Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/105

Rh attention of our people, and cheerfully said, "I will do all in my power to have this request granted."

Returning to Washington, Mr. Meyer had several satisfactory interviews with Hon. W. H. Taft, at that time Secretary of War, and, from all that I could glean from his letters, Mr. Meyer was confident of success. Copies of these letters will be sent to you for your information. Acting on the advice of Hon. W. H. Taft and Mr. Meyer, all active measures were delayed until after the election. In the meantime, Mr. Meyer died, and Hon. Murphy J. Foster, United States Senator, and Hon. R. C. Davey, M. C. from the same State, promised to do all in their power for the success of the movement. During the latter part of the last session I learned that Hon. C. C. Carlin, M. C. from Virginia, had given notice that he intended introducing a bill in Congress asking for the restoration of the name of Jefferson Davis on "Cabin John Bridge." I wrote Mr. Carlin, and had a member of the committee from Virginia to write him also, that the Confederated Southern Memorial Association had already started a movement in that direction; that we had placed it in the hands of parties authorized to act for us, and we respectfully asked that he would not introduce such a bill.

We hope to accomplish our purpose without bringing it before the public, as it would probably meet with some objection, though I firmly believe the majority of the American people are in favor of proving our greatness by performing this tardy act of justice for the sake of truthful history.

From all that I could learn, it was the opinion of Mr. Taft that the Secretary of War had the power and authority to order the name restored, or that the President, acting on the endorsement of the Secretary of War, would so order.

Mr. Secretary, the election is over, and the American people have shown their wisdom by placing at the head of this glorious nation a man who will put truth, justice and honor above all else. Should you wish to place this matter before our honorable President-elect, you will find him in possession of all the facts as stated here, and favorably disposed to assist you in your efforts to bring about the desired result. As you are aware, this is the centennial of the birth of Jefferson Davis, and I