Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-07-29
Analogy under Il Challenge:

MIR. jefferson Davis, when member Of the
United States Senate, was great sufferer from
q paiutul disease which deprived him for some
time of the use Of his eyes; and reduced him 10
a condition of great debility and nervous irrlta-
bility. The mental vigor and spirit OF the man
would not, however, permit him to absent him
selrlrom his place in the Senate He was,
therefore, always in his seat during the sitting
of the Senate, to which he would be led by his
wife. but in a condition that excited the pro-
found sympathy Of all who observed him. In the
debates which arose 10 the Senate be was always
\ close listener, and never failed to take i part
when the subject invited the expression OF his
views and was one in which he took an interest
Naturally of a quick temper always earnest and
Jealous, and not disciplined by the long practice
and experience at the bar, in which most OF the
Senator's had graduated, Mr.. Davis was fire.
uueDtly provoked iu the warmth OF discussion
to LANGUAGE of passionate and vlrulcDt char
actcr, which his cooler adversarles would turn
to advantage, or make the occasion tor placing
him 10 the apparent position OF an uuprovoked
argrcssor But when restored to calmncss and
reflection, Mr. Davis quickly discovered and al
ways promptly recognized his error, aud TO-
variabIy volunteered atonement therefor, or
yielded it when demanded Of him.
Now, it happened on one occasion in de-
bate in the Senate that Mr.. Davis selected the
distinguished Senator j. P Benjamin as the
object of one OF his wrathtul and mcnaciug ex-
plosioDs and hurled at him an offensive and
personal insult Mr. Benjamin made no reply
in the Senate, but sent prompt demand tor
an apology or the satisfaction Of gentleman.
Mr.. Davis replied that he would deliver the
answer to this demand in the Senate Accord
ingly the next day he appeared 10 that august
body, and as soon as he could obtain the floor
arose and addressed the president IN one OF the
uobest and most touching amends ever made
by proud and brave man. The purport Of it
was that naturally irritable temper had not
been improved by military life and training
and inrxpcrieuce 10 civil debate, and that when
to these deficiencies was added u feeble and de
pressed physical condition, be felt that he had
claims upon his brother senators for some in
diligence and forbearance for exhibitions of
rritabiIity and asccrbty, such as he had dis
played to the honorable senator from Louisiana
the day before. But it was, indeed, great
solace and relief to him When the opportunity
vas afforded him thus promptly to ackno Wedge
his error aud veal ncss and to express to the
honorable senator his sincere sorrow and tut!
Withdrawal of the offensive remarks in which
he had INDUCED
These words, delivered in the peculiar caro-
est and melancholy tones Of Mr.. Davis, pro-
duced thrill through the whole Senate; and
when the two Senators advanced and cordially
shook hands the faces of all the Senators were
lighted up with an expression OF cordial SYM
pathy aud admiration of the high bearing and
nagnanimiy of the heroic Mississippian.-
Nee Orleans UeruM