West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1884-12-17
WEST VIRGINIA FREEMAN
OUR FLORIDA LETTERS.
Our Correspondent sums up the Gist
Of Has Observations ia the
"Land of Fto,oers."

DEAR FREEMAN FLORIDA" is
fast becoming a household word in
all Of 5u. Northern homes, ard ev-
cry item of intelligence regard
ing he- political and financial stat
US is greedily scanned by these con-
templating a visit or settlement
there. To those desiring informa-
ton POLITICALLY of the State, I beg
leave to give my impressions,
formed from contact with the peo-
pie there, of all parties. While
many Northern people may think
that the average Southerner or
Floridisn has nothing to do or
cares for nothing but to follow
politics." a short visit there will
speedily disabuse his mind of such
erroneous ideas. Going there at a
time when one would have
thought the whole State might be
in turmoil of excitement, / was
surprised to find an absence of con-
Germ, apparently, as to which way
the contest terminated, SO that
they had peace and suietude Sc
cured unto them as a people and
State. There is no gainsaying the
fact that the dominant party in
Florida is composed of the intelli-
gent, respectable and law-abiding
portion Of the people, and this is
true not only as regards the pre-
objections of the older settlers and
natives, but the fact is notorious
and was very frequently remarked
in different parts of the State by
those who were addressed on the
subject, that almost every new cit
izen Of the opposite party, from any
section, votes with and affiliates
with the majority after a years
residence, intercourse and acquain-
lance with the people, and an as
certainment of the demands Of the
State and the requirements for
peaceful and profitable sojourn.
These circumstances will continue
to predominant, only more so, and
the situation remain unchanged.
So much, then, briefly, as to the
political.
Financially, Florida is in first
class, A No. l condition. From a
state bordering on bankruptcy fol-
lowing the trying times succeed
ing the war, she has risen to the
foremost rank in the commercial
reports and monetary markets.
She has no debts, her bonds and
credit are above par, her taxes are
merely nominal, and the conduct
of her State and municipal affairs
seems to be characterized by homes
ty and frugality in all departments.
Her material resources are under
going wonderfully rapid develop
men,, and with the above favora-
BILE condition, proves that
FLORIDA AS A PERMANENT HOME
is PORT that will be considered
and acted upon favorsbly after
a while bya great many who now
feel fearful that at some seasons
and under some circumstances,
life would be unbearable there.
Florida offers home to all wor-
thy people, high and low, rich and
poor, sick and well. The industri-
Gus worker and idle pleasure-seek-
.er, alike, find room here for the
cultivation and exercise of their
respective avocations.
But to certain classes this coun-
try holds out special inducements
to make themselves permanent
homes here. These classes are the
invalids, poor men with families,
young men without families and
capitalists. Thousands of lives
might be saved every year by a
seasonable removal to this mild,
balmy climate. But care must be
taken in selecting a location for
permanent residence that is free as
far as may be from the very preva-
lent chills and fever. This prin-
cipal ailment, which is peculiar |
to all new, unsettled countries, I |
believe, can be avoided, if not en-