Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-03-02

you know, the rifles have been without a commander for over month owing to the death of our late lamented cap tain. We have been carefully delib- eratinS since that sad event as to the choice of our next commanding officer. We are proud to believe, sir, that it Is high honor to command company like this, whose ranks are filled with the best blood of Alabama. We be- lieve that if the company has oppor- tunity to show its soldierly qualities upon the field of battle it will prove it's mettle. and we have wanted not | merely a commander of courage and of | family to lead us-.there are many in l our ranks who possess such qualified | tions-but we want man of expe- rience. a man who has been bred to the profession of arms, who can teach us | what we lack. It is needless to say l that our thoughts have been upon you, | MT. Peyton, ever since your return to the home of your fathers last month. But, sir, you will forgive me, I am sure, although we were. morally certain, we had no public assurance until last. night as to your feelings toward the Southern Confederacy. But the story of your decision has been noised about | by your fellow citizens to our great satisfaction, sir. The company was as- sembled this morning and we held an election, and I have the honor to in- form you, sir. that you have been unan- l inously elected to be our captain. God save the state of Alabama and the l Confederate States of Americaw
 saThree cheers for our new captainw said the first sergeant, stepping forth from the ranks as Johnstone finished 1 his address.
 "Stopw instantly cried Peyton, in clear voice heard on the very outskirts of the assemblage. You are mistaken, gentlemen. In part, at least, did in some degree engage myself to the south last night"
 'Tn some degreeY cried girls voice. piercing the awful silence, shrill with surprise and horror.
 It was Mary Annan.
 Carried away by the enthusiasm of the party" went on Peyton steadily, looking down at the surprised. awe l stricken faces of the men before him, l although the sharp cry of the girl l pierced his very soul, moved by the example of venerated friends, an hon. 1 pred father, and influenced by'-
 For the life of him he could not pre- l vent his glance then from sweeping l around until it rested upon the face of l the woman he loved, standing by the railing, which she grasped with as. I tonishing intensity, and staring at him with horror struck, bewildered, pite- ous face scarcely less white than his own. The cold sweat beaded upon his 1 brow as lie looked. He felt something rising in his throat and choking him. His heart struck him like 8 triphan- mer. Still he persisted.
 "For-various reasons, gentlemen, which need not be mentioned" he con- tinued more slowly moistening his lips l nervously, but still resolute to go on, "I-T-forgot myself"
 A deep groan burst from the lips of I the colonel behind him. The old man l put his hand to his head and staggered as if he would have fallen. The bitter ness of death was with him, and added to 1t the agonies of shame. His son a 1 traitorl O~God, could that bea
 My son, my sonp' cried his mother. in voice tense with emotion. Think! l Think! What is it you are saying?"
 Darrow stepped across the porch and stood with clinched hands and threat ening brow beside his lifelong friend, l the incarnation of force and menace. Tn his soul, too, Mary Annan's bitter cry was ringing. Peyton looked neither to the right nor left.
 "Gentlemen," he continued, moisten- ing his dry, parched lips again and l again, "I love the south. My heart is with her. Here are father, mother, l friends, and-the woman love as well. I would give my lifeblood for them, l but cannot give up my honor. My I duty constrains me. am an of1cer"- with magnificent gesture he lifted his l hand to his cap and removed it-"of l the United States" Was his strength coming back to him at the sound of the l beloved name? Yes, yes, thank God! l He went on more firmly: T have sworn allegiance to the United States. I must be faithful to my duty. Here is my commission as ensign, here are my 1 orders to report at Washington at once. I must go. cannot be your captain, gentlemen, much as appre- l ciate the high honor, because must serve the United States"
 ITO h--l with the d-d traitor!' shrieked a man in the outskirts of the crowd, lifting his fist in wrath, and, catching his example, the yard rang | with cries and shouts
 "Down-with himw
 'Let's ride him on rail!'
 1 "Curse the nigger loverw
 Down with the black Republican"
 "Gentlemen," said the old colonel, galvanized into life by this awful dis play of passion, mo more of this! ] beg you, no violence. Thfs-that was my son has made his choice. Leave him. Leave us, I beg of you. Let him go forth alone. The contempt of friends, the hatred of acquaintances, repudiation by his father and mother and by those who loved him will be | s-I,x o,,+ o,,p,,0I,