The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-02-21
I~IInKUARY is. 1861.

urdey. Few there we're. however,
Who recalled as they looked on the
bronze presentment OF the President
OF the Confederacy with his noble
head thrown back and his arm out
stretched in eloquent gesture that
such might have bcc,, Ills Very atti-
Jude just half 4 century ago 10 the
day. Last Saturday iilty years ago.
Jefferson Davis. tho embodiment Of
physical and intellectual vigor. stood
With his right hand appraised and re-
peated the oath administered 10 him
by Judge a. B. Clitherall, or Alabama.
II do solemnly swear that l Will faith
fully execute the office Of President OF
The Confederate States. and will. TO
The best OF my ability. preserve. pro
tect. and defend the Constitution
thereof"
It was a scene which in Its dra-
matte qualities has but one parallel in
the history Of the United States--and
that was the inauguration of Wash
lngton as President at the beginning
of the republic. Washington took TIE
helm OF a new country after a bloody
revolution: Davis. before it. This is
now an indissolublc nation, and scces-
sion is a doctrine which viii never
again be INVOKED by the people OF any
state or section, Whether secession
was sound is nov a problem for the
historian and the student: for he
statesman. it is a purely academic
question.
At | O'Clock =. NJ. February is, 1851.
a vast concourse had assembled di-
reotly in front of the portico of the
= state Capitol at Montgomery, then the
provisional capital Of the new gov.
ernment. a few days before, the Pro-
Visional Congress OF the Confederate
states had met within the Capitol,
While the President-elect journeyed
from Mississippi TO Montgomery, re-
cciving q triumphant and continuous
ovation from the citizens of The new
republic.
The great assemblage thrilled with
enthusiasm, with patriotic ardor. Long
lines OF soldiers, resplendent in d uni
form which in less than a year would
he black with the CRIME Of battle.
added color 10 the scene. Citizens az
many States We're there. There were
there the flower of the manhood ana
womanhood OF Acknowledgement 81
The whole South--the women. resolved
TO give their all for the new country:
the men, ready 10 lay down their lives
for Right and the Constitution.
suddenly there was a hushed ana
revcrent silence. In The simple black
Earb Of a Baptist minister. Basil Man
". late prcsiden, Of the University
OF Alabama, came out from the shadow
= OF the great White columns of the
Capitol H~orlice@ to the sunlit steps and
raised his hand for prayer. Ti!cre vas
instant stiffness. 20 God! we appeal 10
Thee TO protect lis In the land lnor
hast given us. the Institutions Thou
hast established, the rights Thou has;
bestowed" he prayed. impressiveiy
END oomprehensively, inplorins the
guidance OF the God OF Israel for tho
new republic.
When he had concluded. Thousands
pressed forward TO eaton a glimpsa -
|I = IL "
him who was TO hold the helm or ~
new government. Mr.. DAVIS came. for.
ward. a man OF tfty-three years
strong. Impressive in appearance
military in bearing, With The grav,
IMPRESSION OF one who assumes 4
boundless burden. When he Mad
taken the oath, cannon after can.
non roared out a message Of saIu,6.
ton, the first being fred by. a grand.
daughter OF ex-Tresident John Tyler
with waving OF hats ana cries oe joy
the people acclaimed the Presiden,
When the greeting subsidized. Mr.. Da.
Wis delivered Ills inaugural address
What he said-as well as tho Who'll,
inaugural cercmony--was marked Is,
simplicity. directness, franlsncss.
Il enter upon tie duties OF the Of
fec 10 which have been chosen VII,
TIE hope that the beginning Of oil,
career. as a confederacy, may not 81
\ ohstricted by hostile opposition to on
enjoyment OF the separate existeac
and Independence We nave asserted.
said President Davis, in almost III
Scii'eAIe OF MS address,, ihroug
which ran a constant thread Of non
for q peaceful separation from tn
United states. With feeling eInnllasl
y ne must have said. The impartial I'LL
enlightened verdict Of mankind wi
vindicate the rectitude of our conduc,
end he WHO knows the hcart Of me
will Judge OF the sincerity win whte
re have laborca 70 preserve TIE SOY
ss ernmen, Of our fathers in it's spirit,
Stating in his matchlcss Style, !
much like that Of Calhoun, whosc apo,
tie he was. the cauaes which result,
In the creation Of the Confcdcra,
snd its purposes, Mr.. Davis said som,
Il thing that was singtlariy prophet
OF his career az President.
" Toll and care ard isnpnointmc