The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1907-06-04

distorted, wilfully and maliciously. All
that we can demand is that the unvar-
nished truth shall be told, and when that
is done, no self-respecting descendant
of Confederate soldier will have
cause to blush for shame.
MR. DAVIS A PRISONER.
As you know, Mr., Davis was pris-
oner in the hands of his enemies, and
when he was defenseless he was sub
jected to the jibes and insults of the
Federal soldiers Finally he was in
carcerated in a casemate i'll Fortress
Monroe. His imprisonment was so
wretched and intolerable, that for
months it was believed he could not sur
vive his cruel confinement, when he was
removed from the >casemate to a more
congenial part of the fortress, known as
Carroll Hail. During his Imprisonment
he was subjected to repeated petty an
noyances and insults. He was Shackled
with iron to restrain him from escape
or from rescue by his friends; at least
this was the pretext given in explana-
ton of this inexcusable, indefensible
and cowardly enormity, on feeble old
man, who at that time was standing on
the brink of the grave.
On his arrival in Richmond after
more than two years imprisonment, to
be tried for treason, in May 1867, Mr..
Davis was met by an outpouring of the
populace. There was no demonstra-
ton, but every head in this throng was
barred in reverential respect. As there
was no warrant in law or in the Con-
stitution by which he could be held, Mr..
Davis was released on bond mere for
mality. He was never tried, indeed,
they dared not try him, and thus was
Mr.. Davis indicated
1t has been frequently asserted that
the release of Mr.. Davis was dictated by
compassion, and in spirit of forgive
ness and good fellowship, but as he was
guiltless of any crime, he was not sub.
ject for clemency or commisseration.
Let no intelligent fair minded being be
deceived. Mr. Davis was liberated be-
cause the fanatics of the North could
not have him executed as was Captain
Wirz, in defiance of the civilized world.
Mr.. DAVIS AS HE WAS.
From his return to Richmond in 1867
to the time of his dearth in 1880, the
history of Mr. Davis should be familiar
to the people; at least to readers of
newspapers, and it is therefore needless
to repeat that which should be gener-
| ally known.
In Mr.. Davis was embodied the sub
Unity of compassion and the magma.
nimity of soul as demonstrated repeat.
edly.
For instance, when riding from Rich
mond, in observation, a man from TIL.
North was discovered in ambush. Hh
purpose beyond doubt was TO assassi.
nate Mr.. Davis. This miserable cow
ard was caught and after begging pit.
eously for his life, by direction of Mr..
Davis, he was escorted across the line.
A young man from Connecticut was
captured at Manassas. He was sent to
Mr.. Davis. He explained that he de-
sired to visit his sister residing in the
country. He was given permission by
Mr.. Davis to go, and at the end of his
visit he was permitted to to return to
his home In time the press of the
North gave sensational accounts of his
escape with drawings Of Richmond and
the surrounding Notifications, which
were valueless, as the design of the sys-
TEN of defenses had only been outlined
What would have been the fate OF
these two men, if the situation being re-
versed, they had fallen into the hands
of the Federals?
When in Richmond Mr. Davis received
by letter a proposition which practically
was an offer to capture President Lin
coin, dead or alive, and if alive bring
him to Richmond to hold. as prisoner
of war, over which Mr.. Davis was thor
oughly aroused With emphasis he de-
clared: Il won't have it The idea is
disgraceful Thank God we do not deal
l.
These incidents, and there are others
are related to demonstrate that Mr.
Davis was not as Satanic as he has beer
pictured by so-called historians and
writers occupying eminent positions in
| the North Mr. Davis was the very OPP
posite of the falsi6cations of his de
tractors. He was lovable man, always
lapproachable. He was always consider
ate of his wife and children, as well as
of is kinsmen and his friends. His
heart was filled with the milk of human
kindness. He was free from selhshness
land covetousness and meanness. Nc
lpurer man ever entered or left the serv.
ice of his country. Honor was hi: