Evening star., 1909-04-29
CLAIMS IDEA IS MAUDLlN
Ohio Representative Prepares Resolu'
ton on Subject.
U. S. S. MISSISSIPPI INCIDENT
State Wants Engraving of Jefferson
Davis Likeness on Every Piece.
Talk With Ohiosn.

The report that the portrait OF Jef'
ferson Davis is to be on the silver service
which the State of Mississippi will pre-
sent to her namesake battleship, 1s
creating something of a stir. Repre-
sentative Hollingsworth OF Ohio has pre-
pared a resolution for presentation in the
House calling for information on the
subject.
II look upon It," said Mr.. HOllings-
worth today. las humilitating to four
fifths of the officers and men on board the
vessel 1t Is the elimination of maud
lin sentiment recently developed. and
which seems to manifest itself in senti-
mental efforts to win the south by such
acts as the restoration of the name OF
Davis OH Cabin John bridge at Washing
ton, and Senator Moneys resolution to
impeach the integrity of the fourteenth
amendment and like suggestions. which
a few years ago would have met with a
storm of protests. This extreme tender
derness toward the ruling elements of the
south may be wise, but to one who re-
members the result of President Hayes
generous acts extending the same olive
branch doubts and misgivings must be
excused.
Puny Sentimental Display.
the scars of the war. but there is sucn
thing as the pendulum of time swing
ing backward beyond the perpendicu-
lar. The thoughtful men of both the
south and the north are content to
abide by the impartial Judgment of
history and not seek by such puny SEN
timental displays to divert the thoughts
aand Judgment of the present genera
tion from the eternal truths vindicated
and settled by the civil war;
Mr.. Hollingsworth served as a pri-
vate in the Union army during the civil
war.
The resolution calls upon the Secretary
of the Navy for information relative to
the report that the state OF Mississippi Is
Mississippi an elaborate silver service. the
centerpiece of which is to be decorated
with an engraved portrait OF Jefferson
Davis. He had intended to opfeseht it In
the House today, but was dissuaded.
The resolution Is preceded by q long
preamble. In which 1t is declared that
1.-The dignity and character of the United
States government and Its creditaole
lstanding at home and abroad require that
its battleships should be in command of
officers imbued with high American ideals.
healthy loyalty and q just pride in the
history and institutions of the government
they serve"
Asks the Authority.
In the resolution proper the Secretary
is requested to inform Congress ''by
whom and on what authority such gift
| is to be accepted and what lesson of
loyalty or patriotism such portrait en-
craving is intended to teach and with
| what ideals of government 1t is expected
thereby to inspire the officers and men
now or hereafter to be in control Of such
| battleship; and especially to ascertain and
| inform the Congress whether or not the
proposed gift of silver service thus dec
| Grated .and such use Of it are agreeable
| to or desired by the officers now in COM
mand of the Mississippi"
| Mr.. Hollingsworth explained that his
resolution follows the line, although in
contrary direction. Of the one introduced
| by Senator Money of Mississippi March
o. in which he seeks to revive war 9em-
cries by requiring the Attorney General to
file in the Supreme Court proceedings to
amendment OF the Constitution of the
United States. He challenges directly the
official records and integrity OF the gov
ernment and the separate states in the
adoption Of that amendment. He seeks
to revive the unhappy discussions and is
sue- of the reconstruction period.
Doesn't Think It Right.
His state and his people. at the same
time. seem to think it quite the thing to
place the portrait of President Davis Of
the southern Confederacy. instead Of that
of President Lincoln of blessed memory.
on the dining service Of United States
battleship for use at all social functions,
at home and among foreigners. by United
States officers in command. many Of
whom, like Capt. John c. Fremont, are
worthy descendants of the patriotic men
who fought on the side of Lincoln and
against Davis during dhe civil war.