The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
THE DAY AT JACKSON
Laying of the Corner Stone of
the Confederate Monument.
LETTER OF REGRET FROM MR.. DAVIS
Who Could Not Attend on Account of III
Health-A Large Crowd and Much
Enthusiasm Displayed.

| JACKSON, Miss, May 25.--TSpecial.] More
| than 5000 persons witnessed the ceremonies
| connected with tho laying of the cornerstone
| Of the confederate monument here at IL
| o'clock The procession, headed by carriages
containing distinguished visitors and state Off
GERS, moved from the city hall and paraded
through several of the principal streets Mr..
jefferson Davis did not attend owing to his
bad health. Eight military companies and
number of benevolent associations, about a
hundred veterans and large Masonic.
representation were in line. Adjutant Cen
eral William Henry and staff commanded.
Upon arriving at the state capitol building,
Miss Winnie Davis was conducted to the Ii
brary chamber and formally introduced to the
largo crowd by Governor Lowry. The cere-
monies at the monument followed and were
opened by reading the following letter from
Mr.. Davis, explaining his absence
BHAUvlER Miss, May o. 1888. Ladies OF the Con-
Tolerate Monumental Association of Mississippi: I
duly received your gratifying invitation TO my farni-
~ and myself 10 be present at the laying of the
corner stone of the monument to commemorate the
dead of Mississippi, who died for the state
This Acknowledgement has been delayed
under the hope that my health would 60 improve
as to enable me to participate in the ceremony. Tho
earnest desire TO be With you ON that OCCASION led
me to hope against the better Judgment of Others
that might be physically able to join you in q
T work which Is very near to my heart
lIc iHOuuHleIb Will D6 thc IifSt IEdlCu ny
Mississippi to persons who, at the call of
their mother forgot all selfish cares, and went FORTH
ii need be, TO die for her cause. This omission can
not be ascribed TO the absence Of meitorous claims
TO such constellation, for Mississlppians have
neither been of the war party in peace nor
territorial infancy of our state, when
population was mainly confined to few river
counties, the Indian war with its characteristic
ferccity, was rayagng the frontier settlements. At
the cry of the helpless Mississippans rushed to
cries was the grief OF our people be-
cause of the massacre Of Fort Mimms, where
many of our nelghbors died in the fulhlment
OF that nobest motive of human action which
causes one to give his lie that others may live.
No monument for the instruction of the rising
generation commentaries the event, and the com
monty used school books not devoted TO south
eln history Al PENSACOLA or Fort Boyer and in the
battle OF New Orleans Mississippi bore an honorable
part.
Kinds, the name Of the leader of the Mississippi
Dragons whose conduct in the battle of New,
Orleans commended in general orders hav
ing been Ihe admiration OF one army and the
wonder of the other"
At later day when Mississippi senta requsltlon
for troofs 10 serve in the between the states
aud Mexico, the difficulty not to get the requis~
lite number OF companies but to discriminate among
those offering in excess Of the numbers which would
monument to those who lied and died in n
foreign land, but it failed If asked
was not woman = work Daughters of Mississippi
you haze labored in cause the righteousness OF
| which only he can deny whose soul is so devoid
of patriotism that in his countrys strife he could
give aid and comfort to the enemy. 1t would have
been great qualification tome to stand among the
survivors of tho Mississippi army, and in
| laying the corner stone of monumen
to the deceased comrades to recall their virtues,
| the mingled attributes OF the hero and the saint
| Under this definition pleased DO assured that in
| spirit shall be with you and for the zeal with
which you iaeed all encouragement and the de-
| votion you hayc shown TO purpose which had
only its merit for its reward pray you to accept
from the Utmost fibre of his heart the thanks of
| old M.ssi sipp!an. Faithfully,
| p JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Colonel Charles e. Hooker delivered the
Grafton and at tho close prosecuted Miss Davis
with silver crown, to be given by herto her
father. Tho crown is the gift of three Mississ-
ippi gentlemen. Its presentation was unex-
peeted, not having been announced in the pro-
! gramme, The laying OF the cornerstone with
| Masonic ceremonies closed the exercises of the
day. This evening grand military parade
! was hold AT the fair grounds by the National
Guards. Tho day passed off pleasantly and
| without accident
| This monument is being built by voluntary
contributions the legislature Mt its last session
| having refused to aid the enterprise by an APP
DroDriation.