Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1901-05-04

II told him that | had letter from
the Winnie Davis Chapter U. D. C's.,
endorsed by Major-General Cameron
and Mrs. Moody, asking that the corner
stone of the capitol be laid on June Sd,
Mr. Davis birthday. He said, 4 don't
want to see it; the commission would
like to please the ladies, but the busi-
ness interests of the State must be con-
sidered. l am tired of this rot"
Gov. Longino had written letter to
Gen. B. Y. White, Of Meridian, in an
swer to inquiries, which was given the
public on the date of the last interview
between the governor and Mr.. McInnis
April 23d. In this the governor said:
~ do not recall the use of the word
rot in my conversation with Mr.. McIn-
mis-, but If perchance | did, in an un.
guarded moment, make use of the in
elegant expression, it certainly had no
reference to Mr.. Davis, the Confederate
veterans or the Daughters of the Con
federacy, for all of whom | have ever
entertained that respect becoming
Southern gentleman. | have, for
years, on every rostum where suitable
opportunity presented itself, paid trib
ute to the Confederate soldier for his
gallantry, patriotism and devotion to
the principles for which he fought; and
was, perhaps, more instrumental than
any other one man in the State in pro-
curing from the legislature an increase
Of pensions to disabled and worthy
soldiers.
"ln the discussion Of the subject with
Major McInnis and others, l distinctly
stated that while | failed to see the
connection between Mr. Davis birth
day and the laying of the cornerstone
to the extent of demanding the sub
ordination of all other considerations,
! was willing that it should be laid on
that day if the business interest could
be as well subserved by employing June
3D.. further repeatedly stated that as
an evidence OF my veneration for Mr..
Davis, | would, If necessary, request
by special message, that the legislature
at the next session make his birthday a
State legal holiday.
Though too young to engage in that
memorable conflict myself, | had five
brothers who were in the war, two of
whom gave up their lives in the strug
gle, and three of that number still sur
yive, whose wounds and scars bear
proof of the servirr they rendered the
cause.
These extracts give the gist of the
governors statement, and they ought
to satisfy all that he did not intend any
disrespect to the Daughters of the Con-
federacy the Confederate veterans, or
that he is wanting in veneration for
their great leader and vicarious suf-
ferer, jefferson Davis.
Columbus is going to build new
Masonic temple, and the Masons of that
place intend to make it an honor to the
craft, credit to the local lodge aud an
ornament to their city, In order to do
this they must have the interest and
encouragement of their friends every
where, and substantial aid from their
brethren in the State. The committees
having the building in charge have
gone about raising the needful funds
in manner that does credit to every
member of the Columbus lodge. One
Of the many proposed entertainments
is scheduled for the middle of May, and
is to be a Masonic fair, TO this all Ma
sons and all the wives, daughters, sis
ters, cousins and sweethearts of MaSons
in the State are urged to make contri-
buttons OF some article (or articles
they will not limit the number of con-
tributionsl of staple or fancy goods,
which can be put on sale for the benefit
of the building fund. The fair is un-
der the direct management of Percy
Maer-than whom none better could
have been found-and he is rushing
things with an enthusiasm that is
bound to succeed. The entertainment
committee, by the way, in a recent
letter to the craft" gives some very
good advice, concluding as follows:
Put your wife and daughter to work
making fancy things for the bazar. If
you haven't wife, get one-in time
for the fair"
Capt. j. +. Merry, of Dubuque, Iowa,
man who is a true friend to Missis-
sippi and invaluable to the great Hi
nois Central road with which he has so
long been connected, was in Canton
last week comforting with real estate
men relative to settling up more of
Madison's spare land with people from
the North. Capt. Merry says there is
more interest being taken at present
in Southern farm and timber lands by
people in the North and West than at
any time during the past five years.
Also, that there is ample capital lying
idle there, and the owners are looking
South for its investment. 1t would be
great thing for Madison, and for
other counties as well, to have a few
more towns like Ridgeland scattered
over their extensive acres.
Hon. John Sharpe Williams has given
the boys of his (the Fifth congressional
district ample time to get themselves
ready for examination for entrance to
the United States Military Academy,
which will be held in KosciuslSo, June
14th and 18th. The State has sent some
fine young to the United States acade'
mics at West Point and Annapolis, and
the number of candidates this year will
probably be large, because of the pres
ent interest in matters military.
State Treasurer Showers is earnestly
advocating change in the States
financial policy, by which the vast sums
usually lying idle in the treasury may
be made to earn enough to almost pay.
the cost of running the government.
This can be done by depositing the
states money in State banks and thus
putting it in circulation, making it earn
n poodly Increase and securing greater
safety for it, Mr.. Showers says that
every State in the Union except four,
he believes, has policy of this sort,
= III IL, Il tfafr &C.