The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-04-30
THEMOSTGOMERY CELEBRATION
Full Details Of the Cornerstone
Laytng-Mr Davis speech.

MONTGOMERY, ALA, p pr1l ZS.-Ine
Capitol grounds at IL o'clock to-day
presented an animated scsne. The
whole hilltop and premises were cov-
cred with people gathered to witness
the laying Of the corner stone of the
Confederate monument, or, as come
expressed it, "the official burial of the
Ooniederacy." The skies above were
oloudless, aud pleasant breezss waited
the breath Of flowers from the city.
The foundation of the monument only
was ready, presep ting q surface Of
thirty. i've feet square. Near at hand
stood the cornerstone, on which in
raised letters was the inscription,
Cornerstone Laid by ex-Presi-
dent Jefferson Davis, April 30,
1886" Opposite this was a
large platform for the speakers. The
procession formed in front OF the Ex-
change Hotel. Mr.. Davis, his daugh-
ter, Elk Gov. Watts and the Hon. II.
O Tompkins, chairman of the Com
mittse Of ARRANGEMENTS. were in q
carriage drawn by four white horses,
each led by q negro in livery. The
next carriage contained Gen. and
Mrs. Gordon, his daughter, and MIS-.
Clement O. Clay, and was surrounded
by survivors OF the Sixth Alabama
and other Confederate veterans.
THE PROCESSION
was preceded by cavalry aud artil-
lery escort, and was further made up
of other local military, the Unifo med
Rack of Knights OF Pythise, Grand
Commandery Of Knights Templar and
Masonic bodies from different parts OF
the State. The demonstrations along
the route were as enthusiastic as they
were yesterday. The ex.President
was, as is usual whenever tbs people
catch sight OF him, cheered enthusi-
astically. He took his seat with the
committee OF the Memorial Associa-
tian, behind him Mrs. Gordon, the
Misses Davis aud Gordon on his left
and Gen. Gordon on his right.
Ex-Gov. Watts, the officers Of
the Sixth Alabama and others
we're on the platform. The
Sixth Regiment was present also,
as were the trustees Of the Soldiers
Monument Association, Col. W. L.
Bragg, Mayor Reese Gen. WV. Allen,
Col. VIM. r. Jones, Col. w. w. Screws
and Gov. 0'Nea'. Before the services
began Col. Bragg presented Mr.. Davis
With an elegant basket of flowers from
Mai. Boiling Hall, who lives near this
city. Mai. Hall is q descendant OF
George Lyman Hall. He was a noted
opponent to secession, but had eight
sons in the war, seven of whom gave
their | YES to the Confsderacy and the
eighth carries lead in him as evidence
Of hi devotion. A pretty picture was
witnessed when some old soldier
brought forward the muster-roll Of the
Sixth Alabama and the two la
dies-Misses Gordon and Davis
and Mr.. Davis examined it.
The old veterans standing near
swelled with qualification, and
psrdonable pride. Elk Gov. Watts, pre-
siding officer Of the occasion, opened
the exercises with reference to the
importance OF calling down the bene-
diction of heaven upon the occasion,
and requested the Rev. Mr.. AudrewP,
pis or Of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, to pray. Toe prayer was
earnest and simple. Ex.Gov. Watts
then presented Mr.. Davis in q brief
speech. The scene as Mr. Davis arose
aud grasped the b md Of bis Old At
torney General, was very affecting
Il was some moments before he could
proceed, as the cheers were again and