwnefiis. I so proud of yon. my country
men, for this additional proof of your fidelity, and
pray God to give yon grace to suffer and be strong.
When yonr children’s children shall ask what
means this monument, there will be the enduring
answer: It commemorates the deeds ot Alabama’:
ions who died that yon and your
defendants should be what yoar
fstbers In the war of Independence left you, Ala
bsma asserted the right, proclaimed in the decla
ration of independence as belonging to every peo
ple. 6he found that the compact of onion bad
been broken on the one side, and wa* therefore
annulled; that the government or the United
States did not answer the ends for whi^h it was
instituted, and with others of a like mind proceed
ed to form a new confederations organizing its
powers in the language of the declaration of Inde
pendence in such form as seemed to them most
likely to effect their safety and happiness. This
wss not a revolutlon.'becauso the state govern
ment having charge of all domestic affairs, both of
person and of property, remained unchanged. To
call It a revolution Is a gross sollclsm." [Ap
plttne.]
as sovereigns never rebel, and as only sover
eigns can form a national league, If the states bad
not been sovereigns there could not havo been a
compact of union. [Applanse.J That tbo south
did not anticipate, mnch less have a deslro for
war, Is shown by the absence of preparation for It,
as well os by the efforts made to secure a placer
reparation. The successful party always hot.1
the defeated responsible for war, but when paulou
shall have subsided and reason shall have re
sumed her dominion, It mnst be decided that the
general government bad no constitutional po*er
to coerce a state, and that a ntate had tho right to
repel lnva»ion. It was a national and constitu
tional right. (Applause.]
From tbo early part or the ccntnry there had
been prophecies and threats of a dissolution oftho
unlou. These began at the north on a question of
preserving the balafice of power,
and culminated during the war of 1412.
In the (decline of their trace, though the war
was waged for the protection of sailors rights '
coutte of years the balance ot power
paired to the north and that
power was so used that the south, despairing of
the peaceful enjoyment of their corottitutlonal
rights In the union, decided to withdraw from t.
This without injury to their late associates. The
right to withdraw was denied and the north mode
nsdy for war. The distant mutterings of tho
storm were readily understood by the people of
Alatama. Gray halrod sires and beardless boys, all
unprepared as they were, went forth to meet tho
s'orm ere It burst upon their homes and^heir altars.
It required no Demosthenes to arou*e them to tho
duty of reslrtlug the Invaders—no, Patrick Henry
to prepare them for tho alterna
tive of liberty or death,
was the people, not the leaders, wbo resolved and
acted. One sentiment inspired all classes. Yet I
believe there were very few wbo did not regret the
necessity which left them no alternative between
fighting for their state or against it. Mother*,
wives and daughters, choking back their sobs,
cheered them on the path of honor and duty.
With fesrUrs tread these patriots, untrained
war, advanced on many battle fields to look death
In tho face. ^Though Alabama, like Nlobo, must
mourn her chlldreu In death, yet is her woe tem
pered by the glorious halo which surrounds thsir
memory For more than a ceutnry after his death,
It is said that Philip Devalogns’s name was borne
on the roll or grenadier's to whom he
belonged, snd when his namo was called
It wss aroweied from the ranks: "Mort sur
leebamp d’houneur." Lung, very long would
be the list which would contain the names of Ala
bama* sons, where valor and fidelity would Jastiry
the same response. To namo a few would bo un
lit to tbo many. They are all, therefore, left
where they securely repose In tbo hearts of u
grateful people. This monument will rest upon
the laud for which they died, aud polut upward to
the Father wbo knows the motives as well as the
deeds of bis children, and at lost, resting In a land
where Justice may be rendered, which may havo
bicu denied them here.
In conclusion, permit mo to say, though the
memory of our glorious past must ever bo de ir
u«, duty poluts to the present and future.
Alabama, having resumed her place In tho union,
bo it yours to ftilfllll all obligations devolving
upon all good citizens, necking to restore the gene
ral government to Us pristine purity and, as best
you may, to promote the welfare aud happiness of
yonr common country. [Long applause.]
Citizens of Alabama and ladle# (facing tho la
dles on tho stand); For to whatever side yon may
belong, It is your sox that has been true alwayi In
war aud desolation. We hear of the valor and
virtues aud euduring names of Spartan mothers,
but tell mo where In all the history of natious wa#
ver such a spectacle seen as was witnessed In the
valley of the Shenandoah. How tbo tide of war
ebbed and flowed. Sometimes tbe confederates
retreated and sometimes they pursued. Those
people, who claimed to be our brethren, had
burned everything except tha fences—
(Ex-Governor Watts, interrupting;) "And they
would havo burned them hod they not been
stone."
