Newspapers / Asheville Citizen (Asheville, N.C.) / Dec. 7, 1889, edition 1 / Page 1
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THE DAILY CITIZEN THE DAILY CITIZEN BOARDING, WANTS, For Rent, and Lost Notices, three lines or less, 25 Cents for each insertion. Delivered to Visitors In any part of the City. One Month Oc. Two Weeks, or les 25c. VOLUME V. ASHEVILLE, N. C, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1889. NUMBER 205. JEFFERSON DAVIS DEAD. THE (HH.DIKR, STATESMAN AMD HAUK ISO MOKE. Surrounded by HIM Loved Oueo He Peacefully Falls Asleep Leaving the Houtll to Mourn In Poignant and PerHonll Grief. New Orleans, La., Decemlier 6. From the beginning ot his latal illness, Mr. Davis had insisted that his ense was quite heirless, though the dread ol pain or tear of death never appeared to take the slightest hold upon his spirits, which were brave, and even bouyant from the beginning of the attack. In vain did the doctor strive to impress upon mm mat his health was improving. He steadily insisted that there was no improvement, but with christian resignation, he was content to accept whatever Providence had in store for him. Only once did he waver in his belief that his case showed no improvement, and that was at an early hour yesterday morning, when he playfully remarked to Mr. inyne: "i am afraid that 1 shall be compelled to agree with the doctors, for once, and admit that 1 am a little better. All day long, the favorable symptoms continued, and late in the nllernoun, as late as 4 o'clock, Mrs. Davis sent such a cheering message to Mrs. Stamp's and Mr. and Mrs. Farrar, that thev decided for the first time, since Mr. Davis has been taken ill, to attend the French onera. At 6 o'clock last evcnmir. with out any assignable cause, Mr. Davis was seized with a congestive chill which seemed to absolutely crush vitality out of his already enfeebled body. So weak was Mr. Davis, that the violence of the assault soon subsided lor lack of vitality upon which to prey. From that moment to the moment of his death, the history of his case was a gradual sinking. At 7 o'clock, Mrs. Davis administered some medicine, but the ex-President de clined to receive the whole dose. She urged upon him the necessity of taking the remainder, but putting it aside with the gentlest of gestures, he whisjiered: "Pray excuse me." These were his last words. Gradually he grew weakerand weaker, but never for an instant seemed to lost consciousness. Lying peacefully upon his bed, and without a trace of pain in his look, he remained for hours silently clasping and tenderly caressing his wife's hand. With undaunted Christian spirit he awaited the end. From the moment of the dread assault of congestive chill, those gathered around his bedside, who had been watching ami noting with painful interest every change of symptom for the past month, knew well that the dread messenger was even at the door. About half past 10 o'clock Associate Justice Fcnuer went to the French opera house to call to Mr. Davis' liedside Mr. and Mrs. Farrar and Mrs. Stamps. As soon as the message reached them, thev hurried to the bedside ol the dying ex-President. By half past 11 o'clock, there were as sembled in the death chamber, Mrs. Davis, Messrs. Chaille and Hickham, Associate Justice and Mrs. Fenner, Mrs. Nannie Smith, grand niece of tin- dying ex-President, and Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Farrar. Finding that Mr. Davis was breathing somewhat heavily as he lay upon his back, the doctors assisted him to turn upon his right side with his clieek resting upon bis right hand. Like a sleeping in fant and with his left hand drooping across his chest he lay for some fi lieen minutes breathing softly, but faintly. More and more feeble became his respira tion till they passed into silence ami then the watchers knew that the silver cord bad been loosed and the golden bowl broken. The father of the confed eracy had passed n way as calmly as to night's repose, or flowers at set of sun. Despite the tact that the end had come slowly and peacefully, and after she had been face to face for hours with the dread reality, the blow fell with crushing force upon tlie afflicted widow. As long as there had been work for either head or hands, she had borne up bravely; and not until the sweet uses for her tender ministrations were lost did she seem to realize the terrible force of the blow that had fallen upon her. Knowing of her predisposition to heart affection the doc tors were at once gravely alarmed for her. They promptly administered a com posing draughts, and at a late hour this morning she was resting quietly. It is believed that the foundation of the ex-President's last illness was malaria, complicated with acute bronchitis. Care ful nursing and skilled medical attention bad mastered the latter, but it is sup posed that the congestive chill which was the immediate cause of his death was attributable to the return of mala ria. After death, the face of the deceased, though looking slightly emaciated, showed no trace of suffering, more nearly resembling that of a peaceful sleeper than of the dead. When the family had partially recov ered from the terrible shock, Mr. Farrar went to the Western Union telegraph of fice and sent dispatches to Miss Winnie Davis, who is in Paris with Mrs. Pu litzer; Mr. Davis' gon-in-law in Colorado City, and also notified Governor Lowry, of Mississippi, as he deemed it but right that the executive of that State should know of the death of one of its most dis tinguished sons. Senator Jones who started from Iowa some days ago to pay a visit to his old friend and comrade, did notarrive yester day as was expected; and when he reaches this city to-day, will only behold the remains of him whom in life he es teemed and to see whom he traveled from far off Iowa to the sunny South. Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Davis' daughter, who was due here yesterday was detained last night at Fort Worth and is not ex pected to be in the city until Saturday morning. Judge Fenner and Mr. Farrar have the ram ot the dead statesman in hand ; but the latter gentleman last night stated that he and Judge Fenner would not take any steps looking to the funeral until they had held a consultation with Mrs. Davis, who is it present too much grieved by her severe loss to benpproached on the subject. Mr. Farrar is fully acquainted with all the detuili of Mr. Davis' will, but he stated that he did not know bu!T.bat Mrs. Davis received some final wish from her husband regarding the -place of burial. Mr. Farror did not know if the burial would take place in this city or elsewhere; and although he and Judge Fenner had been requested to act as they taw fit in the premises, Mrs. Davis had not intimated where she desired the interment to be made. Mayor Shake-peare hat issued a proclamation announcing Mr. Davit' death, and invit ing the presidents of exchanges and com mercial bodies and a number of promi nent citizens to meet at the city hall in order that proper arrangements may be made for the funeral. The mayor says: "It is with the deepest regret that I announce to the people of the city of New Orleans the departure trom this lile of Jefferson Davis. He needs no eulogy from me. His life is history, and his memory is enshrined in the heart nt everv man woman and child in this broad South. We all loved him and we all owe him honor and reverence." Jefferson Davis closed his eyes in death at fifteen minutes before one o'clock this morning, surrounded by all his friends and relatives who were within call. 1 he handsome residence of J. H. Payne at the corner of First and Camp streets is at present the obcct ot interest to every friend of Mr. leflerson Davis, because it is in the pleasant guest chamber of this elegant home that the beloved old con federate chieftain passed away. This residence, built by Mr. I'ayne.isone ol the most comfortable and artistic in all the city. It is of brown stone stucco, two stories high with broad verandas and set into lovely grounds where camellia bushes are spiked with bloom, and oranges hang in clusters on the trees. The house has a wide hall running through the centre with drawing rooms on one side, a library on the other, and on the rear corner ot the house is a lovely and cheery apartment into which the southern sun streams nearly all day lav the patient and distinguished invalid. It is a wonderfully pretty room with rich toned Persian huerl cariet on the floor, shades and delicate lace curtains at the four windows two fronting to the east and two to the south. Pictures are on the walls and there are lounges, easy Turkish chairs and preltv carved tables and a huge carved oak victoria bedstead, on which theex-president of the Confeder acy lies in the embrace of death. Hiscon- stant attendant has been Mrs. Davis. who has never left his bedside since his illness began. In a comfortable house wrapper of gray and black this gentle, minister was always at the invalids side, and if she left him for a moment lie asked for her and was fretted or uneasy until she returned. Friends constantly sent beautiful flowers of which Mr. Davis was very fond, but these were not ul- lowed to remain in the sick room for any length of time. At the outset, jellies, fruits and all manner of invalid's delica cies were proffered, until Mrs. Davis was compelled to decline them. The sick man s rood was oniy iiuik, ice, mcci tea, and rarely a broiled chop. Mr. Davis remained in bed all the time, and was never left alone, being guarded lovingly by his wife and a capable quadroon hired niirsc, Lydia, and Mrs. Davis' own little luown eyed band maiden Hetty, who, at all tunes had the entre to the sick room But little talking was allowed, and newspnpers, letters and telegrams were tabooed. On Wednesday afternoon a reporter had a tew moments conversation with Mrs. Davis. She was worn and wearied with service at the sick bed, but which she would not allow to any other, and her step was lagging as she came into the dining room. She was very hopeful, however, ot her husband s ultimate re covery "Air. tiavis lias always neen an exceedingly temperate man," said Mrs Davis. He has never abused his physi cal powers, and no one could have lived more moderately man ne. ui course un if this is in bis favor. I do not mean to say that there would lie no danger if a loor were left open or the tire in his room allowed to go out. He is as frail as a lily, and requires the most attentive fare. That he has. I believe he would not lie nlive to-day had this illness came upon him nt Heauvoir where he could not possibly have had the constant care of such phy sicians as Dr. Hickham and Dr. Chaille, and the intelligent love, ten derness and luxury that surrounds him in this home." Mr. Davis seemed much better during the early part of yesterday and his im proved condition was remarked by the doctors and his family. He had a pain in the bowels during the day, but the serious feature appeured just a few min utes before six o clock. Then the illus trious patient was stricken with a severe congestive chill. The doctors were not present at the time, but Itidge I cnner s family and Mrs. Davis did everything to sooth the sufferer. It was 7 o'clock be fore Dr. Bickham and Dr. Chaille, two of the most famous practitioners in the South, arrived and consulted over the condition of the patient. His change was a surprise totally unexpected to those in constant attendance, and Un skilled eyes of the medical men suw in it the beginningof theend. They continued with the patient until his death, how ever, and made every possible effort to avoid the inevitable. Mr. Davis remain ed in a comatose condition, and the at tendants could see ne signs of conscious ness. Mrs. Davis said she occasionally felt a return of the pressure of the hand she held, although he could neither sieak nor make a sign. 1 his was the scene in the sick chamber as the hours passed. The only variation was the arrival of Mr. Edwin If. Farrar, husband ol Mr. Davis' niece, and of Judge and Mrs. Charles E. Fenner, who had been sent for at the opera. At the bedside when the end came wen Mrs. Davis, Mr. J. V. Pavne, Mr. and Mrs. Judge Charles E. Fenner, Mr. E. H. Farrar, Mrs. Smith, a grand niece of Mr. Davis, Mr. E. D. Fenner, a son of the justice, Dr. C. J. Bickham and Dr. S. E. Chaille. The lamp of life waned low as the hour of midnight arrived, nor did it flicker into the brightness ot consciousness nt any time. Eagerly, jet tenderly, the watchers gazed at the face of the dying chieftain; his face always calm and pale, gained additional pallor, and at a quar ter ot one o clock ot the morning ot this the sixth day of December, death came to the venerable leader. The departure of the spirit was gentle, and utterly pain less. There were no dry eyes in the lit tle assembly about the bed, and every heart bled with anguish which found vtnt in Mrs. Davis' gobs and cries. Im mediately after the death, Mrs. Davis was led up stairs to the bedroom of Mrs. Fenner, where the ladies tried to assuage her grief. She bore the awful blow bravely, but her breathing was labored, and her condition so weak that two doc tost consulted and, they pronounced her weakness to be that only consequent on the strain and grief, and said that noth ing was to be feared. Messages have been received from At lanta, Biioxi, Memphis, Louisville, and many other points, all expressive ot res pect for the dead and of sympathy for Mrs. Davit in her affliction. The illness of Mr. Davis had been watched with deep anxietv here, and ar rangements had been made to announce bit death by the ringing of hre bells, word was therefore telephoned to the Central station at 12.50 this morning and in a tew minutes mournful notes ol bells conveyed intelligence of the death to the citizens. Mnny people gathered at the hotels and at 3 o'clock were dis cussing the event. AT RALEIGH. Raleigh, December 6. The announce ment of the death of Jefferson Davit wat received here with profound sorrow, Hells are tolling, and Mayor Thompson lias called a meeting ot the citizens lor to night to pass resolutions. AT WASHINGTON. Washington, Dcccmlier 0. The war department, up to noon to-day, has not officially been informed of the death of etterson Davis, and has taken no action with respect to it. A large oil paiutingof the deceased hangs on the wall of the cluet clerk s room which immediately ad joins the office of the secretary. It is sur rounded by portraits of the other ex- secretaries, including Simon Cameron, General Schofield, and Messrs. Floyd and Conrad. It bears the following inscription: 'Jefferson Davis, secretary of war, 1853 '57 Pierce's administration." There was no crape about the portrait, and the flag over the buil ling, which has always been hall-masted on the death ot an ex-secretary, to-day floats in a good breeze from its usual place at the top of the staff'. Secretary Proctor was seen this morning, and asked what course the department would pursue in regard to Mr. Davis' death. He said: "I see no occasion for any action whatever. It would subserve no good purpose that 1 can see. It is lietter to let the matter rest in oblivion sleep if it will, and to rele gate it to the past than to do anything that would revive memories best tor- gotten." Several army officers in talking about the case approved the secretary's deter mination to ignore the matter, and said there was really no other course to take in view of the fact that the citizenship of Jefferson Davis has never been restored. AT MONTGOMERY. Montgomery, Ala., December 6. News of Mr. Davis' death occasions profound sorrow here. Flags on the State house and city hall are at half-mast, and stores ire being draped in mourning. The following telegram has been sent to Mrs. Davis: "Mrs. JefftMSon Davis, New Orleans, La.: With the protoundest sympathy and condolence in your great bereavement, and in response to the united wishes ol our people, we earnestly request that you allow us to have the remains ot Mr. Davis buried here under the Confederate monument on Capitol Hill, the corner stone of which, when completed will be ornamented with a life size bronze statue of him. "Signed : E. Peters, president