The herald., 1896-07-03
THE CONFEDERATE CHIEF
Honored by Thousands of Dixie's
Old Soldiers
THE CORNER STONE IS LAID
OF q Monument to Be Erected to His
Memory
A Brilliant Oration, Reviewing the Rebel
Leaders Life and tho Issues Which
Brought About Secession
Associated Press Special Wire.

III Monroe PARK, 10 lHc HleillOi y VI oCl-
ferson Davis, was laid this afternoon
with ceremonies which were impressive
and pathetic. Under a bright sky,
through densely packed streets and with
the applause of countless thousands to
cheer them on, the followers of the lost
cause marched today through the city
which is dearer to the old Confederates
than any other in the land. 1t was
sight to stir 4he enthusiasm Of the most
sluggish nature, as with bands playing,
companies moving and colors flying the
parade passed in review. Two hundred
children, boys and girls. wearing white
and red sashes, followed the police who
cleared the way and led the procession.
The chief marshal, Gen. Gordon, in CIV
ilian dress, looked royal commander,
as did Gov. O'Ferrall, who rode with
barred head. Mrs. Jefferson Davis was
in an open carriage and bowed and smil-
ed as the cheers greeted her on every
side.
The sponsors and maids of honor chos-
en- for their beauty from all the South
ern states, rode in carriages following
that of Mrs. Davis. The military, un-
der command of Brig. Gen. Phillips, rep
resented the pick Of Southern soldiers.
North Carolina was the first state to
exhibit tattered battle-fiag, and as 1t
glittered in the breeze it was greeted
with great cheering.
The veterans made the pathetic fea-
ture of the parade. Nearly all are old,
and for the most part weak and feeble,
but summoning their remaining
strength they marched with pride and
pleasure. A large number of them car
ried sticks for support. and many were
compelled to use umbrellas in order to
Withstand the rays of the sun.
On the backs of the marchers were
bullet-torn Confederate coats, old can
teens and knapsacks. Several darkies,
true to their old masters, marched with
them in the parade. while two old con-
federates who probably relieved the
monotony of camp life with music in war
times. carried their flddles and bows.
Gen. Stephen D. Lee was introduced
as the orator of the occasion and made
an address, in which he spoke in part as
follows:
I'VE are here today to honor the men,
ory of Jefferson Davis; to lay the corner
stone of monument to one who needs
no monument in our generation beyond
that in the hearts of his countrynlen.
But we think it due to erect one that
posterity may know the reverence felt
for the great leader of a cause that
failed. 1t is fitting that he should rest
here in Virginia-that greatest of all
states, the battle-scarred producer Of
warriors and statesmen, fitting that he
chOI1Id hora 1or 20.
Many presidents, statesmen, soldiers lie
in Virginia soil-from Washington to the
present time-none greater than Davis,
but more fortunate.
Fame has no trumpet for failure. The
world hears not the voice of the van
quished; yet history might teach us
strange things of men who failed and
of causes that are lost"
He gave review of Davis career and
the issues which brought about seces-
sion, and continued:
II cannot hold him wise who would
willingly wound the patriotism of any
citizen of the republic. To brand such
men as Albert Sydney Johnston, Stone
wall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Jeffer-
son Davis as traitors is not to stain the
whiteness of their lives, but rather to
spoil the word for any useful purpose;
to make of traitor title which Hanp-
den or Washington might have borne as
WE'LL had the fortunes Of war gone
against Them
Jefferson Davis" he added, "stood
the test of true greatness; he was the
greatest to those who knew him best
He was opposed to disunion and did his
utmost to prevent the step. At confer
ence called by Gov Pettus of Mississippi
of the representatives of congress of the
state in 1860, Mr.. Davis declared him.
self opposed to secession as long as the
hope Of peaceful remedy remained.
"As president Mr.. Davis may have
made mistakes. He was a constitutional
ruler, not revolutionary chief; he could
not work miracles"
In closing the orator said: "In calmer
years, when the last ember of Sec
tional feeling has burned out and the
last word of love has gently bound the
hearts of all Americans together, fathers
will bring their little children to this
spot and tell them the story of a pure,
great man, who suffered for his people,
and for the right as they understood it,
and how for this they loved him as they
loved no other. AS long as yonder river
shall roll it's tide to the sea it shall be-
hold no man more kindly"
HE was perfect, gentle, knightly. May
the story of his life be sweet in days to
come and at last all men come to UNDER
stand Jefferson Davis
Though the dedication of the corner
stone closed the reunion, there were
some minor exercises tonight, including
a lecture by Gen. Rosser. This has been
the greatest reunion ever held and was
marked by good order and conservative
utterances. No rash speeches were
made and there was no display Of ILL
feeling.
War With the Banks
SAN FRANCISCO, July 2.-The bank