National Republican., 1884-04-09
JEFF DAVIS, THE PROPHET.
Meaning OF the Prediction by the Leader
OF the 'Lost Cause" that the South will
Rule Again,

NNNhhlhE VI INC hGcutchlOh Nhtt
OF the "Lost Cause" that the South will
Rule Again.
Soecidi Le,,er.
JACKSON, MISS, April 3.-Tho appearance
of Jefferson Davis before the Mississippi DEM
ocratic legislature at Jackson, recently and
the singular circumstances surrounding IL,
is one of tho political surprises the demo-
cratic party makes in its march toward em-
pire. have seen accounts published in tho
papers of the ceremony and the ostentation
of this crowning event, but 1t seems to me, u
silent and passive spectator of the curious
panorama, that tho heart Of the occasion was
not fully rcpresented-garbled and suppressed
by n party press, which permits strange
things ut homo but colors these events and
offers them in new dress to tho world out
side. Some time ago Mr.. Davis was invited
by the legislature to address them; he at first
declined the honor with thanks, pleading
age and i'll health. Then it was the wiser
element Of tho democratic party, with the
| Copiah millstono hanging around its neck,
breathod easier. But for somo cause Mr..
Davis changed his mind. Doubtless with
the wonderful growth Of independent senti-
ment taking place In his state the party mana
gers thought proper to raise onco again the old
confederate yell and unfurl tho ghost of the
"bonnio blue" furled up and put away On
/ tuO uhy Ol IUO TCCcpIlOH UOIn 0ONbBb lnBU III
joint session, the president Of tho senate
and the speaker Of the house presiding. The
house was packed and jammed. outside the
| lobby and tho gallery had barely standing
room. Some camo with the fcrvor Of 1861,
and others to view once again the venerable
relic At noon, preceded by tho committee
| of tho house and grave and reverend senators,
followed by the justice of the supreme court,
and leaning upon tho arm of the governor,
the living incarnation of the "lost cause" camo
into tho hall. The members of the joint
body roso to their feet and received him with
tumultuous applause. The lieutenant gov
ernor, Stands, read % carefully prepared ad.
dress of welcome, full Of fulsome ouloRy.
Mr.. Davis's response was characteristic of tho
man, imprudent to tho verge of absurdity,
but conspicuous in its honest sincerity in
saying before tho world what his party ad-
mirers and worshipers acknowledge in their
hearts, but do not lot their tongues
utter. His speech did not consume ten
minutes, but 1t was sufficient to bring out
sharply to the people of Mississippi q few
strong ideas and nerve the bourbons to
extreme political measures. First, that Mr.
Davis was the victim of northern political
fanaticisn. Second, that he "alone of all the
confederate leaders remained unpardoned, y
because repentance came before pardon, y
and he had nothing to repent" II the
terrible drama was to DO re-enacted, hC
would not hesitate to do again as he had
DONE" Third, that tho south entering
upon the high road Of prosperity was dos
tined before many years to again assume the
; helm of government"
These three consecutive sentiments were
greeted with storms Of applause, more espe
cially the third and more dangerous thought
that tho south was again destined to control
the general government" The close of thu
mild-voiced and mild-mannered harsngue
was greeted with an imitation of the ole
confederate yell, and five minutes was al
lowed for hand shakes.
1t is doubtless true that this is tho last tim,
Mr.. Davis will pose before the public, becaus,
time and constant self-communion in tn,
infatuation of q single gloomy idea is bring
ing an infrmity which cannot carry oye
many years. Butwhy n legislature, knowing
his idiosyncrasies, should deliberately invit'
him to disseminate dangerous poltica
dogmas, and endeavor to rally the south upol
the hope of getting control Of the governmen
is something to ponder over This may seen
fanaticism and folly, but let the people mind
or folly will hide plan ana under the win
of fanaticism may lurk purpose.
, OBSERVER,