New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-08-31
NORTHERN OPINION OF JEFFERSON DAVIS.

NORTHERN OPINION OF JEFFERSON DAVIS.
INJUSTICE OF SEVERE CRITICIsM-A LEADER STILL
IN THE SOUTH NOT HATED By NORTHERN
PEOPLE.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: The editorial in your issue of to-day
entitled :" An Orator who is Not Needed" will, think
grieve many Of your more thoughtful and careful
readers both North and South cannot help thinking
unjust both to Mr. Davis and in it's nferences to the
great majority Of the people Of the North. How far Mr.
Davis justly responsible for falling to mitigate the hor
rors Of Andersonvie and Belle Isle cannot undertake
say though until some evidence has been exhibited
to the contrary the charge that he failed to his great
power that end must be accepted true by the people
of tho North. Tho question, has he done anything
since the closed to entte him TO the consideration
OF well-meaning and patriotic people can think, be
answered In the Affirmative That OF the addresses
made by Mr.. Davis, both during and since the war;
Incorporate and bitter, freely admit; but l
challenge the proof that he at any time ap-
pealed to the basest passions Of his hearers
to rouse them against the people Of the North.
II Is to be remembered that from 1861 until Mr..
Davis has been target for the excavations and condem
nations OF large part Of the press the North quite as
bitter and nearly unjust those with which Mr.
coin In his lifetime assailed by the Southern press
Yet despite all this Mr. Daviss recent utterances
both public and private have been such TO merit the
hearty approval Of thoughtful patriotic people OF both
sections. Mr. Davis but Of the leaders In the
late rebellion. That no trusted and bonored
than any other both during its continuance and since
close, proves that his people were with him that his
public acts only carried out their will and wish The
right Of secession under the Constitution Is still believed
In by majority OF the people OF the South while
they admit that secession was unwse.
Mr.. Davis delivered the opening address ut tho Texas
State Fair held at Houston MAY last and in 50 far
he spoke upon political topics he Bald nothing which
AbOlitiOnst< all my life. could condemn At Dallas
Texas no made speech the of the presetlr
h.,t
posed IN part OF who had served the United States
and who had served In the Army OF the Con
federacy he told them that that the flag OF their
country, the whole country that II was their duty II
against all enemies SO far being the bitter enemy
OF the United States he has a least OF late been using
Is undenably large influence with the people Of the
South to bring about better feeling between the two
whole people He has said his Southern friends that
they do Of the North the justice 10 admit that
the not waged upon part for conquest and
subjugaon. but one OF selfpreservation does he
carry out their theory Of States riXhts and self
government or one thing may rest assured.
that s that Mr. Davis very dear 10 the hearts Of the
Southern people that his influence still potent that
whatever sins Of omission commission are charged
against him bis people Will assume "a brought against
Themselves I speak whereof know having spent two
years the South officer OF the army on Rec0nsrc
Freedmen and Abandoned Lands" and rcconstruc-
ton have lived nearly four years In thu Gulf States lhe
people Of the South will infer from editorial that
majority OF the people OF the North s ceI sh feelings
OF hatred toward Mr. Davis This IL, think not true.
do not believe there mon in the whole North who
would be- guilty OF even sant discourtesy 10 him
certainly hone not. JUSTICE.
Neu York, Aug. Is, 1879.