The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1894-12-14
THE MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
VI. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

When on that memorable day in February 1861 tn
delegates of the Southern states had assembled
the city of Montgomery Alabama, all eyes turnee
to one central figure which commanded the localized
of the then aroused united patriotic South The city
Montgomery was the birth place of the "Southern Cor
ederacy at that critical moment when the blood tnge
clouds of war hung dear Southland was
conscious need of great leader.
There was instructive choice dominant in til
hearts of all--the one above all men-whn wa
deemed the best fitted for this responsible position was til
loyal brave, gallant hero of Buena- VISTA Mississippi
proud son, Jefferson Davis.
Endowed by nature with the qualities of grea
leader he possessed that magnetic chord which drew
him the undivided affection of an already devoted peop
In him reposed supreme confidence for not only
the varied spheres of his public
his ability but in his private life the gems his charactt
shone forth beautiful ard the stainless sta
As champion of the Southern idea of state sovereignty
the halls of congress Of the United States earnestly bold
~ and conscienosy did he battle for the right
sion and when his state the die which sewers
her from the Uno he whirled his back to the battle el
of pursnaon and eloquence carrying with him no hos
tile recoections turning his face and directing his ste
homeward, where awaited him more than royal welcom
by people who delighted to honor him.
There never devotedly loved or in
tensey hated than Jefferson Davis. 1t seemed tina
the North could forget give the acknowledged
leader Confederate cause and their unconouere
foen They made him the Of the attribute
sin OF secession. But by the nerposon of kind proyi
dence he spared many years during which, in grea
measure, he out-iyed the almost. engendered by til
rebellion.
For nearly quarter of a century he retired to th
shades of private e not from choice necessit,
he thus banlshed He was denied participation Ii
the political affairs of nation he had called his own
xed without county that of the 'southern Con
federacy Not even Napoleon in his exile ST. Helena
more truly expatrated that Jefferson Davis in hi
retirement Mt Beauvoir Mississippi Yet Ii. was the mos
conspicuous of the century
Aud a. the weary years came and went brighter and
grander shone the gracious traits of his character tvs
time for sober reflection and serious thought by Mr.
Davis and he evinced the truly phosophic spirit Will
sublime submission to his fate bore up heroicaly ano
never chafed murmured under the terrible restraint
In all the conditions of his life he magnifed th,
graces of the born gentleman. Amidst his domestic sur
roundngs behold the devoted husband loving father
gentle as he great, unselsh he was chivalrous
making home veritable paradise on earth
When the news flashed this country on that De
cember morning in 1889 that jefferson Davis was dead
there was universal sign of throughout tn
Southan6 and the feeling that had lost something
dear ruled in all Southern hearts, The inspiration of h
sorrowful affection is the meaning of these memorial ser
vices Tonight Here we meet the loyal sons and
daughters of patriotic fathers to do honor to these sill
very locks (pointing to prominent exConfederates
occupying seats of honor in honorng the iustriou.
dead.
We glad of this opportunity to partially review
the life OF tho hero Of the Lost Cause for surely there
POaen1 IN the example or such life
that will quicken into being the nobest and purest aspra
tons of the soul
When another generation shall read the history this
country id the light dispassonate truth when facts
shall appear they really are and the verdict he
according evidence there will not appear upon tbt
record OF the worlds heroes honored thar
that of Jefferson Davis The years will make more lus
trous his fame and his misunderstood life will be rightly
interpreted and then will his memory be hallowed hen
edicton and joyful inspiration.
AS some tall cliff that lifts awful form
Swells from the vail and midway he storm,
While round its breast the rolling spread
/ Eternal sunshine settles Is head