Confed erate Veterans' Association of Alabama : I. T. Holtzclaw, president Montgomery Veteran Association ; W. D. Kccsc, presi- lent Alabama Confederate Monument Association: Mrs. M. D. Bibli, president Ladies' Memorial Association; E. A. Graham, mayor of Montgomery; Thos. H. Watts, cx-attornev general Confeder ate States." The governor of the State is absent or his signature would have been attached. AT CHARLESTON, Charleston, S. C, December 6. The news of leflerson Davis' death was re ceived here with marked manifestations of public sorrow and private grief. The city flags are at half mast, and the stars and stripes are displayed all over the city. I he principal stores are draped m black. A movement is on foot to hold a me morial meeting on the day of his funeral under the auspices of the Confederate Survivors Association. The association met to-day to K-rfect a program. The mayor of the city will order all public business to be susix-nded on the day ol the funeral, and issue a proclamation, requesting the citizens generally to pay honor to the distinguished dead. AT ALGISTA. AfGt sTA, Ga December 6. The news of the death of ex-President Jefferson Davis was received in Augusta with pro found regret bv the entire people. Private and public buildings are being draped ; nags arc flying nt halt mast. 1 he following telegram ot condolence was sent to Mrs. Davis this morning: Headquarters Confederate Si rvivors Association, Atc.rsTA. Ga., December 6, '89 To Mrs. Jefferson Davis, core of Hon. Charles reuner. New Orleans: The members of theConfcderatc Surviv ors Association of Augusta, Ga., era vethe privilege ot assuring you, nt the earliest moment, of their profound sympathy and heartfelt sorrow upon the death of your illustrious husband and Moved chief and venerated president of the Southern Confederacy. (Signed,) Chas'. C. Iones, lr.. Pres. F M. Stovall, Secretarv. Notice has been given of a meeting of the Survivors Association to take formal ind appropriate action. AT WILMINGTON. Wilmington, N. C, I)ecemler 6. The death of ex-President Davis, though not unexpected, created profound sorrow in this community. The city hall rooms of the Cape Fear Club and other buildings are draped in mourning. Flags are at halt mast, and other evidences ot the peo ple's grief are to be seen everywhere. A meeting of Confederate veterans will In held to-morrow, and will issue a call for a general meeting of citizens to lie held probably Monday. AT COLIM1IIA. Coli'mria, S. C.,Deccmler6. The Reg ister's bulletin first informed the citizens of Columbia this morning of the death of Jefferson Davis. The news created general and profound sorrow among all classes. The flags on all Stnte buildings ire at halt mast, and the city bells are tolling. The general assembly now in session here adopted the following reso lution and immediately adjourned out of respect to the memory of the dead chief of the South: 'Resolved, bv the house ot representa tives of the State of South Carolina, the senate concurring, That the general assembly has heard with profound sor row of the deuth of the flonorable Jefl'er- son Davis; That in the death of Mr. Davis the South has lost its most distinguished cit izen, and the countrv one of the ablest and purest statesmen it has ever had. whose lite, charactci and services should ever be held in honorable and loving re membrance bv the people ot the whole country, but esiecially by those of the south; "That the president of the senate and the speaker of the house lie requested to communicate immediately to the family of Mr. Davis their expression of the pro found sorrow aim sympathy ot the peo ple of South Carolina; 1 hat in token ot our respect, the nags on the capitol and all other State build ings be placed at halt mast during the present session of thegcnesal assembly ; "That a copy of these resolutions, suit ably engrossed, and signed by the presi dent of the senate and speaker of the house, be sent to the family ot Mr. Da vis; and, nt a further mark of respect, this general assembly do now adjourn." AT NORFOLK. Norfolk. Va.. December 6. The Pick ett Buchanan camp of Confederate vete rans met thit afternoon and adopted resolutions in memory of ex-President Jefferson Davis. Telegrams of sympathy were sent Mrs. Davis. AT LYNCIini'RG. Lvnchbi-rg, Va., December 6. The news of the death of Jefferson Davis was received here with universal regret. AT GREENVILLE. Greenville, S. C, Decemlier 6 Hells are tolling here as a mark of respect to the late leflerson Davis. The Greenville Daily News will appearto-morrow morn ing in mourning in honor ot Mrs. Davis. AT RICHMOND. Richmond. Va., December 0. The Leg islature in joint session has appointed a committee to prepare resolutions appro priate to the memory of the Hon. Jeffer son Davis, ex-President of the Southern Confederacy. Flags on the State capitol building have been placed at half mast. The legislature is now considering a joint resolution for a committee to at tend the luneral. AT ATLANTA. Atlanta, Ga., December 6. The news of Jcfl'erson Davis' death was received with great sorrow in Atlanta. The State house flag is at half mast, and a meeting of citizens will probably be held to-night to talk of closing the business houses on the day of the bui ial. A move ment has already been started to raise a fund to erect a monument in Atlanta. Numerous subscriptions have been sent to the Constitution for that purpose. AT BALTIMORE. Baltimore, Md.. Decemlicr 6. The executive committee of the society of the army and navy ot the Conlederate states in Maryland met to-day and arranged for a memorial meeting to be held next Sunday in honor of Jefferson Davis. AT SAVANNAH. Savannah, Ga., December 6. Tin news of the death of ex-President Davis was received with genuine sorrow in Sa vannah. Flags on the city hall, cotton exchange, armories and newspaper offices were lowered to half mast, and the citv offices were closed bv order ol the mavor. The Confederate Veteran's association will hold a meeting to-morrow to take action upon the ex-President's death. Mr. Davis last visit to savannah was at the time ot the Chatham artillery cen tennial in 188G. A few days later he laid the corner stone of a Confederate monument in Montgomery. His recep tion by the military of the South, he said, was the great event of his life, in coi.t Miirs. Cou Mnts, Ga., December (. Immedi ately on the receipt of the news of the death of Mr. Davis, a call for a mass meeting of the citizens was issued by the mayor pro tern Rrannon, which was held at the public library in the afternoon. and was largely attended. A preamble and resolution expressive of regret at the death of the distinguished Southern leader were presented and unanimously adopted, kloqiient speeches were made bv a number ol prominent citizens, and a resolution was adopted providing for the suspension ot business on the day ol the funeral for memorial services in the different churches, and that the city be draped in mourning. A telegram ex pressing the svmpathv of the people ol Columbus for the bereaved family was sent by the mayor pro tern. During the meeting all the bells in the city were tolled. The Confederate veterans met to-night to take suitable action. Every tribute of respect and love for the ex President of tlie late Confederacy will be rendered by the iieople of Columbus. The entire community mourns his loss. Gov. Fowle'M Graceful Act. Raleigh, N. C, DecemberG. Governor Fowle to-day sent the following tele gram : Executive Office. 'Mrs. Jefferson Davis: North Caro lina mourns with you the death of the greatest and best beloved son of our Southland." He also issued this memorial procla mation. Whereas, Almightly God, bv his provi dence, hath removed from this world the trusted leader of the people of the State of North Carolina in the four darkest years ol her history ; and hereas, Our entire people reuard his memory with . feelings of the highest respect, esteem and affection ; now, tor the purpose of manifesting their apprcci- ition ol his exalted character mid dis tinguished service, I enjoin upon the people of this stnte, laying aside all business, to assemble themselves at their respective places of worship at a time to be appointed for the funeral by Mrs. Davis, and to join in services suitable to the sad occasion. An old Soldier's Tribute. One of Jefferson Davis' old soldiers sends us the following written immedi ately after hearing of the death of his old commander. It comes straight from the heart : Editor Citizen : Many a heart was made sad last evening by the news of the deuth of our old friend Jefferson Davis. I don't know others feelings, but for my self my heart ached and tears came in niv eyes at every toll of the bell. I suggest tnat all his old soldiers meet as soon as practicable in the court house and pass resolutions of respect to his memory. An Old soldier. The General Grief. Our telegraphic reports will show how- wide spread was the sorrow of the South at the death of their beloved ex-President, and how prompt and spontaneous was the expression of grief. Action was taken at once in every city and town when the tidings were made known. We are glad to see the action taken by our Gov. Fowle, both in his letter of sympathy to Mrs. Davis, and in his proclamation calling upon the people to have simultaneous observance of the hour of the funeral obsequies of the illustrious dead. We direct theattention of our readers to the telegraph column containing the proclamation. The Railroad Buiutestlons. Ashevili.k, N. C. December 6. To the citizens of Huncombe county. I have carefully read the letter in to day's Citizen, by Capt. Palton. So for as the discussions in railroad matters are concerned, the people whom I represent have each and all been men tioned. At to the consolidation of the French Broad Valley, and the Asheville and Bristol railroads with any interests, thnf it a matter over whien I do not exercise control, the majority stock not being in me. For any antagonistic feel ings in regard to the premises, 1 have had none, nor will I allow any to in fluence me. v h. M. Locke, jr SOUTHERN CONGRESSMEN Talk of the -Virtues of the Dead Statesman and Patriot. Washington, D. C, December 6. Few ot the Southern representatives about the capital to-day could be induced to talk about Mr. Davis career, tearing in many instances, that their remarks would be misconstrued. Representative Mills, of Texas, however, spoke his mind freely to tne lonowing enect : "Mr. Davis was regarded by the South ern people as one of the greatest, best and purest men in the world. We all loved him. He was our representative man, and all of the Southern people un derstood that the opposition he encoun tered and the adverse criticisms piled upon him were intended for them. His position was misunderstood