The age-herald., 1898-09-04
Mrs. Jefferson DaWs
 And tie Reunion Fund


 There has been general discussion as to what disposition should be made of the s4,000 surplus of the Atlanta reunion fund, and the Atlanta Journal recently opened it's columns for any letters relative to the subject. The Journal publishes the follow ing letter from MT T. G. Bush of Anniston. It will be of great interest to all loyal southerners, and particularly to AlaDam- ians. MT. Bush writes:
 Although not citizen of Atlanta, and therefore, not a contributor to the fund.- I trust I will not be considered presumpti- ous in making suggestion that tnlnk ought to meet response in the hearts or all interested parties. It occurs to me that the best application for this surplus would be in the graceful act of transmitting check to Mrs. Jefferson Davis, to be used for her material support and comfort. Such laudable act as this would set example to other communities in the south, and pos sibly might lead to repairing, in measure, the great neglect on the part of the south towards this worthy and distinguished lady.
 I know that the matter of providing for Mrs Davis support by the southern states has been discussed at different times, and that some objection has been raised on &C., count of Mrs. Davis residence in a north ern oity. I don't think>that this objection is well founded; first, because the question of Mrs. Davis residence has no connection with the duty of southerners in providing for her comfort and welfare; and, second- ly, because it is a fact, well known to Mrs. Davis friends that she has sought that place of residence where she could through the assistance of friends, and by her sur roundings, be the better able to earn sup port for herself and charming daughter. Several times recently I have seen Mrs. Davis, infirm from age and rheumatic -l. pended form learning upon a cane. I felt covered with shame for the south to think that this worthy widow of the confederate chieftain should have to look to her daily efforts in her old age for her daily support
 It is a well known fact that President Davis did not lead, but followed his state o-lt of the union, and did not seek the office of the presidency of the confederate states He was chosen above his fellows on &C., count of his competency, and large expert- ence as statesman. and for his loyalty to the south.
 While we are all true Americans and be- lieve in the unity of the states. and honor and revere the stars and stripes-for which our men are willing to sacrifice their lives yet we have right to cherish memories of the past which are sacred to those who loved the southern cause. and when we think about the sacrifices that were made, none were so great as those made by MT. Davis, because upon him at the close of the war concentrated ignominy, suffering and humiliation, on account of the prominent position which he occupied.
 Not great while since, when at Fortress Monroe, was shown the cell, or case-mate, where MT. Davis for a long time was im- prisoned, and treated with so little kind ness and consideration. As gazed upon the dngy walls of his prison and thought of his discomfirts, his suffering and humilia- ton, I could not but say to myself: "He suffered this for me and for my fellow ctiens of tho south.'
 The undertaking of many of the south- ern states to provide to the extent of their ability for the confederate veterans who are in need is certainly laudable, but noth- ing can be said, think, in excuse for the neglect, up to this time. of these states to make provision for the necessities and comfort of the family of MT. Davis. It is never too late to begin to repair neglect,