Mr. Davis turned and smilingly continued: And
why do you suppose they did not burn the fcuce*
because they were stone? (Loud applanse.] And
yet there never was a time when a confederate
body of troops marched dowi that valley that the
ladies did not hang out little confederate flags
fsom the windows and give bread to the hungry
soldiers. [Tremendous spplan-e.J
1 haTC promised that I would not speak extern
poraneoosly, and I will not do 1L God bless you,
ot>eandall;IloTe you from the bottom of my
heart, and give you thanks now for your kindness.
(Tremendous aud long continued applause and
cheers.)
THE CORNER STONE LAID.
The grand master read tha appropriate ser-
Ylcet very feelingly. When the time came
for depositing relics Miae Winnie Davie was
accorded the honor of depositing tho first
relic, followed by Mre. Governor O’Neal. Miss
Gordon, Miss C. C. Clay, MUa Reese, Governor
O’Neal, Mayor Beeee, and lastly Mr. Davis,
whose duty it was to place in the box a Muonic
emblem. The only nnnsnal incident was when
Governor Watte deposited a piece of Alabama
scrip which had been issued for the support of
the soldiers' families. He said that Alabama
would naver have done her dnty until this
•crip waa redeemed. The articles deposited
were almost entirely in keeping with the occa
sion, being different denominations of con
federate and Alabama state money, confederate
records, etc.
When the ceremonies had been oonclqded
Mr. Davis waa eaoorted to ths governor’s room
in the capltol, where ho held a reception for
the veterans for an hour.
Tbo Committees Depart.
The committees appointed by the Hill Mon
ument association and the Foltoa County Con-
federate Veterans’ association to escort Mr.
Davla from Montgomery to Atlanta, left for
tbs former city at 1:40 o'clock Friday after-
neon.
Preceding their departure, the cars they oc
cupied were placed juet outride of the onion
passenger depot, near the Mark ham house. A
large crowd gathered t*> inspect them.
The private ear. "Atlanta,” used by the com
mittee from the mouument association, was
magnificently decorated. Oa ths exterior, two
immense United States flags were draped on
each side, extending from the center
to the ends. At the center, on
eeck aide, two confederate flags
were fastened, with ataflh
In the spaces formed above the point at
which the staffs crossed each other, were
placed large painting* of the coat of arms of
Georgia. In tbe si'ace* b-low were large and
itiikingly life like paintings of Mr. Davis.
Along the lower edges of the car were
three broad bands of doth, red, white and
bine. The rods uuder tho car were similarly
decorated. At the rear end, United States and
confederate flags wi-ie draped, their staffil
crossing each other. In the space abqye waa
another large paiuting of the coat of arms of
Georgia. The confederate flags used were tho
one first adopted, tb« one adopted later in tho
war, and tho battlo flag.
Inside, every available point was decorated
with small United States flags.
SILVER BASKETS FILLED WITH FLOWERS
hung from tbe shining metal rods near the
roof, while the arms of the atAti were twined
with red, white and blue streamers. In the
sleeping chamber was a large portrait of Mr.
Davis. In the observation chamber was one
of Mr. Hill. Large, comfortable chairs were
placed at diffcreut poluts in the latter cham
ber.
Altogether, tbe effect of the decorations was
beautiful. No handsomer cir evor went ont
of Atlanta.
The veterans’ committed found it impossible
to sccnre the "Pstiuos,” aud, thorefore, tho
•Tarsus” was used instead. This car is one of
tho finest sleepers ever built by tbe Pullman
company. It is a marvel of tho carbuilderig
skill. Outside, the polished panels suggest
mirrors, while the beautiful lettering almost
foibid other decorations. Indeed, tho com*
mittce doubtless had that aide, becauso tho
decorations were few and simple. The rods
tinder the car wero twined with red, white and
bine. On one aide the word "Davis,” worked
in Immortelles, was snspended by bands of
scarlet cloth. The color of the flowers in tho
letter D was pink; in A, blue; In V, orange; in
Lpnrplr, and in 8 yellow. Oa the othor side
the samo word was similarly suspended, but
the color of the flowers wa* different-. In D It
was blue; in A, red; in V, green; lu I, purple,
and In 8 yellow. The background on oach
sido was a mans of cedar. The letters were
eighteen inches in length.
