The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-07
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
The People Of the South Mourn
the Death of
THE LEADER OF THE LOST CAUSE.
Flags are Half Masted and Bells Tolled-Com-
ments of Southern Senator's
Death Bed Scene.

reSlueHC0 VI lis llle-lOuR lrlenu, d. U.
Payne. From the beginning of his fatal
illness Mr.. Davis has insisted that his case
was nearly or quite hopeless, though the
dread of pain or fear of death never ap-
peared to take the slightest hold upon his
spirits. In vain did the doctor strive to i'm
press upon him that his health was i'm
proving. He steadily insisted that there
was no Improvement, but with Christian
resignation he was content to accept what
ever providence had in store for him.
At 6 o'clock last evening, without any as
signable cause, Mr.. Davis was seized with a
congestive chill, which seemed to abso-
lutely crush vitality out of his already en-
feebled body. So weak was he that the
violence of the assault soon subsidized for
lack of vitality upon which to prey. From
that moment to the moment Of his death
the history of his case was that of gradual
sinking. Att o'clock Mrs. Davis admins
tered some medicine, but the eX-president
declined to receive the whole dose. She
urged upon him the necessity of taking the
remainder, but putting it aside with a
gentle gesture, he whispered, "Pray excuse
me-" These were his last words. Gradu-
ally he grew weaker and weaker, but never
for an instant seemed to lose consciousness.
Lying peacefully upon his bed and without.
a trace of pain in his look, he remained for
hours silently clasping and tenderly caress-
ing his wife's hand and awaited the end.
From the moment of the dread assault
of the congestive chill those gathered
about the bedside who had been watching
and noting with painful interest every
change of symptom for the past month
knew well that the dread messenger was,
at the door. At about half-past 10 o'clock
1,r&~
French opera house to call to Mr.. Davis
bedside, Mr.. and Mrs. Farrar and Mrs
Stamps. AS soon as the message reached
them they hurried to the bedside of the ex-
president BY halfpast II o'clock there
were assembled in the death chamber,
Mrs. Davis, Drs. Chaille and Byekham,
Associate Justice and Mrs. Fenner, Miss
Mamie Smith, a grand-niece Of the dying
ex-president, and Mr.. and Mrs. E. H Far
rar. Finding that Mr.. Davis was breath
ing somewhat heavily as he lay upon his
back, the doctors assisted him to turn upon
his right side. With his cheek resting
upon his right hand, he lay for some fif-
teen minutes breathing softly but family.
More feebly came his respirations till they
passed into silence, and then the watchers
knew the silver cord had broken and that
the father of the confederacy was dead.
Despite the fact that the end had come
slowly and peacefully, and after she had
been face to face for hours, with dread
really the blow fell with crushing force
npon the afflicted widow. AS long as there
had been work for either head or hands
she had borne up bravely, and not until
the uses for her tender ministrations We're
lost did she seem to realize the terrible
force of the blow that had fallen upon her.
Knowing of her predisposition to heart
affection, the doctors were at once greatly
alarmed for her
They promptly administered a compos-
ing draught and at late hour this morn
ing she was resting quietly.
1t is believed that the foundation of Mr.
Davis last illness was malaria, compli-
Gated with acute bronchitis. Careful nurs-
ing aud skilled medical attention had mast
cred the latter, but it is supposed the con
gestive child which was the immediate
cause of death was attributable to a return
of malaria.
After death the face of the deceased,
though looking slightly emanciated, showed
no trace of suffering, more resembling that
of a peaceful sleeper than that of death
when the family partially recovered from
the terrible shock of ex- president Davis
death, Farrar sent dispatches to Miss Win
ME Davis, who is in paris with Mrs.
Pulitzer; to the deeeased's son-in-law in
Colorado City, and also notified Governor
Lowry, of Mississippi, and Mrs. Hayes
Davis daughter, due here yesterday, was
detained last night at Fort Worth, and is
not expected to be in the city until Satur
day. Judge Farrar has the affairs of the
dead man in hand, but he said last night
that they would not take any steps looking
to the funeral until they had held a consul
tation with Mrs. Davis, who is at present
too much grieved to be approached on the
subject. Farrar stated that he did not
know but that Mrs. Davis had received
some final wish from her husband regard
ing the place of burial. Mrs. Davis had
not intimated where she desired Their inter
ment made.
Mayor Shakespeare has issued a procla-
nation announcing Davis death and invit-
ing the presidents of the various exchanges
and commercial bodies, and a number of
prominent citizens to meet at the city hall
and make proper arrangements for the
funeral. The mayor says: st is with the
deepest regret that l announce to the
people of the city of New Orleans the de-
parture from this life of Jefferson Davis.
He needs no eulogy from me. His life is
history, and his memory is enshrined in
the heart of every man, woman, and child
in this broad south. We all loved him, and
we all owe him honr and reverence"
Messages of coincidence We're received
from Atlanta, Biloxi, Memphis, Louisville,
and many other points.
DlSuOp Odllener Will Dc requested 10 con-
duct the religious ceremonies at the funeral
and to summon whatever assistance from
the clergy he might desire 1t was also
decided to invite the entire clergy of the
city, including all denominations. The
military of Mobile and other neighboring
towns have telegraphed that they will
come here in time to swell the grand
demonstration of respect, and at the pres
ent writing it promises to be the grandest
and most impressive affair that has oc-
Cured in the history of the south.
All the governors of the southern states |
will also be notified officially of the death |
of the chieftain of the confederacy. Gen
eral Gordon, commander-in-chief of the |
United Confederates association, will be |
officially notified of the death of Davis and |
has issued instructions to the various
camps and camp organizations.
In response to the proclamation Of |
Mayor Shakespeare, a number of repre-
sentative citizens assembled in the parlors
of the city hall this afternoon to arrange
for the funeral of the late Jefferson Davis
1t was agreed that the body, which has
been embalmed, should be removed to-
night to the city hall, where it will remain
until Wednesday next, in charge of a
guard of honor. ~
Governor Nichols, Sof this state, will |
issue proclamation advising that all bust |
ness be suspended Wednesday uext, the |
day of the funeral. Davis remains will |
be deposited temporarily in vault of one |
of the associations of confederate veter
rams.
Tribute from Columbia, S. C.
COLUMBIA, S. c. Dec. 6-The news of the
death Of DAVIS created general and profound
sorrow among all classes Elaos on all the state