Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-02-17

TALLAHASSEE, February 15.-Gen. H. g. San
ford. occasionally of Orange county, has been
regarded as one Of the moderate members Of
the Republican party. He came to this State
some years ago, bought a large tract Of land
up the st. Johns river, planted thereon a colo
ny of Swedes and several thousands of orange
trees, laid out q town, bearing his own patro-
nymic, and built fine hotel. He certainly
aided in giving an impulse to the growth of that
section, and expended considerable money,
which has been returned to him with COM
pound interest.
He has made similar profitable investme nts
In the course OF his life, and some OF his earlier
speculations, nineteen or twenty years ago,
are said to have been equally remunerative.
A1nG virumque cano
While he has done his part in developing the
State, cannot see why this has given him the
Self-conStituted right OF becoming the moral
godfather and censor of the community. He
passes, once in while, month or two among
uS, looking after his interests, and during that
time seems to think that it is incumbent upon
him to indulge in criticisms upon our conduct
when it does not exactly conform to his own
Blue-law notions. While we admit that this is
all very kind and well meant on the part of the
worthy General, there are some rude fellows
here who are so ungraciouS and ill-bred as
to regard his paternal counse's as off1cious and
gratuitous, and especially so when he derives
ard vile Radical partiSanS are Lot proper
sources from which to obtain reliable and
correct information. His recent letter to the
Jacksonville Union proves his utter and
almost Willful ignorance of the subject it dis
cusSeS.
Florida Democrats are not pining for a Re-
publican wet-nurse. The aliment the General
is disposed to draw from his manly bosom
for their benefit is not 1.-The milk Of hu-
man kindness" We can find much better
and more suitable diet, and we are not accus-
toned to that sort OF provender.
His intense solicitude that we should be
goody, goody boys, and MODEL ourselves after
his standard of propriety, is really touching
and pathetic, and ought, l reckon. to excite
fault perhaps Of our wild and unit aimed
Southern natures, but the truth is we are Ger
tainly growing somewhat restive under his un-
sought and exceedingly ill-timed advice.
Like the unfortunate traveller of the New
Testament, he has fallen among Radical thieves
and ruffianS, who have already flched from
him his usual discretion and judgment, and
who will yet, if he continues to consort with
them, rob him of the estimation and respect of
the better portion of the community.
Save us from all such evidences of incon-
siderate friendship. Gen. Sanford, in attempt
ing to heal what he regards as a wound, has
inflicted upon US a greater injury than he will
be able to undo in ten years.
His hasty letter has evoked the biting criti-
cism of St. Clair Abrams, who has applied the
lash powerfully and deservedly By the time
he runs the gauntlet of scores Of other tongues
and pens, it may dawn upon his consciousness
that he has committed very grave error, and
one, too, to some extent, that does not admit
of apology or extenuation.
Major Abrams says in the latter part of his
reply to General Sanford's letter:
And what has called forth this phillipic? A
tragedy whose political aspects present Re-
publican aggressor numbering Democrat;
Republican murderer protected in his person
by the full power of a Democratic govern
ment and political capital made for Republi-
cans ont of drama In which Democrats alonQ
are victims!
Il turn from such injustice sick at heart.
For il Republicans like General Sanford are so
partisan that they find it necessary for party
ends to give utterance to such sentiments as
those contained in his letter. what hope have
we of getting rid of the foul crew that con-
deed. why longer go out of our way, and strain
any nerve to conciliate when we are met every
where by arraignment and injustice!''
General Sanford has not achieved glory or
made friends by his communication. Articles
from his pen upon the introduction of new
varieties of the citrus family, or the cultiva-
ton of the same, viii be appreciated, but if he
has any regard for public opinion, or his own
self respect, let him keep his ideas upon
Florida politics to himself, or select q filter
time than the present, when the clay upon the
grave of a man, foully and basely murdered,
is yet moist with the tears of his friends
II it is rather slaDgy, 1t is emphatic and ex-
pressive-I advise him Ito dry up
The bill, which has passed the Assembly and
will be favorable, intended to suppress gam
bling, is as follows:
IF any person by himself or herself. servant
or other agent, shall have, keep, exercise or
maintain gaming table or room, or any house.
booth, tent, shelter, or other place for the pur.
pose OF gaming, or in any place in which he or
she may have the charge, control or manage
ment, shall procure, suffer or permit any per-
SOD or persons to play for money or other
valuable thing or things at any game whatso
ever, whether he- 2fore prohibited or not. he,
she or they so ling, shall, on conviction
pay fine mo- ing one thousand dollars
or be imprjT the county jail not less
than six E by both fine and imprison-
ment, a. elton of the court"
Som( - owners of buildings on Bay
street Il portions of Jacksonville will
taFe govern themselves accordingly
dowren is the youngest member of
,iy, or, in fact, OF the Legislature,
be. y twenty-five years. old. He was
born Decatur county, Georgia, and educated
in that State, graduating at Emory College
Oxford. He is a son Of Rev. R. H. Howren,
of the Florida Conference of the NJ. E. Church
South, and descended from long line OF
ministers of that denomination on both sides
of the family.
Just thirty days after receiving his diploma,
he was nominated by the Democrats of Ala
chua county, and his fine abilities as a public
speaker made him most valuable adjunct of
the ticket. After completing his legal studies
he proposes to locate in Alachua. His pet
bill is the one introduced by him for the pre-
vention of usury.
ored by being selected by the Few Society of
his alma mater as their annual orator at the
commencement next summer.
Mr.. Howren is an easy. graceful and fluent
speaker. having natural gift in this direction.
and with increasing years, study and expert
ence, has a fine career open to him in the fu-
ture. He may Justly be regarded as one Of the
coming men Of Florida. w. H. B.