It depends on the State itself, to retain or abolish the principle of representation, because it depends on itself whether it will continue a member of the Union. To deny this right would be inconsistent with the principle on which all our political systems are founded, which is, that the people have, in all cases, a right to determine how they will be governed. (Rawle's text-book on the Constitution, taught at West Point before the War between the States) JUDAH P. BENJAMIN, AMERICAN DISRAELI Who is the man, save this one, of whom it can be said that he held conspicuous leadership at the bar of two countries? SIR HENRY JAMES (England) _Tennessee and Arkansas secede, 1861_ _Judah P. Benjamin, Confederate Secretary of State, dies, 1884_ May Seventh The slaves who ran away from their masters were set to work at once by General Butler and made to keep at it, much to their annoyance. One of these, having been put to it rather strong, said: "Golly, Massa Butler, dis nigger nebber had to work so hard befo'; dis chile gwine secede once moah." Ohio _Statesman_, 1861 May Eighth Having completed our repairs on May 8th, and while returning to our old anchorage, we heard heavy firing, and, going down the harbor, found the _Monitor_, with the iron-clads _Galena_, _Naugatuck_, and a number of heavy ships, shelling our batteries at Sewell's Point. We stood directly for the _Monitor_, but as we approached they all ceased firing and retreated below the forts. COL. JOHN TAYLOR WOOD _The "Virginia" again challenges the "Monitor" to battle, 1862_ _Battle of Palo Alto, 1846_ May Ninth MOTHERS' DAY Because I feel that, in the Heavens above The angels, whispering to one another, Can find, among their burning terms of love, None so devotional as that of "Mother." EDGAR ALLAN POE May Tenth Fearless and strong, self-dependent and ambitious, he had within him the making of a Napoleon, and yet his name is without spot or blemish. LIEUT.-COL. G. F. R. HENDERSON, C.B. ... Ask the world-- The world has heard his story-- If all its annals can unfold A prouder tale of glory? If ever merely human life Hath taught diviner moral-- If ever round a worthier brow Was twined a purer laurel? MARGARET J. PRESTON _Stonewall Jackson dies, 1863_ May Eleventh The Spanish legend tells us of the Cid, That after death he rode erect, sedately Along his lines, even as in life he did, In presence yet more stately. And thus our Stuart at this moment seems To ride out of our dark and troubled story Into the region of romance and dreams, A realm of light and glory. JOHN R. THOMPSON _J. E. B. Stuart mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern, 1864_ May Twelfth General Lee, you shall not lead my men in a charge! GORDON General Lee to the rear!--_His Soldiers._