Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/112

 December 21, 1908.

President United States of America, Washington, D. C.:

Hon. and Dear Sir,—I take the liberty of addressing you on a matter which, I believe, has been or will be brought to your attention by the Secretary of War, Hon. Luke E. Wright.

The subject is, the restoration of the name, Jefferson Davis, to the keystone of the Washington Aqueduct, or Union Arch. Under separate cover I send certain data in connection with the movement, and below I will give a summary of facts:

Confederated Southern Memorial Association, in convention assembled:

June, 1907. Resolution to have the name, Jefferson Davis, restored to "Cabin John Bridge," Washington, D. C. Adopted. The president of the C. S. M. A. was authorized to appoint a committee to bring the matter to the attention of the United States authorities.

July, 1907. The president of the C. S. M. A. placed the matter in the hands of Hon. Adolph Meyer, M. C. from Louisiana, who reported to her that he had had several satisfactory conferences with Hon. W. H. Taft, and felt confident of success.

July, 1907. General Stephen D. Lee, Commander-in-Chief United Confederate Veteran Organization, endorsed the movement and gave its his active support.

March, 1905. At the death of Hon. Adolph Meyer the president referred the matter to Hon. Murphy J. Foster, United States Senator from Louisiana.

May, 1908. Upon the death of General Stephen D. Lee, his successor, General Clement A. Evans, of Atlanta, Ga., took up the matter with enthusiasm. He wrote to Mrs. Behan, "I cannot imagine any patriot in the Union will be offended when it is done."