The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-12-07
Atthe National capital.

WASHINGTON Dec. G.-The war depart
ment has not been officially Informed Of
the death of jefferson Davis and has moi
taken and action with respect 10 il. large
oil painting OF the deceased hangs on the
wall in the chief clerks room. II is sur.
rounded by the portraits Of other ex-secre'
taries. The flag over the bpiding which
has always been half masted on the death
of an ex-secretary, to-day floats ia "a good
breeze from its usual place nj the hend OF
the staff. Secretary Proctor said: IL see nc
occasion for any action whatever. IL would
subserve no good purpose that can see. II
is better to LEI the matter rest in oblivion
sleep il il willard relegate II TO the past
than to do anything that would revive mem
ories best forgotten"
A meeting of prominent Mississippians
now in this city wis held here this after
noon 90 take action un the death of Jeffer-
son Davis. Among those present were JUS
tice Lamar and the entire Mississippi dele
cation in congress, including Senators
Wnlthell and George. Lengthy resolutions
Of sympathy and affection were adopted
and telegraphed TO Mrs. Davis at New Or
leans. The resolutions IN part say: Whether
as a soldier pouring out his blood on for
eign battle field: as a statesman in the cahi-
net Of the nation: as the lender of his party
in congress as the guiding spirit of the
South through the storfniest period Of her
history; as the vicavious sufferer for us and
his people in defeat, he has constantly and
! fully met the requirements OF the most ex-
acting criticism and illustrated in every sta
tion and condition the manly courage,
acute intellect, heroic fortitude, unfaltering
devotion TO duty, constant sacrifice
| TO conviction that won for
him our confidence, admiration
love, and reverence; and we know that the
imperious will and dunhendingpurpose which
at moments provoked dissent and opposi-
sition were but the results of an absolute
sense Of right and superb self relinnce
which permitted no hesitation or turning
in his chosen course. We declare he con-
stituted an examplar for our youths who as-
pire 10 high and heroic things, and in this
moment of our grief aud in our pride, We
confidently challenge the judgement Of pos
terity and believe the historian of after
years. looking down the perspective of the
pnst, will see Jefferson Davis the colossal
figure of his time, and will do justice 10 the
virtues which deeply fixed him in our
hearts,"
Senator Reagan, ex-postmaster general Of
the cOnfederacy, was seen at the telegraph
Office this afternoon, just as he was sending
telegram of coincidence 10 the family of
Davis. He said the principal motive that
actuated Davis in going into the rebellion
WAS To secure government that should be
friendly to the people. He was an intense
believer in the doctrine that the states
should control absolutely their domestic
affairs. and the general government had NO
power or authority 10 act outside Of matters
specially delegated ~ IL. "Will his death
affect in any way the sentiment in favor Of
accepting the results of the war as finall
Not at all. Why, Mr.. Davis always
urged the fullest acceptance Of the present
condition of affairs"
why did he not ask TO have his disabili-
ties removedI'
because he did not feel be had done any
thing which required him 10 ask for any
mans pardon. He had done his duty as he
had conscientiously seen IL, and he had no
apologies 10 make therefore"
postmaster-General Wannmaker said.
"The passing away Of jefferson Davis shuts
from view the last great landmark Of ter
rible war. II il could end all divisions and
sirifes new day Of peace and prosperity
would dawn upon the land."
Ex-Attorney General Garland believed
when Davis whole life and chnrncter are
considered and analysed, in an unclouded
atmosphere by a cool, dispassionate people.
lac will hold very high place in history.
Justice Lamar said; "Ihc whole people
of Mississippi are in grief. My personal
relations with him were not only kind,
but nffectionate. As public man my esti-
mate Of him WAS Of the most exalted char
acter. He was a man of intellect honor
and statesmnnship."
senator George said; Whatever may be
said of Mr.. Davis by some of his compan-
ions who differed with him, / am sure the
Judgment Of pOsterity will be that be
was pure, able and patriotic citizen"
Senator Walthall said: "Mr Davis In his