Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-09-30


action at all times before the war was
thoroughly consistent with his declared
opinions, and with the earnest attach
ment 10 the Union ayowed in bic Con-
gresslonal speeches and in his public adj.
dresses everywhere. In 1861 mis- course
was the logical sequence of bis opinions,
maintained and asserted from his intro
duction tosppblic lie, To save the Union
upon the only basis upon which it could
rest as guarantee OF liberty-the basis
OF absolute equality among the States; to
blend Federal power and State rights
was the grand, paramount object to
which all his aspirations ard all his in
vesligations of political science were
directed. Repudiating the power of
State to nullify an act of Congress, and
yet not surrenderits normal relations as
member of the Union, he always as
serted the right of secession, in the last
resort, as an original, Inherent and vital
attribute of State sovereignty.
The Federal government, to his mind,
was mere agent of the States, created
by them for a few general and intestate
purposes, but having in it no principle
euDVerslve OF the paramount sovereignty
or the States. Mir. Davis SAYS he had
never urged the expediencv OF secession,
though upon repeated occasions he bad
foreshadowed its probable necessity in
the future as the only remedy remaining
to the South IN certain CONTINGENCIES.
LAS to the action of the Southern Sem
ators in 1861 suggesting TO the States they
represented that secession was the only
remedy in view," Mr.. Davis says, sit is
only necessary to remark that 1t was the
conclusion drawn from the failure of
every attempt to get any adjustment of
the questions at issue which would give
security to the people of the South. In
January, 1851, | served on a committee
raised by the Senate to geek some possible
mode of Quelling the excitement that then
existed. The committee was composed
of the three political divisions of the
Senate, and it was considered useless to
report any measure which did not re-
ceive the concurrence OF at least a ma
jority of each division. The Northern, so
called the Republican Senators, rejected
every proposition that promised pacitica-
tion, and the committee reported to the
Senate that the consultation was failure.
Mr.. Douglas, a Northern Democrat, as
sailed the Republican side of the Senate
for their refusal to accept any terms that
were offered to them, and demanded of
them to know what they proposed to 80,
and IN that connection referred to sena-
tor TOombs and myself as having been
willing to accept the line of SO degrees 80
minutes, or, as it was termed, the Mis-
souri, compromise, and that the Northern
Repu rejected the proposition. The
venerable Senator CritteEden, of the conn.,
mittee, used all his power and influence
on the side of the peaceful efforts OF the
Southern members, and not unfrequently
expressed himself in the most decided
terms as to the conduct of the opposi-
ton"
Mr.. Davis remained in the United
States Senate. a friend of peace. and until
the last moment labOring for adjustment,
When he received the summons of Mis-
sissippi Iorbidding the longer exercise OF
the trust which she had given to his keep
ing. Mississippi seeded on JAMS, 1861. Mr..
Davis received formal announcement Of
the event and withdrew on the Dist, after
pronouncing an impressive valedictory to
the Senate. Retiring from the Senate,
Mr.. Davis returned within few days
thereafter to his residence in Brierfieid.
Warren county, Miss. The State was not
unmindful of the necessity of prepara-
tons for war, and Mr.. Davis was hon.
ored by an appointment to the command
of the militia of the State, with the rank
OF major general.
There has been considerable discussion
as to the election of Mr.. Davis to the
Presidency of the Confederacy. He was
at home at the time and did not desire the
honor. He says he had suspected his
name would be suggested, and prompt
and as be thought adequate means bad
been taken to prevent it," His inclina-
tions were for military life. He had
won distinction "a a soldier. In a
speech he said: II have no ambition
but to be at the head OF gallant MISSISSIPPI
plans once more, leading them to the
Charge"
Gen. Toombs, who was always abusing
somebody or something, and who wanted
the Presidency himself, claimed that 1t
was never intended to elect Mr.. Davis,
and that his elevation was secured
through "trickery." Mr.: Stephens. in
his WAR Between the States" credits
this report. Judge A. nj. Clayton, of
Alabama, says:
'Bv law as liked as gravitation itself,
and as little disturbed by outside Influ-
ence, the minds of members centered on
Mr., Davis" Hon. Duncan +. Kenuer,
OF Louisiana, writes:
'The general inclination was for Mr.
Davis, and Mr.. Rhett was next most pro.
minenty mentioned. The Louisiana dele-
gates, without the slightest hesitation,
unanimously declared for Mr.. Davis.
No other name WAS mentioned or
alluded to-" Hon. VIM. Porcher Miles,
OF South Carolina, says:
"There was entire unanimity In the
choice for President"
Mr.. Davis was therefore elected be-
cause be was the fittest man. without his
interference and against his expressed
wishes. He accepted the place with
dignity, served his people ably and hon
orably, and did all that man could have
done to lead his people to final victory.
j. L. 5.