Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-12-11

the most prominent victim of the collapse.
Thrown into prison at Fort Monroe
pending what was intended to be an in
dictment for high treason, and trial for
his life, the majestic old man bore himself,
as he had always, with dignity, courage,
and calm submission until he was released
by the better sense and sentiment of the
Countrywide better sentiment resisting
anything like the persecution Of the gallant
Southern leader, and the better sense fear
ing test of the Constitutional question in
volved, before the supreme judicial tribu-
nal.
1t is yet distinct in the minds Of many
how Horace Greedy aud other distinguished
Northerners volunteered their names for
Mr.. Davis bail bond and promptly re-
quested his liberty, and how the case
against him went by default.
The remainder of his life was spent in a
lofty and solemn retirement with family
and books. Now and then, when pressed
to speak, there came from his tongue the
same words of deep conviction to the prin-
eiples which aroused his early Democracy,
the same fidelity to the doctrines of the
fathers, that inspired his whole life Never
abating one jot or title of patriotism to the
Union, he yet always maintained the SUI
premacy of the sovereign States. He never
thought he had committed wrong and he
never would ask pardon of the government
which has stood waiting for many years to
remove his political disabilities if he
should apply for such action. Mr.. Davis
could have spent his last years in the
United States Senate if he had been willing
to place himself in the position of confess
ing wrong by asking forgiveness-even
technical forgiveness.
The most ambitious literary work of Mr..
Davis is "The Rise and Fall of the South
ern Confederacy," which is the most i'm
portant contribution yet made to the
history of the struggle.
His life is now complete. He has filled
the page, and when the history of his times
shall have been truly and impartially writ
ten, there shall not be found another page
more intensely interesting, more heroic,
mora grand than that filled by g record of
deeds in which Jefferson Davis was the
most conspicuous figure.
The people of the South have always
loved him, and their tears fall now freely
upon his grave. The people of the North
respected him and admired his great
abilities, and the thoughtful among them
have no bitterness for his memory.
Death has claimed, in the fullness of
yearz and honors, the hero and sage of the
Southern Confederacy; the most conspicu-
o1s character of his time. The Honorable
Jefferson Davis, the soldier, statesman,
orator and historian; the refined, exalted,
gentle, modest, Christian gentleman, is
dead. He has gone into the presence of
God without a tremor, crowned with the
record OF mighty work On earth and ready
to meet the judgment reserved for all the
children of this world.
RESOLUTIONS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
In the Senate of Virginia On Saturday,
Dec 7th, Senator Charles P. Jones, of
Highland, from the committee appointed
to prepare suitable and appropriate resolu-
lions on the death of Hon. Jefferson Davis,
the late President OF the Confederate States
of America, presented the following in the
Senate -
1. Resoived, That the people of this Com
mon ealth, having beard with profound
sorrow of the death of Hon. Jefferson
Davis, the ex President of the Confederate
States of America, We recognise in the
death of Mr.. Davis the loss of dis
tinguisbed soldier, statesman and patriot.
In every position of life, whether on the
field OF battle, in the councils of the nation,
or as chief of the Southern Confederacy,
Mr.. Davis was distinguished for his fidelity
to principles, lofty patriotism, and loyalty
to the trusts imposed upon him, The peo-
pie Of the southern States, of whom be was
the chosen Chief Magistrate, are honored
in his past record and stainless life. His
name is inseparably connected with the
history of our country, and the historian of
the future, when passion aud strife have
cleared, will assign to this hero of The Lost
Cause place among the wise and good
men of all the ages.
Q. The General Assembly respectfully
tenders its sympathy to his family in their
bereavement.
5. That these resolutions be spread upon
the Journal of each house and be commune
Gated TO tha Governor with the request
that be transmit them to the family of the
deceased.
4. As a further mark of respect TO his
memory, upon the passage of these resolu-
tions. the General Assembly will adjourn
for the day.
Tho resolutions were passed by and made
the special order for Monday at 1 O'Clock,
and Senator Jones was directed to inform
the House OF Delegates OF the action of the
Senate.
The House corourred in the action of the
Senate
By resolution Of the Senate, Hon. John
". Daniel will deliver an address on the
life and character of Mr.. Davis in the Hall
of the House of Delegates, at time to be
designated By him.