The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1923-04-03
Iohn T. Boifeuillet, il

IOnn i bOHculll6I, III
The proposed Jefferson Davis high
wav across the state of Georgia would
be a splendid memorial to the immor-
tai chieftain of the ConfederaCy. Ii
would inspire the present generation
of Georgians to the performance OF
noble deeds, resulting from a knowl-
edge of the life. character and services
of the great southerner, and 1t would
be an object lesson in patriotism to
children yet unborn. 1t would also be
a signal to the world that the memory
of Jefferson Davis will never cease to
stir the purest and tenderest emotions
of the south's nature, and that his
name will be embalmed forever among
the most sacred treasures of the south
ern heart. No enterprise could be I'M
dertaken in Georgia around which
would be wreathed more patriotic SEN
timent.
There is Lincoln highway stretch
ing from ocean to demonstrating
from the city of New York to San
Francisco-a distance Of about $500
miles. 1t was projected by the Lin
coin Highway Association as a me-
mortal to Abraham Lincoln, the pres
ident of the United States during the
civil war.
Why not then this Jefferson Davis
highway, designed to connect the two
capitals of the southern confederacy
via Georgia, and intended by the JET
ferson Davis Highway Association as
a memorial to the first and only presi-
dent of the Confederate States OF
America?
Markers for Highway.
The route of the Lincoln highway
is marked with a distinctive red, white
and blue marker, bearing a blue 81"
on the central white field. | have been
informed that one thousand markers
or signs for the proposed Jefferson
Davis highway have just been recev-
ed at Fitzgerald, Georgia, and very
soon the work will begin of marking
the entire route from Fitzgerald west
to Vicksburg, Mississippi, the west
ern terminus, and east from FitZger-
aid to Richmond, Virginia, the east
ern terminus | do not know the de-
scription of these signs or markers.
Possibly they are in colors and bear
the letter 3D." though such markers
may not be used until the highway
has been completed
Speaking of highway markeEs, |
know of one that has an interesting
history and was a result of an ami
mated and highly interesting debate
in congress between Henry Clay, Of
Kentucky, and John Randolph, Of Vir-
ginia, on the subject of national aid
to public road building a question of
nationwide and absorbing interest to-
day Randolph opposed such legisla-
ton as unconstitutional; denying to
the general government any power to
make any improvements within the
limits of any state without the con-
sent of the state Mr.. Clay claimed
the government had the power under
the grant which constituted congress
competent to establish postoffices and
postroads. The pending measure be-
came a law, the road was built, and
a monument was erected in Mr.. Clay's
honor by Virginians. 1t stands in a
beautiful valley in western Virginia,
Immediately by the side OF the road.
Headquarters at Fitzgerald.
The Jefferson Davis Highway As
ISOLATION has its headquarters at Fitz-
gerald, Georgia. The Association has
for its object the establishment of a
continuous improved highway from
Vicksburg, Mississippi, the home state
of the president of the Confederacy,
via Montgomery, Alabama, the first
capital of the Confederate states,
through Georgia South Carolina,
North Carolina and on to Richmond,
Virginia, the last capital of the Con-
federacy. Starting at Fitzgerald and
going westward toward Vicksburg,
among some OF the places in Georgia
- II, 6;orl,,ro,r Mill
are Irwinville, Ashburn, Sylvester,
Albany, Dawson and Cuthbert. East
ward from Fitzgerald, the route pass
es through McRae, Vidalia, Lyons,
Reidsvile, Claxton, Savannah and
Augusta.
The highway will pass by the spot,
near Irwinvilie, Georgia, where JET
ferson Davis was captured on May
10. 1865. by troopers of the Fourth
Michigan cavalry With Mr.. Davis at
the time Of his capture were his wife
and their four children, Postmaster
General Reagan of the Confederacy,
Governor Lubbock, of Texas, and 9th
ers.
1t is interesting to note that among
some of the cities outside of Georgia
through which the highway will run
are Eufaula, Montgomery, Selma,
Meridian, Jackson and stopping at
Vicksburg On the eastern section
Columbia, Raleigh, Petersburg, with
Richmond as the terminus.
COOPERATION of Six States.
According to my understanding of
the proposition, the Jefferson Davis
Highway Association does not under
take to construct and finance the high
way, but endeavors to promote and