The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1902-01-23
JEFF DAVIS AND THE LIBERTY BELL.
An Interesting Incident Recalled by
the Recent Journey of This flute
Symbol of independence From Phil
adelpfia to Charleston.


We never hear of the Liberty Bell
that we do not think Of the initial
Journey it made through the South,
just seventeen years ago. AT that
time its destination was New Orleans,
where the Cotton Exposition OF the
South was in progress, and the pso-
pie Of this section, for the first time,
beheld the great tocsin which sound
ed the Revolution just as the bells OF
Paris summoned the freemen to the
standard Of Lafayette.
In January, 1885, the Liberty Bell
was borne through the lowlands OF
the Gulf and halted for a moment be-
meath the pines and magnolias Of
Mississippi Sound. The air was sharp
and cutting for that sunny cline and
among those who went ont to see
this eloquent messenger Of historic
past, was an elderly gentleman, feeble
and fast nearing his SOth year. The
bell had been detained at Beauvolr
long enough for this aged and distin-
guished man to greet it. The crowd
fell back as he neared the car, watch
ing him as he uncovered in the pres
encc Of this mute symbol of indepen-
dence. He himself had filled a large
angle in the public eye. Sprung from
Revolutionary ancestors, he had
fought under the old flag and left his
blood upon the fields Of Mexico. He
had been Senator of the United States
from the State Of Mississippi and had
occupied the office of Secretary OF
War. His position was now in retire
nent and his life was in the past. He
had not 50 much as vote in the
village election. The statutes OF the
United States had expressly excluded
him from all hope Of public amnesty
There was none too poor politically
TO do him honor. He had not assisted
in international functions for a quar-
ter Of century, and yet the commit
tee bearing the Liberty Bell from
Philadelphia to New Orleans sum
mOned Jefferson Davis from sick
bed and carried him into its inspiring
presence. 1t was u historic scene,
and one worthy of National setting
in the Hall Of Fame. He spoke, and
his voice was trcmuloGs. He an
nDunced his physical intirmity, bat
declared that i'll as he was he cnuId
not stay at home when that giorioU'
old bell was at the station. He
said:
II thank you and your association
for sending me notice and trust thai
your anticipation Of the harmOnizlns
tendency Of this journey of the bel
across the States Of the Union, some
OF which had not sprung into exist
ence when its tones first filled the air
may in every respect he realized.
think that the time has come wher
passion should be subjected to reason
and that men who have fought il
support of their honest conviction
should do Justice to each other. 1ui
sacred organ gave voice to the proud
est declaration that a handful OF mel
ever made, for they faced the great
est military power OF the globe. Tina
handful of men declared to all tn
world their inalienable rights. ant
staked life. liberty, and property il
defense of this declaration. The
twas with your clear notes that yo
sent notice to all who were willing t.
live or die for liberty and felt tina
the day was at hand when ever,
atriot must do Il patriots duty
Glorious old bell, the son of a Revo
lutiOnary soldier bows in reverence t
YOU, worn by time, but increasing i
sacred memories,
MIR. President" said Jetferso
Davis in conclusion, accept NJ
thanks, which are heartfelt and sin
cerely given"