History-Revisited

I have just gotten off work and sat down at the library computer, to write about how we have been out of power here in Louisville, at least where I live for almost seven days now due to the ice/snowstorm that hit our area last week. The good news I just received from my roommate, Darren, who has diligently kept a fire going in the fireplace for these last seven days, that our power is now back on! Honestly though, I meant to write how really nice for us it has been not to have power this last week not to mention how beautiful it has been with snow and ice covering every tree and fence and anything it could cling to. Many here have found this beauty to be a big hindrance, but it has helped us to realize that there are many, many things that we think are necessities but really are just luxuries or hindrances from being able to see the kindness and goodness of God's creation and to read! The history of New England in the 1640's has received some consideration these last few days. Now, it has been work, cutting, splitting, hauling lots of firewood, waking every couple of hours to stoke the fire, cooking on the fire, waking as soon as the sun starts coming up to prepare things at home just to be able to go to work and shovel snow. One really learns how to take advantage of the daylight. All to us has been enjoyable as well. I guess you could say we have been quite content.

It was difficult to keep up with current events, namely the passage of this supposed stimulus bill in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The more I read about the Founders and the Constitution and what true Liberty really is, the more these things are apt to make one angry and yet what can we do? Over 600 pages of this legislation, all of which should be read carefully and come to the floor as separate pieces of legislature to be debated and if our Constitution was followed they would not be passed. Sadly, this does not happen. I have read recently many statements that have started ' In those days', well in 'these days' our government is a very sad picture of the ideas and PRINCIPLES that were once very important for our government officials to have. Here are a few things written about the government and what kind of MEN were recommended for office in the 1800's. Sorry that many of these are still about Jefferson Davis, that is currently where I am reading and there is just so much that I have never heard before and want to share it.

"In those days men were sent to the Senate because of their ability and their purity of character, and not because of great wealth or capacity as political tricksters and successful partisans." - John William Jones

Written about Jefferson Davis after his death : "His lofty patriotism, immaculate integrity, and firmness of purpose, which never yielded principle for expediency nor abandoned the right for success will be held up for emulation by the aspiring youth of Texas who would achieve an honorable distinction among their fellow-men." -Gov. L. S. Ross, in Austin, Texas

A dispatch sent on the day of Jefferson Davis's death said this:
"He was a leading man in the Senate, and gave every one who saw him the impression that he was a born leader. He was not a demagogue, and would always take the unpopular side of any question when he believed he was right."

This quote is about the Senate of 1850:
"Never before at one time did so many illustrious men sit in the highest council of the nation. The States sent their foremost men to the Senate. Few were sent to the Senate for their wealth, or family or party influence. Ability, Experience and integrity were the tests by which the perspective States tried the men who were to represent them in that then truly venerable and venerated august body." -John William Jones

These quotes from Mr. Frank H. Alfriend are about the speeches Mr. Davis was apt to give while in the Senate:
"Never for one instant varying from the principles of his creed, he never doubted as to the course of duty; profound, accurate in information, there was no question pertaining to the science of government or its administration that he did not illuminate with a light clear, powerful and original."

and again, "For mere rhetorical glitter, Mr. Davis's speeches afford but poor models, but for clear logic and convincing argument, apt illustration, bold and original imagery, and genuine pathos, they are unsurpassed by any ever delivered in the American Senate."

Here Mr. Alfriend was comparing Stephen A. Douglas and Jefferson Davis:
"For mere party success Douglas cared everything, and Davis nothing, save as it insured the triumph of constitutional principles."

All quotes were taken from: Jefferson Davis and the World's Tribute to his Memory- Memorial Volume 1890. written by J.W.M. Jones.