The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-10

lOI tue same Inen SHADOWS ndu
hardly left Stephens door when Keitt
of South Carolina and Mr.. Toombs made
their appearanee-at least Toombs didn't
make one he sat out in the passage
way and when I let Keitt in Toombs put
his finger to his lips and shook his
head.
well, Kett talked and talked and
talked. ! never knew a man who could
beat Keitt talking
You are the preference of the South
Carolina delegation for president, Mr.,
Stephens, and | am sent to ask il YOU
will serve If elected was what it all
amounted TO boiled down.
Mr.. stephens listened thoughtfnlly to
all he had to say. When Keitt stopped,
waiting for his repuly. there was a mo-
ment's silence. I don't believe l ever was
more anxious in my life. | knew what
Mr.. Stephens inclination was and I had
heard his prayer the night after the Sc
cession of Georgia.
If am the unanimous choice of the
delegates as well as the states and can
organize a cabinet with such concert of
ideas and ability as will justify the hope
Of success [ will take it, said he But
on no other conditions.
"Mr, Keitt left satisfied and Mr..
Toombs was jubilant. When | returned
to the room Mr.. Stephens was smok-
ing.
=
overhowing Besides the accredited dele
gates from the six seeding states there
were many politicians and delegates-un-
official of course-from Virginia, from
Maryland, from North Carolina, Texas.
Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Ar
kansas.
"All represented the radical secession
lists OF their states and all were rabid
for war We knew what work had to
be DONE but Mr. Stephens never opened
his lips. The matter was not mentioned
between us.
ION the evening of February S, after
the adoption of the constitution. mo-
ton was made to go into the election
of the chief officers. Somebody, l for
get who, moved that the election should
take place the next day at IL o'clock. and
in tile meantime the delegations. should
consult separately. That was decided on
! and the meeting adjourned.
Toombs Was Spokesman.
1--WE had hardly reached our hotel when
in walked Toombs and Keitt, followed
| by Judge Chiffon, Willy Harris, Gen.
| Sparrow and Henry Marshall of Louis
| iana Morton and owen of Florida and
| the whole Georgia delegation. Toombs
was the spokesman and I never saw him
in better humor or looking handsomer.
| " Alec said he, you are the choice
| OF every man In congress, and all of
us are ready to pledge ourselves to help
YOU form your cabinet. There Is only
one point-those fellows from Virginia
| and the border states want you to prom
Use to strike the first blow
| "For a moment there was perfect
| silence. I believe every man In the room
| held his breath Mr.. Stephens made no
| reply and Mr.. Toombs went on:
''Those fellows say their states are
| hanging in the balance, ready to turn
1rtanu n
an will never dare to strike us they
believe Lincoln will be as cowardly.
Now they want the question settled
in their states and they want you to
promise when the first opportunity offers
say if the administration should attempt
to reinforce or provision sumter you
will strike the first blow
For about two heartbeats they faced,
that magnificent specimen of manhood
and that fragile, emaciated little man.
NO, I will never strike the first blow
at the union said Mr.. Stephens, speak
ing slowly and distinctly.
Alec cried Mr., Toombs.
They gazed into each others eyes;
Then without word Toombs turned and
walked out of the room with the other
delegates at his heels.
II afterward unders TODD that many or
the delegations sat up all night caucus
ing, that Toombs was the second choice
with the members of congress, put the
delegates from the undecided states did
not consider him radical enough.
.'They said he would make Mr.. Steph-
ems his premier and be guided by his
advics. Cobb and Rhett's names were
botn considered. but the radicals would
not accept either. After further skirm-
ishiag jeff Davis name was presented
and the radicals made no objections.
For the sake of harmony the other
- all itofn
morning. February 0. 1861. the Honorable
Jefferson Davis was unanimously elected
president of the Confederate States OF
America"