The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1886-04-30
.DIXIE'S DYING GASP.
THE FUNERAL GRAFTON SAID
by the EI.PrsSIdsut-TsArS and Regret for
the eAss-Jen DAylS suH Maintains
the Right Of state to sSeSds fFom
the UnlOn-Hs 10 CaaS-hArdSusd.

, | MONTuOAkhti ALA'I a PIl -4nO SAP'
itol grounds at II o'clock to-day presented
an animated scene. The whole hilltop
and premises we're covered with people
gathered to witness the laying OF the cor
nerstone Of the Confederate monument,
or, as some people expressed II, "the cftl-
cial burial Of the ConlederaCy." The
skies above were cloudless, and pleasant
breezss waited the breath OF flowers from
the city, The foundation Of the monu-
ment only was ready, presenting a sur
face Of thirty.Rve ieet square, Near at
hand stood the cornerstone, on which, in
raised letters, was the inscription; "Oor-
nerstone laid by ex.President Jefferson
Davis, april 20, 1886"
Opposite this was q large platform for
the speakers, The procession formed In
front OF the Exchange hotel. Mr.. Davis,
his daughter, Ex-Governor Watts and
Hon. H. q. Tompkins, chairman OF the
Committee OF Arrangements, were in
carriage drawn by four white horses,
each lead by negro in livery, The next
carriage contained General and Mrs.
Gordon, his daughter and Mrs, Clement
o. Clay, and was surrounded BY survivors
of the South Alabama and other Con.
iederate veterans. The procession was
proceeded by a cavalry aud artillery es.
cort and was further made up OF other
local military tho uniformed rank
Knights OF Pythias, Grand Commandeyol
KniShts Templar and Masonic bodies
from different parts OF the State. The
demonstrations along the route were rs
enthusiastic as they were yesterday. The
ex-PTesident was, IA is usual whenever
the people catch sight Of him, Cheered en-.
Enthusiastically.
SCENES AT THE STAND.
He took his seat with the committee OF
the Memorial Association. Behind him
were Mrs. Gordon, the Misses Davis and
Gordon on his left, and General Gordon
on bis right. Ex-Governor Watts, officers
OF the Sixth Alabama and others were on
the platform. Tho Sixth regiment waa
present also as were the trustees OF the
Soldiers Monument Association,
Before the services began Colonel Bragg
presented Mr.. Davis with an elegant bas.
ket Of flowers from Major Boiling Hall,
who lives near the city.
Major Hall Is desCendent Of Georgia's
Lyman Hall. He wasa noted opponent to
secession, but had eight sons III the war,
seven OF whom gave their lives TO the Con.
federaCy and the eighth carries lead In
him as evidence Of his devotion. A pretty
picture was Witnessed when some old sol.
lier brought forward the muster roll OF
the Sixth Alabama aud the two ladies',
Misses Gordon and Davis and Mr.. Davis
examined 1t. The old veterans standing
near swelled with qualification and par.
doRRble pride. Ex-Governor Watts, pre-.
siding officer Of the occasion, opened tho
exercises with reference TO the Importance
Of calling down the benedCti6n Of Heaven
upon the occasion and requested Rev. An.
drews, pastor Of tho Methodist Episcopal
church, to pray. The prayer was earnest
and simple.
Davis iii a brlei speech. TiiCS scene ~
Mr. Davis arose and grasped the hand OF
his old Attorney General was very affect
ing. II was some moments before he
could proceed as tho cheers we're again
and again repeated. When there was sui.
tCient quiet Mr.. Davis said:
DAVIS SPEKCH.
tits deeply gratifying to me to be pre-.
sented to you by one on whom leaned
for advice when advice was wanted, whose
Otern qualities always made mo sure that
the judgement he was draining was from
the bottom Of his heart. When you call.
ed him away the place was missing which
he once filled, and ! have always desired
to lay my hand upon him again. doing
so-applause.
Thus II was when wc met the other
night alter years of separation, some peo-
Pile In the room gave sardonC smile to
sec two old weather.beaten men embrace,
but our hearts were young though our
heads were old. Associated here with 80
many memories, thrilling and tender,
have felt that 1t were dangerous for me 10
attempt TO speak 70 you as my heart
would prompt me. Not that an always
treasurlng up bitterness against any one,
but am overHowing with love and ad.
miration for our beloved people. [Long
applause.
10 avoid therefore, anything which
might be prompted NY the fullness Of my
heart, for believe l am case hardened in
that condition OF non.citizenship which
leaves me very little to fear. Applause
For the purpose OF guarding others rather
than myself have prepared some notes
that might read which would not con.
cern anything that would be constructive
or hurtful. (voites-"Go on say what
you please" "You are in the house Of
your friends.")
HIS PREPARED EXPORT.
My friends, partners in JOY and sorrow,
in trials and suffering, have come to join
you in the performance Of sacred duty,
to lay the foundation OF q monument at
the cradle Of the Confederate government
which shall commemorate the gallant
sons OF Alabama who died for their coun.
try, who gave their lives as free will
offering In defense OF the rights OF their
sires, won Ia the war Of the Revolution
and the state sovereignty, freedom and In.
dependence which was left us "a an inner.
itanCe 10 their posterity forever. These
rights the compact Of Union was
formed not TO destroy but tho better 10
preserve and perpetuate. Who 30 denies
this cannot have attentlvely read the arti.
Cles Of confederation OF the Consultation
Of the United States The latter was form.
ed and designed the better 10 effect the
purpose Of the first. II 10 not my purpose
10 dwell Upon the effects oi the war. They
were laid before you yesterday by that
great soldier In 30 able manner as to re-.
qulre no supplement from me.
SECTIONAL rEELiNu.
After referring 10 General Gotdon's
services in the war, and the surrender Of
Lee, be saidi
itThat We may not be misunderstood by
such as are not williully blind, II may be
proper To stale Ia the foreground thai we
have no desire 10 feed the fife Ol sectional
hate, while wedo not need TO avoid whatev.
er responsibility attaches 10 the belief In the
Righteousness Of our catse and the virtue