in the North. Mr. Davis was a union man at the be ginning, and he adopted the course he did with great reluctance, but from a feeling of duty. He was deeply attached to the union and wanted to exhaust every means on earth to prevent a rup ture. He was not a vindictive or cruel man. He had perfect confidence in him self, was well balanced on all occasions, and was a great military man and states man. He was highly accomplished and spoke the best of English. His memory was marvellously clear. Hcnever forgot anybody. My predecessor, Mr. Gedding, told me that one day Mr. Davis was ad dressing a crowd, when a snowy-haired old man on the outskirts expressed a de sire to greet the speaker whom he had known and served under in the Mexican war. Mr. Gcddings offered to introduce him, but the old man declined, and going up to Mr. Davis offered him his hand, and asked if he recognized him. Mr. Davis fixed his eyes upon him for a mo ment, his mouth twitched, tears sprang into his eyes, and he exclaimed, 'Ward, snow has fallen on your head since 1 last saw you,' and that, said Mills, was about forty years before the meeting." Representative Clements, of Georgia, said: "A good man is gone. He was permit ted to live to see largely modified the harsh criticism engendered by the late strife, and events in which he took such a prominent part, and the ultimate ver dict of the world will be that he was both a statesman and patriot. In time to come the North will accord in that judgment as well as the South, and the rest ot the world. 1 do not believe that any man was ever animated by more pure and patriotic motives than he was. People of my section have the greatest reverence for him." Representative Turner, of Georgia, said : "Davis' death will leave no person embittered against him, and his decease will be a matter of universal regret throughout the South. He was a man of great ability, and of unsurpassed pub lic accomplishment." Ex-A' Forney General Garland said: "Yes, I i.new Davis quite well, as 1 was near him almost daily, from Montgom ery, Ala., to Richmond, during the whole time ol the war between the States, and I regarded him as a man of tine attain ments, polished and accomplished, brave and courageous, and true to his princi ples, and I believe the Confederacy came as near succeeding under his presidency as it would have done under that ot any other man. As to the place history wiil give him, that is a most difficult question to answer at any time, and as to any man, but I believe when his whole lile and character are considered and an alyzed in an unclouded atmosphere, bv cool dispassionate eople, be will hold a very high place in history. Justice Lamar said that it was with great reluctance that he could Sjeak of Mr. Davis at this time, so soon after bis death, which he (the Justice) felt deeply. lie expressed a willingness to answer briefly any questions which might be asked, and in reply to these said : "The whole )eople ol Mississippi are m grief. They regard him as a much beloved countryman, who has suffered much for their sake. My own personal relations with him were not only kind, but affec tionate. Asa public man, niv estimate of him was of the most exalted charac ter. He was a man of intellect, honor and statesmanship. He was the friend and sympathizer of young men whom he was always ready to aid. lien 1 came to congress in 1857, a young man, Davis was then senator. He received me with kindness, and throughout my life I have lieen indebted to him for kindness, coun sel and aid." THE WAR DEPARTMENT. The l-'IdifH Not at Half MaHtin Re spect to Jefferson Davis. The inaction of Mr. Proctor. Secretary of War, in relation to the customary honors to a deceased former secretary, is one which we are not inclined tocondemn from his point of view. In expectation of the approaching end of Mr. Davis the question had lieen raised, and somewhat freely discussed, as to the rightfulness or the propriety of observing the usual cus tom of hoisting the national flag at half mast over the war department buildings and observing other customary marks of honor. It seems to have been agreed that this would not be done, inasmuch as the disabilities of Mr. Davis had never been removed, and that he stood presum ably towards the government in the atti tude of an enemy ; therefore he was not entitled to the usual honors. We are not inclined to find fault with the secretary in carrying out the policy of a republican administration, which, like its predeces sors, fails in magnanimity in relation to the South, and is persistently hostile to Mr. Davis. Personally we think Mr. Proctor generous enough to have done otherwise if he had not been hani(ered by unfriendly sentiment around him. We know from previous instances how offensive such honors, conferred on a "rebel," esecinlly upon one so rank as Jefferson Davis, would have been. The howls from the throats of hyenas would have fallen with harsh audgratingsound upon the solemn silence that oppresses the Southern heart. Better as it is that the cries of rage are not aroused, and that the sanctity of grief is not disturbed. A generation hence Northern and South ern judgment will be alike on theconduct and character of the great leading men on either side. As toon as the tidings of the death of Mr. Davit were received yesterday by The Citizen, the front of the office wat at once appropriately draped with the