The Portland daily press., 1877-05-19
Southern ChivaIry.

We are permitted to make the following ex-
tract from letter received by the Hon. E. 81.
Banks, State Treasurer, from a kinswoman in
Florida, the wife Of Col. NJ MartiD illustrat.
ing Southern ''chivalry" and the reception ex-
tended to Northern people who settle in Flori-
da with the intention of establishing them
selves in lsiness, and the manner of justice
meted out. in that state. The experience of
Notthern settlers is not calculated to encourage
immigration and casts doubt upon the per-
feet success Of the policy of Cancellation. Col.
Martin commanded with great credit New
York regiment during the war, and at its con-
clusion settled in Florida. He has been Speak
er of the State House of Representatives, and
for four years warden of the state prison, was
appointed by Gov. Stearns General III the state
militia, and has been chairman of the Republi-
can state committee. Consequently he has
rendered himself obnoxious to the into!erant
Democrats who control the state. His wife is
Maine woman, daughter of wel-known
resident of York County. The extract from
the letter is as follows:
"We [Colonel Martin and wife1 drove to
Cattahoochee, and were in the doctors Office
when young man 10y the name of Dickerson
(whose father contested the Coloners seat in
the Legislature and is now Adjutaut General
of the state and most bitter Southerner-the
young man is a desperado horse thief sc :,
and is now in charge of the PRISON. called the
Colonel out and said swell, suppose politics
is over nOw?''
The Colonel said very pleasantly, "Yes, 1
suppose So"
Thereupon the blackguard slapped him in the
face and drew revolver upon him. NV hus-
paod mad 10 weapon, so he stepped into the
office to ask MIR. Sims (the former deouty war;
den under the ColoneD for pistol. Fortu-
nately ope was not ID be found, and L stepped
to the door and prevented the Colonel going out
or the yoarg man coming in. Dckerson then
referred the Colonel to his friend to whom pa
pers We're to be sent, thus giving direct chal-
lenge IN the presence of several witnesses
The colonel then had three warrants made
out for Dickersons arrest one for assault with
intent to kill, one for giving a challenge, and
one peace warrant The criminal was ar
rasned. His gun was taken from him, but he
was allowed to retain his pistol. The trial had
progressed but a little way when he walked out
OF the court room pistol in hand and defied
them to take him. got on one of the mules be-
longing to the prison, aud rode off, no attempt
being made by the officers to retake him.
Finally be was brought before justice in
Quincy, OF his own selection aud bound over in
S60O to keep the peace. This is reform in
FLORIDA, and the way they administer Justice
Inc Doctor-a Democrat-at once notified the
Governor that he must fill his place at the
prison, as he could not be associated with
man OF that character. Instead of removing
Dlckerson the Governor appointed another
physician. People are Indignant. The bail is
only straw bail The man is still ENJOYING his
government position, though the Governor is
fully cognizant of the offense. The Colonel
is staunted with his inability to punish the
criminal and told TO "apply to MIR Hayes if
he wants redress. Dickerson has often thre at
eLed to kill the Colonel