Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-04-30
A RANK SPEECH
BY ''Traitor JEFF" Davis. on the Event ot
Laying the Corner Stone ofthe Confed.
crate Monument at Montg Ala.

MONTGOMERY, Ala, April %.
Great crowds gathered today at the laying
OF the corner stone of the Confederate mon.
umebt The devotional exercises were con-
uucced by Rev. Mr.. Andrews of the Metho.
ulst church, the reverend gentleman also in
PRODUCING the ex-Presldent of the Confeder.
acy.
The scene, as Davis arose and grasped the
hand OF his old attorney general, was verv at.
fectlng and when the venerable Mr.. Davis
appeared. cheers were again and again re-
peated and the enthusiasm was very prest
when the applause had subsided sufficiently
so that the speaker could be heard. Davis
expressed his deep qualification for his recep-
tou. lie acknowledged his Indebtedness for
MS presentation to one, upon whom he had
leaned Tor advice when advice was wanted
his stern qualities always made him sure
That Judgment was drawing. | have always
desired 10 lay my hands on him again: doing
so Applause. Thus it was when We
met after years Of separation. Some people
IN the room gave a ssrdonic smile TO see the
TWO old weather beaten men embrace. The
speaker then rec 4pitulated in glowing words
the many memories Of a quarter of n century
ago, and said: Not that am always treasur-
ing up bitterness against anyone. but | am
overfiowlng with love and admiration for our
beloved people. Loud applause To avoid,
therefore, anything which might be
prompted by the fullness of my heart, Tor
believe am case hardened in that condit-
ion with non-citizenship when leaves me
very little TO fear. Applause] For the
purpose OF guarding others, rather than N.Y.
self, have prepared some notes that might
read which would not concern anything that
would be constructive or hurttul. Voices,
''go on, say what you please, YOU are in the
house of your friends. My friends, partners
IN JOY and in sorrow, have come to join you
in the performance of a sacred task to Law
the foundation of monument that the cradle
OF the Confederate government which shall
commemorate the gallant sons of Alabama to
guide for thsir country, who gave their lives
free will in defence of their sires, won in
the war of the revolution and with State
sovereignty, freedom and independence
which was left us as an inheritance for their
pOsterlty forever. The compact of the Union
was formed not to destroy but the
better to preserve and perpetuate.
He who denies this cannot have attentively
read the articles of confederation or the con-
stitution of the United States. The latter
was formed and designed the better TO affect
the purpose of the first. 1t was not my pur-
pose to dwell upon the events of the war.
1t is not my purpose, either. to discuss politi-
! cal questions on which my views have else
where and other times been fully expressed,
or to review the past, except in vindication
of the character and conduct of those to
whom 1t is proposed to do honor on this oc-
casion. That We may not be misunderstood
by such as are not wilfully blind, it may
be proper to state in the foreground, that we
have no desire to feed the fires of sectional
hat har. do, I,
responsibility is attached to the belief in the
righteousness of our cause and the virtue of
those who risked their lives to defend it.
Loud applause and cheers. Revenge is not
the sentiment of chivairous people, and the
apothegm that forgiveness is more easy to
the injured than to those who infict an in
Jury never had more powerful
constitution than in the present attitude OF
the two sections toward one another. Policy
in the absence of magnanimitv would have
indicated that in restored union of the States
there should have been the full restoration
of the quality, privileges and benefit as they
had pre-existed Though this has not yet
been the case, vet you have faithfully kept
your resumed obligations as citizens. and in
your impoverishment have borne equal bur
dens without equal benefits. / am
proud of you my friends,
for this additional proof of your fidelity and
pray God to give you grace to suffer. When
your chidrens' children shall shall ask what
means this monument there will be the en-
during answer, sit commentaries deeds of
Alabama's sons who died that you and your
descendants should be what your fathers in
the war for independence left you. Alabama
asserted the right proclaimed in the declara-
ton of independence as belonging to every
1 Deonle