emblemt of sorrow. POLICE NEWS. Changes Made In and About the Temple of Justice. The major has a very practical eye He didn't like the grate in the mayor's office. Bill Nye's remedy of wrapping the fire in a blanket to keep it from catching cold did not work. No matter how often it was coaled, the mayor, police and offenders were still colder; si the major had it fixed, and no one neei to blanket-it any longer. However, no one means to insinuate that suclilanguagt is heard in the mayor's office. The mayor bus had bis sign swinging in front of the calaboose a long time, and perhaps many have thought the mayoi was behind the bars, when he wasn't. To guard against all such error on tin part of visitors, and prevent the evi minded from casting any reflection oi. the administration of justice in our city, it has been decided to have it rcmovei. to its proper place. Plumbers have long had a monopoly ot. diamonds, but some of ourpoliceare run ning tnem pretty hard. While they are hunting the thieves, the thieves will soor be hunting them and steal thcii brilliants Hut the light which so dazzles the cul prits when the police are drawn up ii. line, with coats thrown back and chesU expanded, is not sufficient to supply tin absence of gas light in the evening. Bui Mr, Gus Guischard has supplied this deficiency and now the gas burns bright ly and throws light on what is done ii, the meetings of the aldermen. All that was dark has now become light negroes excepted. A IHI'SICAL TREAT. The Second Meeting: of the Con cordia Society. The second musicale of the Concordia society was held last bight at Miss Davidson's, on College street. There was a very full attendance ot the mem bers of the society besides a number oi invited guests, making the nutnlicr pres ent quite one hundred. The interest in the society seems to increase with tin meetings, and last night's entertainment. as well as the first, proved a great treat for the music loving portion of our com munity. The following programme wa excellently rendered by memliers of tin society. 1. Piano, four hands. 2. Song. "It Came in the Merry May. Love," Toste. 3. Flute and piano, "Funtasie from Robert lc Diable," Meyerbeer. . Piano, Mondschcintahrt, Hcndcl. 5. Violin, Minuet, Schubert. 6. Piano Polonaise, in C. Minor, Cho pin. 7. Song, "Von Dir," Kununer. 8. Male Quartette, "Lovely Night," Chwatal. The next meeting of the society will be held at Mrs. Maitlaud's, No. 4-0 French Uroad avenue, Friday, January 3, 181)0. That there may be no misunderstand ing, we are requested to say that there ire no invitations issued to the members of the society, but all active and associ- te members are invited to all the mu- sicales given, and by referring to the rules recently furnished it will be seen that a.l members are requested to send in theii acceptances or regrets to the hos tess of the evening several day's pre- ious to the musicale. THE OPENING GERMAN. Given at the Ahhevllle Club Rooms Thursday Night. The winter's season opened Thursday night with a delightful german, given at the Asheville t lull rooms by a number of the young ladies of the town. The large rooms of the Asheville Club were well filled with the youth and beauty of the town, quite a contrast to the staid busi ness men who usually occupy the com fortable easy chairs of the club rooms It is needless to say that the floor was excellent and the music second only, shall we say, to Gilmore's orchestra. The patronesses were Mrs. Maitland ind Mrs. Miller. Among other married ladies present were Mrs. Martin, Mrs. McNamee, Mrs. Battle and Mrs. Penni- man. The young ladies deserve great credit for the remarkably successful way in which the affair was planned and exe cuted, a brilliant example to the young men of what can be done in this way, which thev will do well to follow. Bohco Monday Night. Signor Bosco, the celebrated magician, with an excellent supporting company, will open at the opera hall on Monday night next, in a series of grand gift enter tainments. Bosco is one of the really few modern masters of the art mysteries. His feats are performed with wonderful skill while a vein of humor pervades the whole that gives added brilliancy to the entertainment. Associated with the Signor is Prof. Alt. Denne a gentleman of education and ability who has made ventriloquism and the human voice a scientific study. Mr. Deane produces results quite beyond comprehension. The entertainments given by these gentle men are of a high order, and marked by elegance and good taste. One hundred handsome and costly presents will be given away nightly. In this resjiect Bosco evcells all other entertainments The presents are not trash, but really costly and elegant articles of use and ornament. Prices of admission on re duced to 35, 35 and 50 cents. Reserved seats on sale at usual place. Another Honor. Yesterday we received the following gratifying announcement by telegraph: Charleston, December 6. As indi cated bv the News and Courier to-day. Mr. Me Bee hat also been elected to the presidency of the Columbia and Green ville railroad at a meeting of that board, IN MEMORIAM. ASHK.Vll.l.K'S TRIBITE TO THE SOl'TH'S DEAD CHIEF. A Large Assembly in the Court House I.aHt Nliclit Speeches by a Number of our Most Promi nent citizens. Never has so much genuine feeling been exhibited in a lifelong recollection of Vsheville as was manifested last evening it the meeting in the