The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-10-27
WPublished every Wednesday a
81 year in advance.
Wednesday, Oct. 81, 1897.
Hero WOrship-Can the King Do Any
Wrong?

Our friend, the Charleston Post, is eXer-
cised because of our lack Of homage
at the shrine OF Jefferson Davis. That paper
admin listers a rebuke to those who do not ex-
actly agree with it in the degree of its senti-
ment. and would reproach those who claim
for Davis and his widow the higher stand
ards. Viewed from our own standpoint,
Mr.. Davis was entitled to consideration. Just
as was any other leader IN the Lost Cause.
AS a citizen. he should have been respected
in the way that his conduct commanded.
AS rule, it has never been the custom OF
unfortunate leaders TO levy tribute from the
general public, which had been overpowered.
In the case Of Mrs. Davis we know Of no need
for such tribute. We believe that she Is well
Off in this worlds goods. Even If she were
poor indeed public appeal for charity, is out
Of place. There will always be plenty of wo-
men to look after her temporal welfare.
The Press and Banner would not detract
one iota from the feme and glory OF Jefferson
Davis. His history has been made. No pow.
er on earth can affect 1t, even II any one, or
any set of men, attempted to do SO. And We
know Of no one who has desire to detract
anything from the career of our distinguish
ed leader.
But we believe we have right to protest
when his widow and daughter pose before
the public as objects OF charity. And II this
is free country, we have a right to protest
against the use OF the organization of Con-
1ederate Veterans as means Of levying trib-
ute upon the old soldiers, many of whom are
themselves destitute.
This newspaper IS not aware Of the posses
sions OF Mrs. Davis and Miss Winnie Davis.
but 1t is quite probable that Mr.. Davis had
considerable property at the time Of his
death, sufficient at least to enable her to 60 in
great style. and visit her beloved friend Mrs.
Grant, widow Of the late General Grant.
While we know nothing of their riches,
there can be but little doubt that Mr.. Davis
never lost sight of the main chance. In 1865,
while his soldiers were in poverty. move
ment was proposed which should ask the i'm
poverished soldiers to pay one dollar for the
benefit OF the President.
II we are not mistaken Mr.. Davis went to
law, and through the courts, wrested farm
from his brother.
II we are not further mistaken Mr.. Davis at
one time had q home In Nashville at which
he left his family while he himself went to
the home TO which widow had invited him,
and where he stayed until her death when
she gave the farm to him.
This newspaper does not believe that Mrs.
Davis and her daughter Miss Winnie Davis.
are in Strengthened circumstances. II Mrs.
Davis will so state, or If the President of the
U. c. V. will bring proof that she has asked
the Confederate soldiers to pension her then
we may revise our opinion OF the late appeal
in her behalf
We believe in honoring both the living and
the dead. We believe in according every
homage that is due for distinguished services,
but we believe in such distinguished people
preserving their dignity. They should be too
proud to receive gifts from the impoverished
people, and their pride should prompt Mrs.
Davis to require the president of the United
Confederate Veterans to withdraw the beg
ging circular.
We say these things because we believe
that money-making schemes for the benefit
Of Mrs. Davis is hardly up to the highest
ideals Of the greatness and dignity that be-
long to the widow and daughter OF our be-
loved and honored President. Jefferson Da-
wis., Davis was great man. His widow and
daughter should not receive aims from the
public. To do SO is to lower their standard.