The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1889-12-21
with success. When the great and bloody
dramma was played out, and the curtain

y
which the wrath and vItuperation Of
Northern republicans have dashed and
foamed in vain, for twenty five years.
1t the trait Of enduring consistency is a
0rtue, then President Davis may be
considered as martyr for the political
rights ofthe States. His political charac-
ter will forever stand calm, pure, and
sublime--will never die, as long as men
prize integrity, moral worth. purity, and
patriotism,
Jefferson Davis had a finely cultivated
literary taste in art and science. Indeed
no man can keep up with the progress OF
our civilization, and be Indifferent to
the ideal forms of beauty, it is one of he
chiet tests of literary advancement and
culture. 1t exhibits the moral and re-
ligious sentiment of the individual, Tor
there is an insepCrable connection be-
tween the beautiful and good, as social
disorder and decentralization are invariably
indicated by diminution in the strength
and purity of artistic forms. Hence,
his artistic taste manifested the purity
of his heart and imagination, as displayed
in the classic beauty, which adorns his
refined home on the gulf coast.
His pen has engraved his literary ge-
Mus upon the pages of history-the brils
liancy of his speeches in Congress-the
humanity Of his proclamations, as Presi-
dent of the Contederacy, his history of
the late war-and his critical compost !,
tion4, which he has written on the pcliti-
cal and literary subjects of our age, all
stamp upon him the mark of q literu-
teur, the genius CT an orator and the
power of a logician.
He loved his home, wife and family.
They had a charm for him. It is said :,
when in Congress, when the corusca-
tions OF intellect flashed like lightning
in the clouds, he preferred the quiet
happiness OF his domestic circle. He and
his amiable wife entertained their
friends In most elegant stye--treated
every body cordially and codrteously
whether of high or low degree, they were
always sure of a kind reception.
Born aud educated in the South, ex-
cept years at West Point, he was a
type and representative of Southern
anhood-courageous without display,
infexible without stubornness, and kind
without ostentation, which are the char
acteristics of a people, who having in
herited nobility of character from their
ancestors, added the refinements of cul-
ture and the hospitality of wealth. In
the South exists the most powerful iden
tity of interest of all the political Sec
tions of the Repubic-here is the great
est homogenity, the closest amalgama-
ton of the original population. Here
the American people find themselves
most akin. To be repre- 2ntative man,
among these great people, with whom the
love of country is a native plant of
luxurious growth-a free and patriotic
reople of commanding power ana intel
1etual strength, is the grandest praise
and highest eulogy, that can be pro-
nounced.
There was nothing sordid, mean, low
or base about Jefferson Davis. His
aspirations were ever upward, "ad aster
per astera." He lived to discharge duty
to his country as he copscientiously
understood his responsibilities. No man
can charge him with deceit, hypocracy,
or unfairness. He was open, honest, and
manly, but when iHsulted, he was i'm,
perious and defiant, as the bolts of heav-
en-. To him
Life was real. life was earnest,
And the grave was not his goal.
He fully appreciated the responsibility
ties Of life, and met them in manly
christian way, by manifesting high
sense of hopor, irreproachable integrity,
devoted patriotism, and tender sympathy
for the afflicted and distressed. He was
no less great than good. Greatness with.
out goodness is like the picture of great
artist, which wants the last touches OF
the pencil to unite all its parts into a
beautiful integrity and oneness, A man
may be great statesman, distinguish
ed general, have commanded armies,
have won triumphant victories-may be
great philosopher, may be great in the
varied and multiplied pursuits and occu
pations of lite, but unless he unites good,
ness to greatness, be does not fill out the
picture.
1t is the heart that heals the woes OF
others, that sympathizes with distress,
relieves the wants OF the needy. The
greatness, which embodies only the idea
of SELF elevation, or to occupy positions
that shall command the admiration of
the world only, dwindles into insignifi,
cance ard contempt, compared with the
man of charitable emotions and of noble
heart, that can reach out and take in all
the woes and wants OF Others.
And it gives me great satisfaction to
speak in this manner, and apply these
great principles to the christian states
man, whose life and character we have
come here to honor, and whose christian
sympathies reached the great human
family, in all relations of lite. He was
for many years devout communicant Of
the Episcopal Church. His religious
feelings were not demonstrative but deep,
strong, and full of love for CHRIST and
his Church. Through all the vicissi-
tudes of his long aud eventful lie, his
faith in God was firm and strong as the
everlasting hill. / hold him up with
regard to these kind qualities of heart as
christian man, whose example can be
followed as model christian states
man of the 10th century. | have now
briefly, as possible, stated few facts and
some general ideas of my estimation Of
the heroic life and character, which were
eminently possessed by ex-President
Jefferson Davis. He filled his nich in
time, and with an abiding faith in God