will understand all about it anyway. It certainly would be gratifying if Mr. Taft would order the restoration of the name without the trouble of taking the matter before Congress, but at any rate we are starting on an enterprise which should be accomplished some day. Please call on me at any time that there is something for me to do for our committee, and with kindest regards believe me to be
Yours faithfully,
My Dear Mrs. Behan:
I have your letter of August 17th, with reference to Mr. Davis' name on the "Cabin John Bridge." As I have written you, I think your referring the matter to Mr. Meyer was wise. Leave it in his hands without any conditions. I know Mr. Taft, Secretary of War; he is a broad, conservative man. He will do what is right. What is done should be done quietly.
With kind wishes,
Yours truly,
Hon. W. H. Taft, Secretary of War,
Washington, D. C.:
Dear Sir,—From a recent letter received from Mr. Meyer, M. C. from Louisiana, I learn with pleasure that he has had several conferences with you on the subject of restoring the name of Jefferson Davis to "Cabin John Bridge," Washington, D. C, and that he feels confident of success. It is not necessary to go over the history of the famous aqueduct—how it was built during Mr. Davis' term as Secretary of War; how in the heat of passion and sectional prejudice Hon. Caleb B. Smith, Secretary of Interior, by his own word, and without congressional action, ordered the name of Jefferson Davis cut off the keystone, where it had been inscribed with that of President Pierce. After nearly half a century we can view the action with more charity and we can truly say, "With malice to none and charity to all."
