The Washington herald., 1915-02-07
"JEFF" DAVIS STIRS SOUTH
TO FRESH SACRIFICES.
February 6.

Fifty years ago today Jefferson Davis,
president of the Confederate States, In
an impassioned speech at Richmond, in
stituted a Campaign Of oratory designat-
ed to stir the people Of the South to
| fresh sacrifices for the Confederacy.
and to continued resistance to the Fed
eral arms.
The plan OF such an appeal to the peo-
pie was Mr.. Davis own. It had been
day before. Of three commissioners whom
Mr.. Davis had sent to Hampton Roads
to discuss peace with President Lincoln.
The commissioners had been sent with
out powers to treat for peace, but to dis
cuss ways of securing peace to the two
countries
President Lincoln had made clear to
Mr.. Davis, before meeting them, that he
would discuss with them peace ito our
one common country" When the COM
missioners had asked him how peace
could be secured. he had informed them
by the South laying down her arms
and obeying the laws of the Union. He
had spoken in great moderation and
kindness, and had shown a disposition
to treat the Southern States with the
greatest generosity.
The return of the commissioners ap-
pears to have kindled a fire OF rage in
the heart of Jefferson Davis He charged
Lincoln with bad faith in laying down
the terms he did after having agreed TO
meet the Confederate commissioners He
could not bring himself to consider the
possibility OF what he termed "submis-
sion to the conquerors."
For that reason he called upon the
best speakers about him-among a people
so richly gifted m oratory as those Of
the South there never was lack Of good
speakers-to raise their voices In an ap-
peal to the people. The editors Of the
Richmond papers were requested to join
in the appeal. which should be a cam
paign to hre anew the heart Of the
South and steel it against the thought of
submission.
Appeal to Passions.
The effort was notable for the light Il
threw on Mr.. Davis character. When
most Of his advisers had lost hope and
the people Of Richmond were talking Of
the evacuation of the city, Mr.. Davis, I'll
from neuralgia that had tortured him for
weeks. at times affecting one arm so
that he could not use il, went to the
African Church-a famous place for pub
lie meetings-and there delivered a
speech Of defiance to Fate and the Fed
erals alike. that was declared by all
who heard II and we're competent to
Judge, a master piece OF oratory.
Among those who heard the speech
was Alexander n. Stephens. vice pres
ident Of the Confederate States. who had
been one Of the peace commissioners
Mr.. Stephens had never been an ardent
supporter Of Mr.. Davis. and did not
agree with him as to the wisdom Of
further resistance on the part Of the
South; but he was 30 stirred by Hr
Davig speech that he wrote OF 1t:
'1t was not only bold. undaunted and
confident in It's tone. but had that lofti-
ness Of sentiment and rare form OF ex-
precision. as wen as magnetic influence
In its delivery. by which the passions OF
the masses Of the people are moved to
their profoundest depths. ana reused to
the highest pitch Of excitement.
Many who had heard this master OF
oratory In his most brilliant displays Of
the Senate and on the hustings, said they
never before saw Mr.. Davis 30 really ma
jestic.
sThe occasion. and the effects OF the
speech, as well as all the circumstances
under which II was made. caused the
minds Of not few to revert to like ap-
peals by Rienzi and Demostheues."
Hnt Mr.. Stephens closed hts comment
with the reaection expressed In a quota-
ton on the charge of the Light Brigade