The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-09-11
From The Richmond Enquirer.
A VISIT TO EX-PRESIDENT DAVIS

From the Richmond Enquirer.
A VISIT TO Ex-PREsIDENT DAVIS.
A day or two ago gentleman of this city
visited Fortress Monroe for the purpose of pro-
curing some "confscated" furniture, the prop
erty of his uncle, Ga distinguished civilian and
Confederate oficer,) having procured the neces-
sary order from the proper authorities.
He was at length admitted into the Fortress
and enjoyed two interviews with Mr. Davis, who
DOW has the liberty of the Fort during the day,
unattended by any guard, although confined to
bis quarters and closely watched by night.
Mr. Davis was in conversational mood, and
talked freely on all subjects which came up.
He expressed his regret that during the exist
snce of the Confederacy there should have ex-
listed any differences of opinion between himself
and other Southern officers and gentlemen, but
hoped that such feelings would be forgotten and
all offences mutually forgiven.
He expressed the warmest sympathy for the
suferings and struggles of the gallant Confede-
rate soldiers, who at the close of the war had re-
turned to ruined and desolated homes, to battle
with poverty and all its attendant evils, and said
he often thought of them in the silent hours of
the night, when sleep refused to visit his trou-
bled eyelids, but be felt assured that the same
ndomltable will and energy which carried them
through such war would in the end be crown
ed with competence and plenty.
Mr. Davis inquired eagerly after many per-
sonal friends, and sent kindly messages to many.
His health bad, be said, somewhat improved
within the past fortnight, but he was still very
weak. In speaking of the disgraceful manac-
ling affair, he said that he attached no blame to
Gen. Miles, who had simply obeyed instruc-
tions. He said, however, that orders to shackle
him had been several times forwarded to the
Fortress, but that the officers postponed or eva
ded its execution. In regard to DIR. Craven's
book, the Doctor had, Mr. Davis said, put Ian
guage into his mouth which was never used by
him, but the Doctors timidity prevented him
from writing truthful and accurate account Of
many conversations and circumstances
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
The agent of large New York house which
does business of forty millions of dollars per
annum, arrived in Columbia one day last week,
and while engaged in conversation with city
merchant at Nckerson's Hotel, made the fol-
lowing suggestive remarks which it will do we'll
to remember. He was asked why Mr. A. T.
Stewart, the great dry goods millionaire of New
York, had selected Savannah instead of Char
lesion, for the erection of large warehouse and
branch of his establishment. s'Because-was
the eply-because you are always quarrelling
among yourselves. We take your newspapers
and read every week editorial articles and COM
munications attacking this railroad or that, CON-
planning Of want of lberality here and there, up
holding one enterprise and condemning another
in short, we observe evidences of internal
strife and dissatisfaction, which in mercantile
community calculated to clog business and
drive it to theatre more favorable to its
successful development. l have myself been in
Savannah, Atlanta and other cities of Georgia,
and although [ know the same causes of COM
plant exist there, yet the merchants have the
discretion, instead of showing dissatisfaction
and weakness, to keep it to themselves. The
result is that the unprejudiced Northern visitor
selects these points best calculated to further
his business prospects.
The great mistake 10 South Carolina is that
instead Of following the example Of Georgia, her
merchants rush at once into the public prints
aud seek thus to accomplish an end which may
be arrived at equally we'll by other and more
quiet means"
The above statement, coming from man
whose life is one Of observation, and whose bust
ness it is to plant his money wherever he sees
the probability Of the speediest return is not
without weight There is unfortunately too
much disposition among certain class to make
public the dissensions which disturb the bust
ness community; to print impulsively prepared
articles, which, when measured by facts, prove
as false In their substance as they are injurious
In influence; to endeavor to correct seeming
evils, when in truth the evils, if they exist at
ALL are the result OF circumstances which can
not be controlled; and to make hasty allegations
which fall to the ground with ordinary explana-
ton. They give quarrelsome odor to the
community; they breed additional prejudice
against the State, and instead of fostering, re-
tard the great work of progress which all good
citizens have in view.-ColumJia Carolin ian.