The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-09-18
A MIsAPPLIED TITLE.

The FcdyMne has q long editorial. reproduce
ing certain suggestions which appeared several
days ago In the DEMOCRAT, In relation to the
withdrawal Of a distinguished citizen OF Mis-
sissipDi as candidate for election to the
Senatorship from that State.
In our article we referred to Jefferson d.
Wis, the ex-President OF the Confederate
States, a gentleman and patriot, who has
acted distinguished part In the great drama
of the United and Confederate States, and who
never needed any other or higher title by which
he was known to the whole world, than the
name conferred upon him by his parents In
baptism. Ii, however, in Difference to that
vulgar habit Of designating prominent men
by military titles they have at any period
Of their lives won and borne, it be-
came necessary and appropriate to desig-
nate and Identify the ex-Pre5ident of the
Confederacy by military title, we could
feel justified, In the view OF good taste and
historical propriety, In employing the real
title Witch he 50 CALAMITY ven Ia the ravines
OF Buena Vista, OF Colonel. AS Colonel Of
the gallant Mississippi Rifles, who
50 heroically and skillfully arrested
and beat back the victorious adj
vance OF the Mexican host which shook
and broke the main body Of the small force OF
Gen. Taylor in the battle which decided the
war between the United States and Mexico,
Jefferson Davis achieved the military title
and distinction by which he has ever been
known to his friends and recognized in his
tory.
He never sought any higher rank, and the
Picdylne displays It's usual ignorance OF his
tory and contempt for the proprieties by re-
ferring to him as Gen. Davis.
There are several who have just claim to
this title. Among these are two prominent
Mississippians- nephew OF Jefferson
Davis, Gen. Jos. Davis, who acquired the title
by virtue OF his rank as chief Of the staff Of
his uncle, the President Of the Confederate
States. The other is Gen. Reuben Davis, who
commanded the Second Mississippi Regiment
In the Mexican war, and who is a worthy aud
gallant gentleman, doubtless. and acted we'll
bis part ia war and In the United States Con-
gress.
Neither Of these gentlemen has been pre-
sented or spoken Of as candidates for the
United States Senate, but both ara generals.
With neither should be confounded the gen
tleman known to all mankind as Jefferson Da-
Wis, the heroic chief Of the grandest struggle
OF modern or ancient times, the most dis
tinguished and impressive Of Mississippi's
Senators In the United States Congress, the
Secretary Of War OF this great Republic who
left the most distinct mark and gave the
highest proofs Of capacity and efficiency in
the organization Of the army OF the United
States, the intrepid and skillful regimental
commander who saved the flag and arms OF
the Republic from defeat and disaster In Its
most imminent peril.
This is the man, known as Jefferson Davis,
who never needed a Fictitious title, least of all
title 50 common and multitudinous In it's
| application as that OF General.
| Jefferson Davis never bore any higher mill
| tary title than that Of Colonel. And even that
and much higher titles might well be dis
pensed with, at least In this section OF our
country, In referring to and Identifying the
man so Familiarity known to and beloved of
all true sons OF the South. and the honored Of
all men who appreciate, admire and respect
self-sacriticing and heroic devotion to princi-
| Mo nd d,1fv