The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-02

tendency with some Southern men
and journals to speak slightingly and
sometimes cautiously OF Mr.. Davis, TO de-
cry and cheaper his services and thus
fall in with the huc-and-cry against that
eminent man that has been fostercd and
kept alive by certain parties in the North
ern States. Mr.. Dana, in what he said,
spoke reflectively rs n fair mindcd and
honest historian might speak who had
weighed the pros and cons OF a great
career and was prepared TO strike
a balance. lie kept steadily in
view the restricted resources OF the
South at the outset the en-.
barrassments growing out OF the want OF a
navy and the existence Of close blockade,
the want OF money, the limited number Of
the industrial and mechanical classes con.
stantly encroached upon by the necessi-
ties Of the field, the embarrassments grow
ing out Of partisan dsaiIeciions, Con.
gress that at no timo showed itself worthy
OF its distinction as revolution
AIRY legislative body, and above all,
and the greater embarrassment grow
ing out Of the peculiar construction
OF federative system resting upon the
States rights theory. Mr.. Dana was quick
to take all these things into consideration,
and was fair, just and candid in his esti-
mate Of the leader who whatever his in
irmities Of disposition, was true TO the
people who trusted him, and exhausted
the resources accumulated In two centu-
ries to carry their wishes and hopes
into effect. Mr.. Dana, as Assistant
Secretary Of War during tho most
trying period Of the civil war, proved
himself a statesman possessed Of very
large mensure OF the patience, ret
icenco and discretion OF the states
man, and he had an insight into the
conduct Of Affairs and the value Of civil as
well Ms military men that entities his opin.
ion TO great weight In dealing with men
officially no was largely guided by the
experience ho acquired in journalism, by
which he learned 10 weigh and con.
trast them. Mr. Davis was to Mr.. sccrc-
tary Dana public enemy, but he was all
the more on that account TO be profoundly
considered, especially because ho was
the President Of the Confcdcracy,
statesman so eminent that lac was
tho choice Of a majority Of the Demo
cratic party In 1859 for the Presidency, had
been Secretary Of War and the best tho
country, up 10 that time, had had
since John c. Calhouns administration
Of that Office, was a General OF
brigade in tho Mexican war, and
United States Senator who enjoyed In
prc-omincnt degree the respect and con-
ildcnce Of his fellow Senators. Mr. Davis
had attained TO these successive steps by
dint Of his abilities, aud II was these
abilities and his experience in pub
lie station that suggested his elevation
TO the Presidency Of the Conicderacy aud
IL Was their proper aud promp, exercise In
the fret year Of the war that justified the
people OF the South In confirming ut an
election the judgment Of the Provisional
Congress in thus cloyating him. All this
Is matter Of history, aud moro that We
could cite II time and space served. Hut
enough Is here given 10 sustain the unbias-
odiudgmont OF Mr.. Dana freely spoken rs TO
a statesman who has borne every form OF
contumely and hate aud every form Of adj
verso aud harshly expressed criticism, aud
survived them all. Mr.. Davis's earnest
moss, zeal, high integrity, intelligence aud
scholarship, and his Fixed determination
TO stand firm 10 tho end, out
weigh all his alleged inirmitics Of temper
aud his personal cnmitics aud oppositons.
History will deal with him moro kindly
than the mon Of his own generation. and
anticipating It's verdict II Is a pleasure to
record what contemporary statesman on
the Federal side thinks OF him and to
know upon what basis no makes a judg.
mcnt that the masses Of the South will
presently indomc.
ASD the women Of the ehurchcs-whai