The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-06-02
JEFFERSON DAVIS.

Ono nuHdfeQ anu TWO years dSO Co-ul
row was born the man who was destined to
stand as the representative of thought
that had it's origin before he was born and
ripened into action in the fifty-second year
of his age.
The thought was in shape of the ques-
ton: Whether this aggregation of COM
monwealths was a coalation by treaty or a
National Union.
At first, the answer was boldly and con-
fidently in favor of the sovereignty of the
States WIS., Wis the Federal Union; but, as
time passed, and conditions arose requiring
positive Interpretation of the inter-rela-
tons of the several States, the answer
came ever more strongly that, this is an
indissoluable Union of States. Andrew
Jackson's declaration to the South Carolina
nulIifiers crystalized this answer: "The
Federal Union! 1t must be preserved"
There being no Supreme Court that could
decide a dispute that was beyond the range
of the Constitution, and conditions continu-
ally arising demanding decision one way
or the other, appeal had at last to be made
to the sword. Horrible as was such a re-
course, and fratricidal in its nature it was
forced upon the South by the fanatics of
the North. History, while weeping over
the slain, will say that it is better So
that the South made her gallant stand for
freedom as against despotism.
There was a long and bitter struggle.
The Unionist had the most men and the
most money and the argument went that
way. The memorable logic of events gave
the decision against the South, and the
cause and it's leader went down in defeat.
Valor, fortitude, self-sacrifice, intelli-
gence-all were in vain, except as showing
character, and as commanding respect for
a course that, under the circumstances,
could not be successful.
The leader had to bear the pain of that
failure, and he bore it grandly, with a
heroism that disarmed criticism.
Jefferson Davis did not seek the position
as a man of arms, with fine record on the
field of battle and an intimate knowledge
of military affairs. His ambition was to
be the general of the armies of the Confed
eracy. His people, however, made him
their civil chief.
If we review the men who were prominent
in those days, we find not one who gave
such promise of usefulness as Jefferson
rot -ho
the high position better than he filled it
OF strict probity, of broad experience, Of
clear understanding and with the pure flame
of patriotism animating his very soul
Jefferson Davis was the very man for the
place; and, although he did not succeed
there was no one, we think, who would
have accomplished so we'll what he under
took to do.
Readers Of history are attracted by the
stories of battles, of the movements oil
armies, of "the pomp and circumstance oil
war; but there is more obscure region
where the real test is applied to leadership
where organization is effected, armies built
up and set in the field, and the forces oil
the people are marshaled for carrying or
of the great contest. From disorganiza-
ton had to be produced order; from finan
cial collapse, had to be created a treasury
from a citizenship had to be evolved a
fighting body superior to the force that was
to be sent against it. Out of incoherent
elements there was to be constructed a
nation.
Appalling as was the labor, Jefferson
Davis, sacrificing his dearest wish, under
took it, and supported by the unfailing
patriotism of his people, accomplished it in
a manner to command the admiration oil
the world.
Detraction cannot change this verdict
1t was colossal work, nobly undertaken
and carried through with courage, con-
sistency and singleness of purpose thai
will ever be cherished heritage of the
South.
Mistakes there were, of course, and some
who write on the subject dwell upon them
as essentials in forming judgment of the
man and the cause; but for our part there
is no such disposition. We view the whole
scene and all its features, and ask, with
assurance of what the answer will be.
What man could better have stood for us
in that awful struggle or have gone down
in defeat, with better grace? Indeed, we
go further, and say that it was a great
career, greatly performed in all its parts.