The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-25
MANY ARE TOUCHED BY OLD MEMORIES President Stands Where Jeffer-
 son Davis Stood OLD SOLDIERS AFFECTED Tears Are Caused By the FIcod of Memories Sweeping Over Men
 Now True and Loyal
 Americans.
OLD SOLDIERS AFFECTED
nv HERvEY w. LAIRD.

BY HERvEY w. LAIRD.
 Montgomery, October 24-tspecial)- When the good King Cyrus made it pos sible for the people of lsreai 10 go oaoA home after long captivity, there was re- ioicins and on arrival immediate enort was put forth to get the temple reouii.. As tho time came around to begin work there was great rejoicing ana shouuns' but above the noise of the giad 'hrohs eame the sound of weeping and the cry oe ,,,arv in sorrow. The old men were vr;a,.,ne for the magnihcence of the for mer temple. for the time that once was in the glory of Israel
 Today. when the thronss that hau sa'h- cred from the country around surseu up the steps of the capitol to greet anu honor the President of all the peopie' a good man and strong man. ana 'he shouts of the populace arose in cheers TOT tho head of the nation, many grizzied countenance wore look of sorrow ana down numberless furrowed cheeNs ta'' the salty tears. They recalled the oay when they gathered to welcome the man who had stood at the head of the |on- federacv. when, after the failure of the Lost Cause. had gone by twenty years, Iefserson Davis. President of the Con federate States of America, sick and feeble. left his comfortable Mississippi home to lay the corner stone or the ihon- unent built by the efforts or the soo' women of the south in memeory or 'he nob,e men who sacrificed life and fortune on the altar of the Southern Conieueracs.
 These men are patriots of a reunited country, and give way to none Tn rev erenca for the Union and love Tor US flag But they are yet living in love and tender affection the days when they gave up all to go out to defend the nation they fostered and fought for. It is no slgh of less love for the President or the limited States that they wept, but for the memory of the days when they willingly gave all for what they thought was best for all the people of the south.
 When Davis Came.
 Jefferson Davis came to Montgomery April 2S, 1886, for the purpose or layihs the corner stone of the monument 10 the brave men of the southern states, at the
  Association of the south. He at hrst re- fused believing that it would be too much for his strength, but after visit from Mayor Warren Reese he consented to make the trip. He reached here the day before the time set for the opening eH- ereIses. April 2, and became a guest Of the Exchange hotel. With nm came Gen. John B. Gordon. aNd number or others to take part and be present at the
 loI ready and there was an immense throng to welcome the distinguished visitors.
 The morning of April 2ss dawned wet and sloppy. The rain was coming down and conditions were other than propitious for enthusiasm But there was no lack of it. The people seemed to go wild A man who remembers 1t says they cried and shouted until their faces were wet with tears and their voices gone.
 Pettus Marshal.
 Mrs. John B. Gordon, Miss Fannie Cor don and Miss Winnie Davis, members or the party, held receptions at the hotel, but MT. Davis spent most Of his tune in his room, seeing but few people. Gen eral Gordon, however, mixed with the people and renewed many civil and war life acquaintances.
 Gen. E. w. Pettus now United States senator, was marshal of the day, having come over from Selma to accept the honor. With him rode Thomas G. Jones, now United States judge, and since then governor. who was in command of the military forces. MT. Davis rode with members of his cabinet who were here and his daughter. General Gordon was in a carriage with Mayor Reese and Gov ernor ONeal.
 Arriving at the capitol. MT. Davis went to the partico on the arm of Mayor Reese and took a seat right over the spot where he stood twenty-one years before to be sworn in as President of the Confectionery. He was introduced by Mayor Reese. who spoke of his feebleness. He did not talk long He referred to his taking the oath of office just where he stood and spoke feelingly of the war and the trials and sufferings thereof.
 As he sat down there was roar after roar of applause. All over the vast as- sembly could be heard sounds of weep ing. and as General Gordon, who follow ed him, rose to begin there was not a dry eye in the multitude.
 MasterIy Address.
 Those who heard him say General Cor don made q masterly address Men cried out in anguish as he pictured scene after scene of the war and brought back so hfe-like as to almost seem present the deeds and the sufferings of the men of the south.
 The next day, April 20. was filled with the exercises of laying the corner stone. President Davis was the chief figure as sisted by secret societies and many oth- CTS of less renown.
 Today the people received a respected and honored President, then they were welcoming and honoring beloved broth CT and friend. man who had suffered with and for them, and is it any wonder that there were many eyes wet today and hearts heavy for the memory of the days that are gone. though every man whose 1ashes glisten with the salt Is a