Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/100

 1207 Jackson Avenue, April 25, 1908.

House Representatives, Washington, D. C.:

Dear Sir,—In the New Orleans Daily Picayune of date April 24th, I read that you propose to introduce a resolution in the House, calling for an investigation into the removal of the name of Jefferson Davis from "Cabin John Bridge," and that you will subsequently offer a second resolution, directing that the name be restored to its former place on the bridge.

As the Confederated Southern Memorial Association, of which I am the President, inaugurated this movement by offering such a resolution as is understood in your second resolution, I have thought it proper to give you the details of the origin of this patriotic and historic measure.

The Confederated Southern Memorial Association met in convention in Richmond last June, and at this convention the subject of the removal of the name of Jefferson Davis from "Cabin John Bridge" was discussed with great feeling as to the injustice of the act, the petty spite displayed, and the many considerations that should impel the great American people to obliterate all evidences of sectional prejudice by restoring the name to its original place on the bridge. Mrs. J. Addison Hayes, the only surviving daughter of Jefferson Davis, was present, and said that her father had always considered it a great act of injustice, and that her mother had hoped to live to see justice done the name of her illustrious husband, who was the most efficient Secretary of War that this government ever had.

After this spirited discussion, a resolution, which is here enclosed, was offered by Mrs. J. Enders Robinson, of Richmond, Va., a delegate from the Confederate Memorial Literary Society (Confederate Museum), and the motion carried. The president was empowered to appoint a committee from the several Confederate organizations who would give their endorsement, if necessary, in having the name restored. The committee list is also enclosed. I wrote to General Lee on the subject, and send you a copy of his letter, showing his approval of the action of the Confederated Southern Memorial Association and