Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-06-07
JFF DAVIS GEORGIA SPEECH.
He Elalts the "LOst Cause, and Abuses
Congress,


it is more audacious, more bitter and de-
fiant than any he has yet made, we give it
in full for the benefit of our readers.
He was welcomed to Augusta by Gems.
Laws and Stoval and Hon. ii. w. Hill
lard. The latter gentleman made the
welcoming speech, and in closing said
I do not now propose to review the
dread drama that closed in the overthrow
of the Southern cause. That is not q lost
cause. 1t is the cause of constitutional
liberty, and ,CW yet triumph
am instructed to welcom you to the
hospitalities of the city of Augusta.
Mr.. Davis replied as follows:
MIR. DAVIS SPEECH.
Ny friends and .tolIo,0-citizenS of Georqia
feel that have a peculiar claim upon
the people of Georgia, and that the people
of this State have some claim upon me.
My father was a citizens of Georgia for
many long years ago, and TO him have
often listened in the days of my boyhood
as he told to me traditions of the great re-
volution. 1t was to this city of Augusta
this ancient old town upon the banks of
the Savannah-that my father, then but
mere boy, came to join the revolutionary
forces, and enlisted beneath the American
flag. i am proud of my father, and of
his State. If it is q crime to feel proud of
this sire-to glory in his devotion to the
cause of the right-to remember with ex-
ultation his service in defense of liberty,
then, my friends, it is also crime to OPP
pose despotic Capitalization of power,
and uphold the right of a State to with
draw from voluntary compact entered
into for the preservation of the freedom of
them all. If this is a crime, then am | a
criminal, and it is the only offense of
Ntrlt t.gl, I 4 -
gians, that claim to be OF Georgia des-
cent, and | glory in my lineage.
Although the distinguished gentleman
who welcomed me to your city with words
so kindly and SO eloquent has said that
you pay tribute to me by your presence
here tonight | cannot think that he was
correct in this remark. 1t is not tribute
to me, individually, but because you feel
that | am one of yourselves, that YOU come
to do me honor. And while / am fully
aware of this fact, do not imagine that /
feel at all mortified at it, or that my vanity
is wounded because you honor me only as
the representative of your cause. That
cause is dear to me-more precious even
than life, e,[applause,] and glory in its re-
membrance.
Just here let me say to you that / well
know how every utterance of mine is seiz-
ed upon by the organs and members of q
certain faction. ! am well aware of the
eagerness with which every word of mine
is caught up, and the ingenuity with
with which it is distorted and used in fur
therance of designs upon my people, and
hence dare not speak to you as ! desire.
My heart is full to overflowing, God
knows, but l cannot speak. Many men,
ories of the past are struggling in my
brain, but l must be silent.
CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.
Though l must not speak, tits no fear
for myself which commands my lips to be
closed. No; l have been punished for my
crimes, and have experienced the worst
which could be imposed. In the cant Ian
guage of the day, punishment with me is
'played out" The worst that can be done
has been done, and / have no more to fear.
If speak it is not myself, but you, who
would be injured, for, unfortunately, addi-
tional wrongs can yet be heaped upon you.
Therefore, if / claim merit for anything, it
will be for keeping silent. My simplest
words may work you harm. If / say,
Good night, my friends, go to your
homes and q Congressional Investigating
committee happened to be within hearing,
its members would swear that / directed
you to go off and join the kuklux.
Laughter and applause Filled with that
jealousy which springs from the knowl-
edge of their inferiority, and of the justice
of your pretensions. and conscious Of bro
ken covenants and violated Constitution,
they mistrust every moment, and tremble
with fear when they think that right may
again prevail. [Applause.
"wAIT AND HoPE.n
But wrong cannot alwas be triumphant,
| will say nothing and you must do moth
ing, even though tyranny presses griev-
ously upou you. Forbear for aseason, and
a day will come when all will yet be we'll.
| may not, nor may some ofyou live to see
it, but it is surely coming. Applause. ]
He who reigns above and lives always,
will see that justice is done. He will not
allow the wicked to always remain in pow
er, nor the righteous to be oppressed. We
can wait until that day comes, and in the
meantime be quiet. 'Tis an old and wise
saying, that good biting dog never barks
much. If we wait patiently a sense of JUS
tice will yet return to the people of the
United States, or an opportunity will come
when our rights can be gained, and not
only our rights-the rights ofkthe South
but the rights of all the people the rights
which were fought for and obtained at the
point of the sword in the first revolution.
lApplause.l
But, though cannot and should not
speak, fear that where the mind and the
heart are both so full, that | viii not be
able to restrain my words. cannot think
one thing and say another, and unless the
honest emotions of my soul can be cX-
pressed, do not care to speak. thank
you, gentlemen, for your kindness, and
feel deeply touched at its exhibition. May
God foster and preserve you. If ever the
daV comes when II can sneak freelV i will