The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-05-15
8 UnWritGen History of JIr. Davis
in the Secession Movement.
Cartha genian 4

!
1t will be remembered that we some time
since published portion of the speech OF
Hon. .. X. Singh ton on the subject of pen :
sioning the veterans of the Mexican War.
| The extract was taken from an exchange,
and closed quite abruptly at "A point where
he was about to relate "A bit Of unwritten
| history. Since then the long DELAYED mum =
Der OF the Record containing his speech in
| full has reached Us. and we feel that no apol-
! ogy Is due for publishing the conclusion of n
speech the honesty, chivalry and unfii
ing manliness of which is in such perfect
| keeping with the noble character of the
person who delivered it. The remarks will
! thrill every heart that beats in response to
the principles OF high and noble manhood /:
| and not only the people of Missis sippi but
of the whole South, should feel proud of
! such utterances:
| NJ. Singleton. Now, if it is the pleasure
| OF the House, will recite a short chapter
! of unWrtten history
Ii may be allowed to proceed, | will not
! occupy many minutes. In the year 1860 i'm
| the fall OF the year, when the question of
secession was being agitated all over the
south, and after South Carolina had electe
her delegates to her convention, and think
II my memory is not at fault after the con
Ventlon Trad assem- bled and the ordinance of
secession had been passed, the Governor of
Mississippi aIdresS ed letter to each of the
members of the House of Representatives
OF the United States Congress from the
State OF Mississippi, and to The Senator'S OF
whom Jefferson Davis was one, requesting
them TO meet at the city of jackson ON a
certain day to consider the condition of af
fairs, to-wit: whether the State of Mississiu-
pl was prepared and willing to unite with
south Carolina as soon as our convention
could De assent led and the act of secession
passed, or whether we should DELAY action
until other States were prepared TO ioin i'm
Tue movement and thereby give strength
dignity, and success to the movement
We met at the city of jackson and Mr.
Davis there. | a M M .ba ,,a1
knowledge that favored separate State ac- |
tlon ana Immediate secession, and if this |
constitutes rebellion-if there is rebel in |
the Iahd VINO deserved to be hung, | was |
the man. Mr.. Davis was reluctant TO take |
the step of separate State action. Indeed. he |
declared that secession by Mississippi and |
South Carolina without the cooperation of
other states, Ia his view, was not the right
ana sale way, but the Governors of the
several Southern States should corresnond
upon the subject, aud when all hopes Of am
lcaOle settlement had failed, and it came 70
TINS last resort, let the States that were
"illlng 20 DO so, pass each an ordinance |
OF secession at a given hour and moment
on the same daV
AT that meeting he declared to the MEM
oers OF IT, the Governor of the State being
one OF them, that he didn't believe that the
act OF secession by one or two States would
prove effectual for the end proposed. that
ne deemed it imprudent for the State of
then almost in a state of readi-
ness 10 meet In sovereign convention 10 act
unless nine or ten other States were Dre-
pared to act with her and take part in the
movement. On all occasions and in all his
speeches he maintained the idea that we
should delay the matter as long as there was
nope that something might occur to do awayJ
Win TIE necessity of secession.
1 recollect that those of US who were Ut
lie more advanced in opinion found fault
Win Mr. Davis because he was not uD to the
mark; and it was after long consultation 8
ma deoat" that We GO him to forego his |
opinions and consent that Mississippi Should l
axe her place side by side with South Car | /
'llna, and share her fate, whatever il might
'e. remember also that Mr. Davis. after v
u the argument was over, said ssAlv allie '
rance, as have always said. is irst du e to U
ny adopted State, Mississippi; and now.
whatever steps she may decide to take II
7hateVer her fortunes in the future NAV be a
Will share those fortunes with her." How a
e kept his promises afterward let the his 4
Dry of the times declare. | am neither .
ne apoiogist nor eulogist of Mr. Davis. 2
lie does not the one or the other His name
written all over the pages of his country's
lstorY foF the last thirty years. Anything
could say would not mitigate the hatred 81
MS enemies, nor increase the admiration
ms friends, nor yet change the estimate CT
lat posterity will place upon him. ST