The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-11-03
On Different Grounds.

The Abbeville Press and Banner. replying
to our comments on Its former expressions In
regard TO jefferson Davis, assumes more ra-
tionAl tone and displays very much better
spirit. Indeed the Press and Banner practi-
cally comedies everything we advanced In
conlen tiop, and We must assume that It's ear
lier expressions were made Without due con-
sideration, but In no spirit of actual dlsre-
spect to the memory OF the Contederacys 8
president.
1t appears on explanation that the Press
and Banner objects TO Mrs. Davis and Miss
Davis being foisted upon Confederate vete-
rams as objects Of charity, because 1t doubts
the sincerity OF The claim that they are IN
straItened circumstances. This is very dli-
ferent ground from the Press and Banners
question whether we are never to be done
contributing 10 our late president" The
present grounds o: its objection are based on
u question OF fact. on which we confess our
selves unable to give definite statement.
We do not know the financial condition OF
the Davis ladies, but We are willing TO believe
that the appeal on their behalf would not
have been made unless their circumstances
warranted and compelled IL. If the Press
and Banner holds a contrary opinion, It's OBJ
lection to the appeal Is not without founda:
lion. From our standpoint Mrs. Davis and
her daughter are entitled TO the assistance OF
the South and this the Press aud Banner con-
cedes when IL says:
This newspaper does not believe that Mrs.
Davis and her daughter Miss Winnie Davis
are in Strengthened circumstances. If Mrs.
Davis will so state, or II 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"
Because the Press and Banner does not in
dulge In hero worship in its consideration OF
jefferson Davis. we do not quarrel with 1t. A
Just criticism Of any great figure of history is
legitimate and profitable and opinions may
we'll differ in estimates Of a mans character.
That the Press and Banner appreciates the
high qualities Of Davis are evidenced suita-
bly, in these expressions:
"The Press and Banner would not detract
one iota from the fame and glory Of Jefferson
Davis His history has been made. No pow
er on earth can affect II. even II any one man.
or set of men. attempted 10 do so. And we
know of no one who has a desire to detract
anything from the career Of our distinguish.
ed leader.
I'VE say these things because we believe
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 below
ed and honored president, Jefferson Davis.
Davis was g. great man. His widow and
daughter should not receive aims from the
public, to do SO is to lower their standard"
We have no further quarrel on this matter
with our Abbeville friend. We think 1t will
find its error in regard to Mrs. Davis and
when it does we believe 1t will make fair rep
aration for It's hasty expressions. Our protest
was against what we considered sighting OF
the memory of the Con federacy's president,
who, whatever his faults, represented and
sustained the spirit OF the South, and went to
his grave at the head OF our war camped
nation.