The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-04-29
He TOOK THE OATH AS PRE>I-
DENT OF THE CONFRDERACY,
Speaks TO the People Of Montgomery
and to the Gallant Confederate
Veterans OF Alabama.
ADDRESS OF EX-SENATOR JOHN
b. GORDON OF GEORGIA,
Setting Forth the Facts aud Figures
OF the Unequal Contest and the
Patriotic Unity Of the South.
ESPECIAL TO rHE APrEAL.I


MONTGOMERY, ALA April 2S.-Not-
withstanding that the rain was falling
in torrents all last night, the enthusi-
astic multitude continued swaying to
and from the public thorougbfare till
midnight, and the Exchange Hotel
where ex-President Davis and Gen.
Gordon stopped. The rain continued
until early in the forenoon. The Ex-
ecutive Committee, owing to the wet
condition of the park, changed the
place of speaking to the Capitol
grounds. The weather subsequently
cleared somewhat. The rain ceased
and the trains came in crowded, and
the serging populace swayed to and
fro. Meantime Mr.. Davis and his
daughter and grandson held an infor-
NAL reception at the Exchange
parlors, the most prominent
citizens and ladies from Alabama and
neighboring States being introduced
Mayor Reese welcomed the distin-
guished guests, offering the freedom
of the city in an appropriate speech,
and Mr.. Davis and Gen. Gordon re-
plying gracefully. Shortly before ?
O'Clock the Second Alabama regiment
OF State troops, Col. Jones command
il g, headed by the Second regiment
band, marched up, fronting and form
ing square around Exchange Hotel,
awaiting the appearance OF
THE DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.
Soon they appeared in the following
order; Jefferson Davis, conducted by
Mayor Reese, chairman of the MOnu-
ment Committee. followed by Gov
O'Neal and ex-Gov. Watts, who en-
tered fine carriage drawn by four
white horses, the driver and footman
in fine livery. Gen Gordon was es
corted to the next carriage by Capt.
Bragg, followed by members OF the
Monument Committee, ladies of the
Moument ASSOCIATE II, Governors
staff and distinguished citizens in car
riages The procession moved in the
following order:
Montgomery mounted police.
Chief Narshal-Gen. Peitus and as
sistants.
Cavalry, commanded by Capt. Mas.
tn
Montgomery Ficld Artillery, Capt
Clisby.
Carriages with above named parties,
followed by
Montgomery Grays, Capt Amerine.
Montgomery Tue Blues, Capt
Bibb.
Greenville Light Guards, Capt
Stiner.
Montgomery Independent Rifles
Capt. Fitzpatrick.
4 detachment of Selma militia and
and Reese Tigers followed.
The streets were lined with thous-
ands of spe tators shouting as the
procession passed. Arriving at the
Capitol steps the same order of pro
cession was observed, the banC
played "Hail to the Chief" the mill
tary opened ranss and presented
arms, and the party passed to the bal
cony on the Capitol amid the deafen
ing shouts of 10000 people.
Mr.. DAVIS
carried walking cane and saluteC
the shouting multitude bareheaded
He ascended the steps with a firm
step, escorted by Mr.. Reese, Mayor o
the city, and Gen. Gordon by Gov
O'Neal. Order was promptly restored
and Mr.. Davis was introduced bI
Mayor Reese, who advanced to tht
stage and said: my countrymen, i
is with profound emotions that pre-
sent to you the foremost type o
Southern manhood, the Hon. Jefferson
Davis, eX. President of the Confederate
States of America"
The scenes heretofore enacted wert
gone over as Mr.. Davis advanced, anC
It was some minutes before he coul,
proceed. Itwas the first time thousand
in the crowd had seen him sine
his arrival, it being impossible for al
to personally reach him at the hotel
The shouts finally dying away, MI
Davis, leaning on his cane, with tn
Federal flag over him and Confederat
veterans before him who had com
= hundreds of miles to hear and sc
: him, in a clear, ringing voice, shown
, the deep intensity of his feelings, bu
without a tremor or pause, eXceF
when interrupted by the shouts OF hi
hearers, said:
= Mr.. DAvIs's SPEECH.
1 Ny FRIENDs-It would be vain if
2 should attempt to express to you th
. deep qualification which / feel at tn
demonstration. But / know it is NJ
personal, and therefore | feel MOI
|, deeply grateful, because it is a sent
S ment far dearer to me than mysel
You have passed through the terribl
ordt al of war which Alabama did nC
! seek. When she felt her wrongs to
4 grievous for further toleration sh
g sought the peaceable solution. Thi
q being denied her thunders OF WI
:. came ringing over the land. Then ht
u people rose in their majesty, gray haire
e seers and beardless boys eagerly yrushe
?. TO the front. 1t was that war whiC
q Christianity alone proved-a holy WI
for defense. Well do l remember Sc
> ing your gentle boys, so small, to ui
j. farmers phrase, they might hay
!. been called seed corn, moving in wit
: eager step and fearless brow to Il
|, carnival of death, and / have ais
: looked upon them when their kna
:. sacks and muskets seemed heavi'
e than the boys, and my eyes, partakir
9 of a mothers weakness, filed wit
S tears. Those days have passed. Mar
!. of them have found nameless grave
a but they are not dead, the
i live in memory, and their spiri
), stand out in the grand reser'
o of that column, which is marching {
n with unfaltering steps toward Il
goal of constitutional liberty. "A