The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-01-26
DIXIE'S SLEEPING CHIEF.
SENATOR DANIEL PAYS A TRIBUTE
TO HIS MEMORY.

The Speech Delivered Before the Vir-
ginia Legislature, and q Distin-
Ruished Audience-No Standard Too
High by Which to Measure the
Fallen Leader-His Greatness and
His Peoples Love for Him.
RICHMOND, VA, Jan. 25. - Mozart
Academy of Music, the largest public hall
in the city, was crowded tonight with
ladies and distinguished citizens of the
state, to hear Senator John w. Daniel de-
liver an oration upon the life and charac-
ter of Hon. jefferson Davis, oninvitation of
the legislature Gov. Mckinney and Gen.
J. A. Farley. were among the pominent
citizens present.
MIR. Cardwell, speaker of the House of
Delegates, introduced Senator1Daniel, who
said
Noble are the words Of Cicero when he tells
us that lit is the first and fundamental law of
history that IL should neither dare to say any
thing that is false, or fear TO say anything that
is true, nor give any just suspicion of favor or
disaffection."
HIGHEST STANDARD FOR OUR DEAD.
No less high standard must be invoked in
considering the life. character, and services OF
Jefferson Davis, a great man of a great epoch
whose name is bleuded with the renowu of
American arms and with the civil glories of the
cabinet and congress hall-a son OF the SOUTH
who became the head of confederacy more
popuious and more extensive than that for
which which Jefferson wrote the, declara-
manderin-chief OF armies greater than
those OF which Washington was general. He
swayed senates and led the soldiers OF the
union, and he stood accused of treason in the
court of justice. He saw victory sweep illus
trious battle fields, and became captive. He
ruled millions, and was put In chains He created
nation; lie followed Its bier and he died a
disfranchised citizen.
GREAT IN EVERY EPOCH.
But. though great in many things, he was
greatest In that fortune which, lifting him first
to the loftest hight and casting him hence 10
the depth Of disappointment found him every
where an erect and constant friend of
truth, He conquered himself and for.
gave MS enemies, but he bent to none
nut God. No public man was ever sub
Jected to sterner ordeals OF character or closer
scrutiny OF conduct. He was in the public gaze
Tor nearly half a century, and In the fate which
at iast overwhelmed the southern confederacy
and its president the official records and private
papers fell into the hands Of his enemies Wary
eyes now searched to see IL he had overstepped
the bounds which the laws of war have set to
action, and could such evidences have been found
wrathful hearts would have cried for vengeance
ACCUSING TONGUES sILENoED.
But though every hiding place was opened
and reward was ready for any who would
betray the secrets OF the captive chief whose
chalned, though the sea gave up It's dead in the
convulsion Of his country, there could be found
no guilty iact. and accusing tongues
70 light his name could not
be shamed." could not indeed, nor would i
| divest myself of those identities which made me
one with the people Of whom he was chieftain
| In their supreme conflict. But surely IL the
| records were stainless and enemies were dumb
and II the principals pronounce now favora-
bic Judgment upon the agent Notwithstanding
that he failed, there can be- no suspicion Of
undue favor on the part of those who do him
honor, and contrary inclination could only
spring from disaffection.
ALL THE SOUTH KNEW HIM
The people OF the south knew Jefferson
Davis. He mingled his daily life with theirs
under the eager ken of those who hal bound
up with him all that life can cherish. To his
hands they consigned their destinies, and
under his guidance they committed the
land they loved, with their husbands.
fathers, sons and brothers to the God Of bat.
ties. Ruin, wounds and death became their
portion, and yet they do declare that Jefferson
Davis was an unselfish patriot and noble gentle-
man; that as trustee of the highest trust that
man can place ia man he was clear and faithful
and that in his office he exhibited those grand
heroics which were worthy Of its dignity and of
their struggles for Independence.
THE ENTIRE SOUTH AFFLICTED.
Thus it was that when news came that he
was no more there was no southern home that
did not pass under the shadow Of affiiction Thus
1t was that the governors of the common
wealthS bore his body TO the tomb and that a
multitude gathered from afar to bow in
reverence. Thus il was that throughout
the south SCARED soldiers, widowed wives
kindred of those who had died In battle which
he delivered, met TO give utterance to their re-
spect and sorrow Thus 1t is that the general
assembly OF Virginia is now convened To nav
their tribute. Completer testimony to human
worth was never given, and thus it will be that
the south will build monument to record their
verdict that he was true to his people and his
God, and no stone that covers the dead will he
worthier OF the Roman legend: "CLdrus ct vir
Jorttssimus."
Senator Daniels speech consumed about
two hours in delivery.