Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-04-30

CONFEDERATE CORNERSTONE lay
lE8 AT MONTGOMERY.
Grand Demonstration and Imposing cero-
monies--yeF, Davis's Speech 10 the
Veterans and People OF
Alabama.
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MONTGOMERY, ALA, April 90
Tho Capitol grounds at III o'clock to-
day presented an animated scene. The
whole hilltop and premises we're COW
cred with people, gathered to witness
the laying Of the cornerstone Of the
Confederate monument, or, rs some ex-
pressed it, "the official burial Of the
Conlederacy." The skies above were
cloudless, and pleasant breezes waited
the breath Of flowers from the city.
The foundation Of the monument only
was ready. presenting surface Of
thirty-five feet square. Near at hand
stood the cornerstone, on which, in
raised letters, was the inscription
4" Cornerstone laid by ex-President
Jefferson Davis, April 90, 1886"
Opposite this was large platform for
the speakers.
The procession formed in front OF the
Exchange Hotel. Mr.. Davis, his daugh-
ter, Ex-Governor Watts, and Hon. II.
&. Tomphons, chairman of the Com
mittee Of Arrangements, were in car
risge drawn by four white horses, each
led by negro in livery. The next
carriage contained General and Mrs.
Gordon, his daughter, and Mrs. Gle
mebt G. Clay, and was surrounded by
the survivors Of the Sixth Alabama and
other Confederate veterans. The pro-
cession was preceded by cavalry and
artillery escort, and was further made
up Of other local military; Uniformed
Rank Knights Of Pythias, Grand Com
manders of Knights Templars, and Ma
sonic orders 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 the people catch
sight Of him, cheered enthusiastically.
lie took his seat with the committee Of
the Memorial Association. Behind him
was Mrs. Gordon, Misses Davis and
Gordon on his left, General Gordon on
his right. Ex-Governor Watts, officers
Of the Sixth Alabama, and others were
on the platform. The Sixth regiment
Was present also, as were the trustees of
the Soldiers Monument Association
Colonel W. l.. Bragg, Mayor Reese,
Colonel William X. Jones, Colonel w.
w. Screws, and Governor O'Neal.
Before the services began Colonel
Bragg presented Mr.. Davis with an ele-
CANT basket of flowers from Major Boil
ling Hall, who lives near this city.
Major Hall is a descendant of Georgia's
Lyman Hall. lie was anoted opponent
to secession, but had eight sons in the
war, seven Of whom gave their lives to
the Confederacy and the eighth carries
lead in him rs evidence of his devotion.
A pretty picture was witnessed when
some old soldier brought forward the
muster-roll Of the Sixth Alabama and
two ladies'. Misses Gordon and Davis,
examined il with his assistance. The
old veterans standing near swelled with
qualification and pardonable pride.
Ex-Governor Watts, the presiding
officer Of the occasion, opened the exer-
cises with reference to theimportance OF
calling down the benediction Of Heaven
upon the occasion, and requested Rev.
Mr.. Andrew, pastor Of the Methodist
Episcopal church, to pray.
the OPENING PRAYER.
Oh Thou God OF Nations, we thank
Thee for the blessings which Thou hast be-
slowed upon us a. people. We thank Thee
that Thou hast led Us up from small begin
nines To our present position OF power and
prosperity, aud given us place among ma
lions. We thank Thee that while the
winged Angel of Peace has driven away
nom ~ the demon OF sectional discord. and
that We are to-day handin hand az united
people. we are moving onward TO the fulfil
ment Of n grand destiny; and we thank
Thee for all the blessings which Thou hast
bestowed upon us. and especially do we
thank Thee for and prize the one that long
ago our fathers deemed conflict and death
worthy price which should be paid 10 the
purchase OF freedom. aud that the grand
Institution Of civil liberty was cemented
with their blood and handed down TO their
children TO be preserved In years TO come.
And we thank Thee that later on. when
the cloud OF war swept over our land
every where men rushed TO DO. and to dare,
and to die In obedience to the voice OF duty,
IN response TO their convictions 10 fight for
their homes and their affairs. TO fight with
hope. Woman sent forth husband and
brother to the field OF carnage with words
OF cheer encouraging them TO bear TO IL
and the danger Of the conflict cheerfully,
that they night do or die.
And now. our Father, we come to day
mothers whose sons have left their bones TO
bleach upon every embattled plain of our
distant States, widows whose tears are still
falling in grief at the death OF their hus-
bands. sons OF elres that bled and died
comrades and brethren who fell-we come
rs a people 10 lay the cOrner.stone OF a shaft
which Is To rear Itself To heaven and carry
down TO coming generations the memory OF
other days and heroism and daring.
We ask Thy blessing On God. upon us
now. Oh kind God grant that as our chill
dren look upward TO the summit OF this
shaft they may gather from II the lesson OF
heTolsm and devotion TO duty OF those
whom II Is intended TO hoRor. We thank
Thee, oh God, for the presence to-day in
our midst Of the chief representative OF the
cause that WAS lost amid the storm OF war
rs one OF those VINO has permanent place
in the hearts Of his people. We thank Thee
for the example he has shown us and our
children, OF the resolution undaunted by
danger snd devotion to duty that was
devoid of self intercst-the puTest type OF
couTsSe and manhood. We thank Thee
tina Thou hast preserved his life so many
years To u.s. and God grant that he may be
kept green and fresh for years TO come, and
tile courage Of his manly heart remain still
undimmed and uDdaunted. We thank
Thee that he Is with us to-day; and. D God,
grant To spare to- mis- face 10 cheer us-no
more amid scenes of carnage, but To give us
his counsel To guide us along In the |
paths Of peace: and we pray Thee that !
the evening of his life may be flooded with |
n calm anu peaceful radiance, and that as |
the shadows gather at last there may be |
light In his heart peace In his eyes and his |
brow staTlit by the grace OF Heaven.
Bless US, O, God Guide us In the line OF 1
duty and cloihe us In Thy righteousness |
" G ask for Jesus cake. Amen.
Ex-Governor Watts then spoke.
SPEECH OF EX-GOVERNOR WATTS.
can scarcely express to you how
proud am in having the honor of in
Producing before you to-day the ex-
President of the Confederate States,
now known ss the chief of the Lost
Cause. Before he was elected Presi-
dent Of the Confederate States | knew
him simply by reputation as a fear
lees commander on the field of
Buena Vista, as q distinguished Secre-
tary Of War in the Cabinet of President
Pierce, and as representative Of the
grand old State Of Mississippi in the
United States Senate. After he was
elected President Of the Confederate
State /, without seeking upon my part,
was selected as one of the members Of
his Cabinet. | was therefore associated
with him for eighteen months ia init.