Inside the car the burnished rods and the
arms of the scats wero trimmed with red,
white and blue streamers.
THE COMMtt TEES.
Atouc o’clock, the committees entered the.
cars. They were accompanied by a number of
ladies, wbo desired to tuspi-ct tbe decorations.
In the "Atlanta,” the committee from tho
monument association afsumblod. It was com*
posed of Messrs. Julius L. Brown, E. P. How
ell, B. W. Grady. Benj. U. Hill, D. N. Speer,
R. D. Spalding, A. J. Onue. ft. J. Lowry, Liv*
inston Mims, and Hoko Smith, Judge M. IT.
Blandford, of tbe supreme court, Captain John
McIntosh Kell, of Sunnyside, executive officer
of the Alabama, and Colonel L. P. Grant, were
in the car, as guests of tbe committee.
In the "Tarsus” was tbe committee from
tbo veterans’ association. It was oomposod of
Mayor George Hillyvr, chairman, and Messrs.
John A. Stephens. W. A. Hemphill. A. J. Mc
Bride, E. P. Black, W. L LMhoun, W.T. New*
man, 8. M. Inman, H. H. Colquitt and J. McF,
Gaston.
ARRIVAL OF THE COMMITTEES.
Montgomery, A!»., April 20.—[Special.]
Tbe committees from Atlanta reached
Montgomery, after an exceedingly pleasant
trip, at 7:30 p. m. There was a sharp in
quiry at fevery station slung the West Point
road and the promise uf unbounded enthuu
iasm tomorrow. The committees were press
ed for promises that Mr. Davis should stop
at every station, aud it is likely that 100,030
people will see bim between Montgomery
and Atlanta. On arriving at Montgomery,
tbe committees were met by Mayor Reeso
and the entire city council, Governor O'Neal
and a large delegation of citizens. Air, Reese
welcomed the party to Montgomery, and
Major Hillyer re*ponded for Atlanta. On
reaching the Exchange hotel, it was found
that Afr. Davit had re fired from the incessant
crowd that thronged the parlors and corri
dors of the hotel. It was thought best not
to subject bim to a public reception, and the
committees were, therefore, admitted to bis
room. Mr. Davis received tbe committees
reclining npon a sofa. Hewhook hands with
each member iu a firm and affectionate man
ner, and bad a plcaiant word for etch onwof
bis old acquaintances whom he rooognixed
Infallibly. Hia abort rest recuperated him
greatly, and be raja be will stand tbe trip
without any trouble. He looks much
stronger than waa expected, and, except tbxt
be is r trifle nervoas, shows no signs of
•feebleness. Hie handsome, clear cat lace,
exhibited perfect.health.
After leaving Mr. Davis’s room the com
mittees were taken in cbsrge by the dty and
state officials, and tendered every possible
courtesy.
A large party of Alabamians will acoom- •
panj tbe Georgians on their return. Mr.
Davis says be will go to 8avannab, and there
appears to bo no donht that be will be strong
enongh to make that trip without inconven
ience.
The scenes in Montgomery for the past
few days have surpassed in enthusiasm any
thing ever seen in this country, and Georgia
must give her heart full voice to demonstrate
to Mr. Davis that »be loves him even better
than Alabama does.
NO RECEPTION AT THK MANSION.
AIjdkight—After free consultation with
Dr. Bpsiding, chairman of the committee,
and the friends of Mr. Davis, in Montgom
ery, it has been decided that in view of the
•train that will be made on his strength oa
Saturday, it is utiwise tor him to accept the
public reception tendered by Governor
McDaniel on Friday night That recep
tion, which could not be doted in less than
two hours, would, in ell probability, so
prostrate bim that he could not take part la
tbe exercbee of Saturday. In behalf of the
committee, therefore, it is herewith an
nounced that there will be no reception at
tbe mansion on Friday night.
Upon reaching Atlanta, Mr. Davis, after
bis ride from tbe depot to Airs. Hill's resi
dence, will take bis needed rest, and bis
strength may be sufficient to carry him
tbrongh Saturday without discomfort or
danger. H. W. G.
Os to Attests!
On the Train, April 30.-[Special.]—On
tbe side track, nrxc to the Alabama river, in
Montxomery stond three gaily decorated
palace coaches. They were laden with floral
derigaa and tasteful festoon* of evergreen.
Numberless flags of miniature design flattered
from every part. Within, with flowar and
twig and streamers of red and white sod blue,
baskets of flowers pendant from above sad
ptetsxes of Davis sad Hill auspsadsd, tho