Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-04-30
The LUST CAUSE.
Great Scenes at Montgomery, Ala,
Yesterday,
At the Laying of the Corner
Stone Of
The Confederate Monument by Ex-
"a President Davis.
Jefferson Davis Speech to the
Southern Veterans,
And the Immense C0nC0urss of
People.

l
top and premises were covered with peopl
gathered to witness the laying Of the col
ner stone OF the Confederate monument
or, as some expressed it, "The officia
burial of the Confederacy."
Tae skies above were cloudless and
pleasant breeze waited the breath of flow
ers from the city. The foundation of th'
monument only was ready, presenting 9
surface of thirty FIVE feet square Near al
hand stood the corner stone on which, il
raised letters, was the inscription, Cor
ner Stone Laid by ExPresidsut Jefferson
Davis, April 90, 1856"
Opposite this was large platform ftl
tn speakers.
THE PROCESSION
formed in front OF the Exchange Hotel.
Mr.. Davis, his daughter, ex-Gov. Watts
and Hon. Fl. C. Tompkins, chairman oi
the Como mmittee OF Arrangements were in a
carriage drawn by four white horses, each
led by O Eegro iu livery. The next car.
risge contained General and Mrs Gordon
his daughter and Mrs. Clement c. Clay
and was surrounded by survivors Of the
South Alabama and other Confederate vet,
Grams. The procession was preceded by a
cavalry and artillery escort and was fur.
Gher made up Of other local military, the
uniformed ranks of The Knights of PYthiss
Grand Commsndery of Knights Templar
aud Masonic bodies from different parts OF
the State
THE DEMONSTRATIONS
along the route were as enthusiastic as
they were yesterday. The exPresident
was, as is usual whenever the people catch
sight of him, cheere1 enthusiastically. He
took his seat with the Committee.o the
Memorial Association. Behind him Mrs
Gordon, the Misses Davis and Gordon on
his left, and Gen. Gordon on his right
Ex Governor Watts and officers Of the
Sixth Alabama and others were on the
platform. The Sixth regiment were pres,
ent, also as were the Trustee Of the Sol.
dier's Monument Association. Col W. l.
Bragg, Mayor Reese Gen. W. W. Allen,
Col. William R. Jones, Col W. W.
Screws and Governor O'Neil. Before the
services began, Col. Bragg presented Mr.
Davis with an elegant basket Of flowers
from Major Boiling Hall, who liv3, near
the city. Major Hall is a descendant of
Georgia's Lyman Hall. He was noted
opponent to secession, but had eight sons
in the war, seven Of whom gave their liVe9
10 the Oontederacy ard tie eighth carries
lead in him as evidence Of his devotion.
A pretty picture vas witnessed when some
old soldier brought forward tho muster roll
Of the Sixth Alabama, and the
two ladies, Misses Gordon and Davis
and Mr.. Davis examined it. The
old veterans standing near, sWelled
With qualification and pardonsble pride.
Ex Gov. Watts, presidinE ofRcer or the oc.
casion, opened the exercises with reference
to the Importance of calling down the
benediction of Heaven upon the occasion,
and requested Rev. Andrew Pastor, OF the
N. E. Church, to pray. The prayer Wa5
earnest and simple !
Ex.Gov. Watts then presented Mr.. Davis
in brief speech. Tbs scene,
IS NR. PAYS 4RosE
aud grasped the hand Of his Attorney.Gen-
eral, was very affecting. 1t was Soae mo-
ments before he could proceed as the
cheers were again and sgain repeated.
When there was sufficient quiet, Mr.. Davis
said:
It's deeply gysIiIYiIg to he 70 be pre-.
sented to You hv Gne on whom | leaned
for advice when advice was wanted; whose
stern qualities always made me sure that
The Judgment he was drawing Waa 6. :. I'm the
bottom OF his heart. When you called him
away the place was pissiag which be once
Glled. aud | have always desired to lay my
hand upon him again ldoiDg so). Tap.
plsuse
Thus it was when we met the other night
sfte; yesrs of separation. Some people in
the room gave ssrlonic smile to see
two old weather beaten men
embrace, but our hearts we're
young though our heads we're old. Asso-
ciated here with 90 many memories, thrill
ing and tender, have felt that it were
dangerous for me to attempt to speak to
YOU as my heart would prompt me. Not
that am always tressuring up bitterness
sgsiast any sne, bat am oVertoWing With
love and admiration for our beloved peo'
pie. Long applause
To avoid, therefore, anything which
might be prompted by the fOllness Of
nav heart, for believe | sm case harden
ed in that condition OF non-citizenship,
which leaves me very little to fear. Ap-
plausel. For the purpose OF guarding 9th,
ers rather than myself, have prepared
somo notss that / might read. which
would not contain anything that would be
constructive or hurtful Voices, Go on,
say what you please" you are in the
house of your friends
Nv friends, partners in Joy and sorrow,
in trials and suffering, have come TO Join
you in the performance of
4 SACRED Duty
to lay the foundation of 9 monument al
the cradle Of the confederate government
which shall commemorste the gallant sonE
of Alabama who died for their country
who gave their lives free will Offering II
defense Of the rights of their sires, won il
the war Of the revolution and the State soy
ereignty, freedom and independence wh'ci
was left nc as an inheritance to their pos
terity forever The rights the compact o
union was formed not to destro.
but the better to preserve su'
perpetuate" Whose denies thi
csnnot have atteu,iVely read the articles Q
confederation OF the United States. Th
latter was formed and designed the bette
to effect the purpose of the frst' i is nc
my purpose 10 dwell upon the events Of th
war. They we're laid before you yesterds
By that grest soldier in 40 able msnne
as to require no supplement from me. The
we're laid before you who, like Aenes
"Cuneta quorum vidi ct magma paris teal
Gen. John B. Gordon was the soldier vi
when our times seemed darkest
At PETERSBURG
was selected by his chisftsin, Lee, "a Il
I best man to lead the charge, to repel u
{ besisgipg army, to make q s0rtie 81
9 attack its flank and reverse, to double I
Grants army, and If may cay % in B