Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/68

 DAVIS PROUD OF WORK.

As Secretary of War in charge of the corps of engineers that constructed the big aqueduct bridge, at the time of its construction the longest single arch span in the world, and even to this day surpassed by only two bridges, Mr. Davis was deeply interested in the work and very proud of the American engineering genius which created it. He was inspired by a common patriotism in the high respect which he felt for the men under him, who had shown themselves superior to the engineers of foreign countries.

It is claimed, therefore, that the name of the builder be re-carved upon this noble stone structure which rose under his supervision to its majestic might. It is "a thing of beauty," and surely the man who, with feelings of patriotic pride in the magic might of his fellow-countrymen, watched the graceful span of arched beauty rise from the lowly stream that flows beneath it toward the skies richly deserves to have it bear his name. Let the name of Jefferson Davis be restored to its rightful place, say his admirers.

A number of Southern societies, other than the Daughters of the Confederacy, and many individuals, some of them Northerners, are taking an interest in the effort to have the blank space on the stone tablet refilled.

REPRESENTATIVE MEYER HELPS.

At the request of Mrs. W. J. Behan, of New Orleans, President of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Representative Meyer, of Louisiana, is starting a campaign with the powers that be in Washington to have this growing request of Southerners and Northerners, who are fast forgetting all differences, granted.

Mr. Meyer talked over the matter informally with Secretary Taft during a visit to the War Department yesterday, but no action was taken. If congressional action is found to be necessary, the question will be brought to the attention of the next Congress.

["The United Daughters of the Confederacy" should read "Confederated Southern Memorial Association."—Editor's note.]