court house, which assembled in ready obedience to the sum .nous of our mayor. The room was quickly crowded, and every countenance showed a heart full .jf real sorrow. Most appropriately the mayor was requested to preside, and .fter a brict address by Gen. Clingman, Capt. Atkinson tendered the following resolutions, which, being seconded, were earnestly supprted by heartlclt speeches uy the following gentlemen, to-wit: Messrs. Atkinson, Sondley, Adams, Mc ilrayer, Carter, Davidson, Gilmer, String lield, Breese, Carroll, Chedester, Craig, Martin, M alone, Shuford, Buird, Reyn olds, Whitson, Jones, Sawyer, Millard and Fui man. Each and everyone of the speakers, ivitli real pathos and burning eloquence, set forth sincere eulogies of the distin guished dead, and by a rising vote, the resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom, lias seen hi to call to Himself Jefferson iJavis so dear to every Southern heart Resolved, Thai in his lile be was all ex ample of the highest type of the soldier, die statesman, and the christian gentle man, and in his deuth is taught the ulti mate and grand success ol such a lile. Resolved, That we recognize and deeply deplore this great loss upon our enure Southland, and wilh grieved and bruised Hearts we bow in submission. Resolved, That in tlie death of Jeffer son Davis every true Southerner must experience sincere grief, and acknowledge a.,d deplore ihc loss ol the mail in whom Uie hearts and utlcciions of the Confeder acy were centered uud united. Resolved, That his deuth stirs from ilicir depths the devoted love of bis old soldiers, who, in ever decreasing num- oeis, sull hold dear the patriotism which ne exhibited during the long years of sLruggle to establish the glorious, but lost, cause. Resolved, That his death should enable every true American to acknowledge the surpassing grandeur of Ins character as exemplified ill tile maul v manner ill which ne bore his mislorlunes; "though reviled reviling not again," but selling a bril liant example, which, if followed, will lend quickly to the restoration of the u cllarc ol his country. Resolved, That the mayor and alder men be requested to devole a page of the records ol this city, upon which these resolutions shall be transcribed, and as sacred to the memory ol the honored dead. Resolved, That all Confederate sol diers be requested to wear a small badge of mourning tor thirty days. Resolved, Ihat it is especially appro priate that this meeting ol North Caro linians should commemorate the virtues of him whose last public utterance was a vindication of the old North Stale. Resolved, That the mayor be requested to suggest to all business houses the pro priety of closing during the hour ap pointed for the burial. Resolved, That the following be adopted bv this meeting us a suitable epitaph to JEFFERSON DAVIS. In his consistency without a peer, In his honor impregnable, In his courage invincible, In his fortitude heroic, and In his loyalty sublime, No country e'er had truer son, No cause a purer champion, No downfall e'er graced by nobler dig nity. He lived the personification and es sence of Southern honor and chivalry, and in his dcalh his life stands magni fied. Resolved, That these resolutions lie published in the Asheville pniiers, and an engrossed copy sent to Mrs. Davis. At the opening of the meeting a draped Confederate battle flag was placed on the stand, and during the speaking, Maj. Stringtield brought forward an excellent life size portrait of the ex-President, which had been loaned by Professor Barker of the Female College. The memory of the Southern leader was renewed in all of his old soldiers present, as they gazed upon his loved and well known features, with sorrow symbolized by the heavy drapery of crape which surrounded the frame. Sale of valuable Real Estate. Horacseckersnnd investors in real estate will do well to consult our advertising columns to-day. As will be seen from them, Mr. W. B. Gwyn, trustee, will sell nt auction on Tuesday next, the 10th, inst., two valuable houses on Depot street. The houses are new and well built, and situated on good lots, on a good street, convenient both to the rail road depot by a short walk, and to the center ol the city by the street railway. Houses are in great demand now, and somebody will get bargains Tuesday next, as the sale is absolute, under first mortgage, without reserve. Plans of the houses and full descriptions of the prop erty may be had on application to Messrs. Gwyn & West at their offices, southeast court square. Yancey In Motion. We are gratified to publish the follow ing letter. It proves the determination of the spirited people of Yancey to co operate in the great scheme of railroad connection which benefitting her, benefits us all also. Now let Buncombe respond to the movement with a will: Bi'RNsviLLB, N. C, December 2. Hon. N. Atkinson, Asheville, N. C: Dear Sir: The board of commissioners made an order to-day to tubmit to the voters the question of subscription to a railroad, and order the justices of the eace and request the citizens to meet at this place on the 14th instant to further consider the matter. 1 want yon to come over on the 14th, or tend your bent man, without fail. Very truly, etc., W. M. Moori.
Asheville Citizen (Asheville, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Dec. 7, 1889, edition 1
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