The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-08-28
jefferson Davis and His AsaaiI-
IamtSs
FAYErrE, Miss, August 10, 1873.

TA1kAAh 1OI 1000
EDITORS CLARION: 1t is pititul, if not
worse, to see the cringing of some of the
South, and humility of some of our Misss-
sippi editors before the rabd editors of the
Chicago Inter-Ocean and the New York
Christian (?) Advocate, and indeed a
harsher term is applicable to those Missis-
sippi editors who undertake to belittlc and
defame JEFFERSON DAVIS. They are ready
now to make treason odious and to include
in that term treason the act of those who
defended the abstract idea" of States
Rights or the great doctrine OF State Sow
reign:y. What need have those who fought
on the side of the South to blush tor what
they did? They were right in their con-
duct, though success did not crown their
efforts. And now, though they may not
confess they were wrong, they yet abandon
all idea of further struggle to maintain the
supremacy of their political principles.
That this country is no longer federated
republic of sovereign States, every one
knows-that it is a consolidated govern
ment, everybody admits. Then why decry
one who did all he could to prevent the Sc
ccssiOn of Mississippi because of the mop
perfume time? Yet when the people deter
mined to secede, Joined his fortunes with
them, and became their chosen leader. For
four stormy years he held the helm OF the
Southern ship of State, and guided the des-
tiny of the millions of our sacred South
land, and when the banner OF the COnfed-
eracy was trailed in the dust of defeat, put
unsullied by any dishonor, he submitted 10
his fate aud became in the gloomy Fortress
Monroe the vicarious sufferer for US all.
And now shall we defame him, or heap on
him abuse? Does he not merit at our hands
perpetual honOrs and undying gratitude!
Without exception, jefferson Davis IS the
grandest man now living. He has always
been noble, patriotic. unselfiSh. He resign
his seat in the United States Senate to accept
the Colonelcy of the First Regiment of
Mississippi Rifles. and on the field of Buena
Vista turned an overwhelming defeat OF the
American forces into glorious victory. To
attest his devotion to his country, he shed
his blood, and to this day bears the marks
OF wounds received on the battle-helds of
Mexico. When he was made President of
the Confederate States, he laid his all on
the affairs of his country, and kept back
nothing for himself And before that,
when Quitman, at the eleventh hour.
abandoned the contest with Foote for the
Gubernatorial chair of Mississippi, Davis
on the eve of the election, consented 20 lead
his party, although enfeebled by sickness
himself, and the party almost defeated. He
was defeated, but his defeat was glorious,
and left his opponent no reason for boasting
of his victory. And now, IN the eVentlde
of his life, with honorS thick clustering upon
! his brOWS, and possessing character OF eX-
allied purity and unblemished integrity.
this grand old hero and statesman profound
must be assailed because he scorns-
! ssTo bend the pregnant hinges of the knee,
That thrift may follow fawning;''
Because he refuses to kiss the hand that
smites. and will not cry Pecduis because
acquitted of wrong intent bv his con-
science, he must be insulted and cried down
BIZ those who were in swaddling clothes
| when he had passed the prime of life and
was Justly held in high honor aud esteem
bv q whole nation. If any thinking man
can find aught to be condemned in the speech
delivered by Jefferson Davis at Mississippi
City, we should like to see it. His language
was moderate, calm, deliberate every word
had evidently been weighed with care, and
nothing uttered that he can ever wish TO
erecall, or that the souls of the South!s dead
heroes or the fatherless children, or the
widows of the slain, or the survivors of the
battles shock, would have him to recall.
Let the contemplate and debauched press
of political and party hatred hurl their
futile anathmas at him, bnt let the Missis-
sinpi press refrain from ainging Insulting
and derisive exhibits at him who has
striven and suffered for the South as no
other man living or dead ever did.
An old soldier of the Mexican war, a
mem Der OF Co. G., 1st Miss. Rifles, has at
tempted this defence OF one whom he has
ever delighted to honor. Jefferson Davis
will forever find home in TIE heart of his
mother Mississippi.
Roar 3. RICHARDSON.