Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-10-04
POLITICS IN FLORIDA.
The Independent Movement.
Correspondence of THE EVENING STAR.

Correspondence of THE EVENING STAR
TALLAHASSEE, September 90, 1854.
The last two months have wrought remark
able change in the politics Of Florida. Before
any of the regular conventions met the political
horizon Indicated very breezy If not a very
doubtful campaign. Discussions and divisions
within itself threatened to break up the demo-
cratic party while politicians Of all other shades
seemed to be intent on forming coalition strong
enough to drive them out and keep them fro IN
power. The Pensacola convention, seeing the
danger ahead, buried all differences dropped all
their old leaders, and looked out for a new man
who would be acceptable to the party at LARGE
Such candidate for governor they found in
Gen. h. 4. Perry. Gen. Perry had many points
IN his favor which commended him to his party
He was an able lawyer. one Of the most promi-
nent members of the Florida bar. Of nnimpeach-
able private character and, though northern
born, performed signal service for 1.-The lost
cause" during the late unpleasantness." Al
though he was long and favorably known
throughout the state he had never taken part
In public affairs, and consequently had made no
political enemies. Moreover he was resident
OF western Florida. the section entitled to the
governor. All these things not only united the
party, but bound it to Perry, so that aided by
all the democratic politicians he has been able
TO carry on an enthusiastic campaign. The
record of the democratic party during the nres-
ent administration of Gov. BioXham and du-
ring that of his predecessor. ex-GOv. Drew. has
neen very good, and acceptable TO the people
generally; the state has prospered as She
never prospered before, her railroads have been
doubled, her taxes reduced from 1917 to mills.
her school funds greatly increased while no
frauds, thefts or embeZz!ements have been dis
closed. All this has greatly assisted Gen. Perry
While the democrats have had smooth sailjnp
it has been almost the reverse with the renub
means. In the first place they brought out no
regular ticket OF their own, but at their con-
yention held in Tallahassee. July 26th. endorsed
Pope and Greeley for governor and lieutenant
governor, Candidates brought out by the indie
pendehts, new organization. without any
very marked principles. and made up mostly OF
disappointed men. This coalition thourh
almost unanimously endorsed by the conyen-
tion was opposed by a few of the Oldest and
ablest Of the republican leaders. These took
the ground that the old republican party would
lower itself in the estimation Of the state and
nation Should it seek utilization with such an
insignificant organization as that OF the indie
pendent movement. These leaders have either
MS friends ever since. To add to the dis
comhture Of the republicans the character
OF their adopted standard bearer Z. w. Pope
does not stand the close scrutiny of his oppo-
nent, Gen. Perry. He is an able lawyer and an
excellent speaker, but he appears to have sown
an unusually large crop Of wild oats when boy.
Since their nomination both candidates have
been actively at work-have spoken in all parts
OF the state, but apparently with very different
results. Perry still speaks to large audiences:
that at Jacksonville held few days ago, was
one Of the largest and most enthusiastic politi-
cal gatherings ever held in the state. Mr..
Pope failed to draw as he did two months ago.
his audiences have dwindled away so much of
late that he has been compelled to challenge
Gen. Perry for joint discussion during the re-
mainder of the campaign. Unless the coalition
ticket throws new life and enthusiasm into
the canvass 1t win inevitably suffer defeat in the
coming November.