Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1886-05-08
DAVIS AND GORDON.
Monument Making AZ Montgom-
cry.
Speeches OF the late President of
the late Confederacy and one
Of his Chief Lieutenants.

MONTGOMERY, Ala, April 2s.-The rain
poured In torrents this morning and the 10000
people in attendance are anything but com
Portable.
THE DAY IN DETAIL.
To-day will ever be remembered Ia the his
tory OF Alabama. Every locality was repre-
sented and many adjacent towns and villages
poured their entire population into the streets.
At An early hour the streets were densely
packed and locomotion was difficult. 1t rained
all night and poured down until 10 O'Clock.
The entire city was gayly decorated and the
OF every window. Pictures Of confederate
generals are fastened to the outside walls,
while the names OF many Of them appeared
OF the streamers. The capitol was beautifully
decorated. From the topmost point Of the
high dome, towering far above everything in
the city, dosted the stars and stripes. The
entire fronts we're covered with streamers and
devices, while there were suspended along the
front columns immense federal flags reach
ing down almost to the heads Of the speakers.
The scenes around Mr.. Davis this morning,
and the great deaire to see and shake him by
the hand, are ndescribable. People were
literally packed in the exchange, and 1t was
with difficulty that there was entrance and
exit. They wanted to see their old president,
and nothing would satisfy them until they
had done so. Being feeble, It was more than
he could stand, and he had TO retire.
THE PROCESSION
moved to the capitol where there was another
crush TO see and speak to the x. president. He
was introduced by Mayor Reese IN eulogistic
terms.
MR.. DAVIS SPEECH.
The shouts finally dying away, Mr.. Davis,
leaning on his cane, with the federal flag over
him and confederate veterans before him who
had come hundreds OF miles TO hear and see
him, in q clear ringing voice, showing the
deep intensity Of his feelings, but without a
tremor or pause, except when interrupted by
the shouts OF his hearers, said:
G. Ny Friends: 1t would be Vain If should
attempt TO express to you the deep gratidca-
ton / feel S5 this demonstration but | know
It is not personal, and therefore | feel more
deeply gratif d because II IL a sentiment far
dearer TO me Than myself. You have passed
through the terrible ordeal OF war which Ala
bama did not seek. When she felt her wrongs
too gce vous for further liberation she sought
a peaceable solution. That being denied her.
the thunders OF war came ringing over the
land. Then her people rose IN their majesty.
Ora botrat aaf hnnrAlaga hD-a o.w.j
rushed 10 the front. 1t was that war witch
Christianity alone apprCved-a holy war Of de.
Tense. Well do | remember seeing your
gentle boys-so small, to use a farmers pf ase,
they might have been called seed corn-moy-
Ing on with eager step aud fearless brow 10
THE CARNIVAL OF DEATH;
and | have also looked upon them when their
kpspsacks and Inuskets. seemed beaver than
the boys, and my eyes, partakiDg OF a mother
weakness, filled with tears. Those days have
passed away. Many Of them have found
nameiess graves, but they are not dead. They
live In memory and their spirits stand out, the
reserve or that column which is marching 90
with unfs ltering steps toward the goal OF con
stitutional liberty. Applause. 1t were IN
vain II | should attempt, ga | have already
said, TO express my gratitude TO you | am
standing now very nearly on the SPOT wneIe |
stood when | took the oath OF oGice III 1861.
Your demonstration now exceeds that which
WeIcOHneu me IL"n. his SHOWS L0hL ice spun
of southern liberty 10 not dead yet. Long
and continued applause. Then you were full
Of joyous hopes. You had every prospect OF
achieving all you desired, and now
WRAPPED IN TIE MANTLE OF REGRET,
and yet that regret only manifests more pro-
founjiy and does not Obliterate the tx preston
OF your sentiments. felt last night AS | sp-
preached the Exchange hotel, from the gallery
Of which your peerless orator, William l.. Yam
cey, Introduced me TO the citizens OF Mont
gomery and commended me In language which
only his ~eloquence could WELD, and which far
exceeded my merritt felt, | say again. that !
was coming TO my home, coming to the land
where liberty dies not and serious sentiments
will live always. IApplause have been
called upon to make q speech. and therefore
will only extend to you my heartfelt thanks.
God bless YOU, one and all, old men and boys,
and the ladies above all others, who never
faltered in our direst need. Loud and long
continued applause.
and loud that Mr.. Davis had to 90 to the front
again. He bowed his Acknowledgements ono
thanks.
Gov. O'Neil, when II was possible to be
heard, made a speech, referring to the cause
of the gathering, and of the love of the people
for the Statesmen and soldiers OF the south,
and introduced Gen. John b. Gordon. the ora
tor called 10 deliver the address, as from Mr..
\ Devils feeble condition It was understood he
! could only speak q few minutes.
GEN. GoRDoN's SPEECH.
Gen. Gordon received q grand welcome, se
many soldiers he had commanded were pres
emit. Gen. Gordon spoke as follows:
The events of THE day will be memorable
and historic mem orable, because the founda.
ton to be laid Will testify to future ages Ala
bama's apprt citation OF the courage, fidelity,
devoted patriotism and self-secrihce Of the
bravest and best OF her sons; and historic, be-
cause here were born the confederate sons OF
America" Here, ssaidst the prayers and
hopes, the aspirations and approximations OF q
proud, brave, free and freedom.loving people.
was christened the young republic, destined