Omaha daily bee., 1889-12-07
,rEFFERSoy DAVIS DEAD.

Inc ueatn OF Jefferson DaVlS nus re-
moved from this worlds stage n figure
that must always be conspicuous in
American history. The name Of the
leader OF the greatest rebellion in all
history cannot be blotted from the
record which preserves alike the heroic
struggles OF patriots and the malignant
deeds OF traitors. The character OF the
man who was most largely respon sible for
q civil conflict that drenched his country
in blood and filed it with widows and or
phans, is presented for the serious and
just analysis and judgment of mankind.
1t will receive a measure OF attention
and discussion that would be given to
few other men of this time perhaps to
none other-in any part OF the world.
There is an injunction that we shall
speak only good of the dead. 1t can
not be respected in the case OF
jefferson Davis. Justice to the he
roic dead and the loyal living,
whose blood and sacrifices preserved
the union, demands that the foremost
traitor of modern times shall be so
characterized and remembered, and
that the great crime against the nation
so largely due to his treason shall not
be ~eXtenuated or palliated. sympathy
for those of the family of the leader of
rebellion who survive him may properly
be felt, but it must not be permitted to
stultify the patriotism of the past and
the loyal sentiment OF the present
by condemning treason. Truth re-
pnrliun 10 flo rSnn nnyiS 10 nll that hia
most ardent admirers can fairly ask.
Loyal men will find it enough, but they
will be satisfied with nothing less than
the truth.
Jefferson Davis might have been il
lustrious in his country's history. He
had ability of q high order, force of
character, and capacity for leadership
qualities which gave him while still
a young ma exalted position,
and which had they been di-
rected by a true patriotism
might have carried him to higher dis
tinction than he attained under the
| government. He chose q different
course. Yielding to a false political
sentiment and for the maintenance of
| NV ihstiubuioh VI "a Nctl liz d
| traitor and a rebel. He turned his
sword against the government which
had educated him, which he had SOL
emily sworn, as Il soldier, q member OF
congress, aud a cabinet officer, to
faithfully serve, and as the Or
ganizer of rebellion sought the
ACKNOWLEDGMENT and overthrow OF
| tho union Thlo 10 tho ,lntn rr
vanished truth of history, and this
great crime, with all its bitter and
terrible consequences, Jefferson Davis
never repented of, Without regret or
remorse for what he had wrought, but
rather proudly cherishing his treason
ne chose to live and die q man without
a country. And so he closed his eyes
which in all civilized lands, since
governments were instituted, ha:
been deemed tho highest O
which the citizen can be guilty.
The pride and devotion which Jeffer
son Davis manifested for his record o
treason had a very great influence il
perpetuating in the south a feeling Of
regret forthe lost cause'' and spirit o
hostility toward the government. A
large number of people in the south re.
garded the obstinate refusal OF Mr.
Davis to seek a return to citizenshi,
as n lofty example of self-abnega
tion made in the cause of n great prin.
ciple, and as an evidence OF his love for
that section, whereas it was unquestion
ably prompted mainly by the inordinate
and vi IMPENDING pride of the man. But
it served to keep alive the Tres of sec.
tional animosity, and thus Jefferson
Davis, who by n single act which all JUS
men would have approved, could have
done more than any hundred men il
the south to cool the passions lef
from the war and bring about
speedy qualification of the sections, wa
o potent influence in retarding tn,
growth of good feeling and checking
the work of national read iustment
That the removal of this unfortunate
influence will be beneficial to the soutl
is at least to be hoped for.
For such service as Jefferson Davi
did his country before his treason lie
him receive full credit. He n BRAY,
and useful soldier against the indians
and in the war with Mexico. A
a member Of both houses o
congress and a cabinet official his rec
ord was not without credit when tn,
character of his political education il
fairly considered. But with this all i
said that justly can be favorable to the
public career and character Of Jeffer
son Davis. Undoubtedly his memory
will be widely honored among the peo
pie of the south. This can be pardoned
But the people who opposed the rebel
lion and preserved the union NUS
think and speak of him with the candoI
which the facts of history demand.
A MON UMENTAL FRAUD.