Evening star., 1961-02-19
The Confederate Inaugural Reported by The Star 100 Years Ago
Compiled by JOHN W. STEPP
Star Staff Writer
Background


1T HAS been cOntended that jefferson Davis not
only not the peoples choice for President the Con-
federacy but that not the convention delegates
who elected him really wanted him in the job. The
fiery, statesmanike Robert ToOmbs of Georgia was
actually the preference Of most over the ausere Msss
Sppian according to this conclusion. The division be-
tween supporters of Georgias Cobb and Toombs had
led to a political accidental compromise agreement
Davis the man certain to win the unanimous vote
ofthe delegates.
Whatever the motives of the delegates, no doubt
exists that Davis himself was disappointed. A West
Pointer recently elevated to major general and com
mander of the army Of the Republic of Missis-
spp he felt his destiny with the Confederacy lay in
that direction. The conviction that he military
expert in fact would never leave him. But he obeyed
what he took to be the will of the people, and prepared
to take office in Montgomery Ala the Confederacys
first Chief Executive.
He left his plantation home. "Brierfield,"
Vicksburg and arrived at Jackson Miss, February
IL. This was the same day Presdent-elect Abraham
Lincoln left Springfield for his Washington naugura
ton Like Lncolns, Davis trip by rail and round
about In the first place, there direct rail con-
nection between Jackson and Montgomery. The route
had to be north to Grand junction. Tenn east to Chat
tanooga then south through Atlanta, Ca, and Opeka,
Ala. and so to Montgomery. Much as Lincoln did up
North Davis took the opportunity to address the popu
lace at and population ceners where the
secession feeling was strong While this precluded
Eastern Tennessee he nOnetheless made some Is
speeches and received continuous ovation, accord
ing to accounts in The Star He arrived in Montgomery
the night of February 16 amid salutes military
escort, flag displays and more throngs.
From Evening star. Tuesday, February 10
THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY.
INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE
PRESIDENT-ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT DAVIS.
MONTGOMERY. Ala, Feb. lathe inauguration Of the
President Of the Provisional Government Of the Confederate
States of America took place here to-day previously
pointed.
The ceremonies constituted the grandes pageant
in the South There immense gathering of
people Capitol H comprising the beauty Of Montgomery
and military and citizens of the different States
President Davis presented his Inaugural precisely at 10
o'clock He spoke follows:
Gentlemen of the Congress of the Confederate States of
America, friends and fellow citizens Called to the difficult
responsible station Of the Chief Executive of the Prov
sona Government which have instituted approach the
discharges Of the duties assigned with humble dsrus Of
abilities but with sustaining confidence in the wisdom Of
hosel who guide and aid the administration of
public affairs abiding faith in the virtue and patriotism
Of the people.
Looking forward to the speedy establishment Of per
government to take place Of this, and which, by its
greater moral and physical will be better able to
bat with tie many difficulties which arise from the
cng interest of separate nations enter the duties
of to