davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16
Hts Fatal Error.

Here is where the Times Union makes its fatal
error in calculating the vote on the Convention
Question. Ii employs the ordinary method for
acertaining majorities, when two candidates
run tor an Office in computing the majority for
Convention. The two cases are as distinctiyelv
different as is light from darkness When two
candidates are up for the same Office, the law
on'y provides that one of them, in order to Be
declared elected, must have majority over ths
other. In this case the successful candidates M
jorty is exactly what his vote is in excess Of that
of his opponent As regards the Convention
question, the Constitution explicitly providH
that a majority of the electors voting at such
election shall be necessary to decide the question
in the affirmative. The Constitution further ex.
plichly provides that, in determining said ms
jorty, reference shall be had to the highest vote
cast for the candidates for any Office. etc. The
highest vote is 60,O14. As one-half of no whole
number Can be a majority of said whoh
number. of course 30007, one-half of 60,014, b
moi a majority of 60,014. Therefore, we sub
stract the negative vote in this case, 30,007, e.
tablished by the Constitution, from the afarma-
majority of 1877 for Convention.
To illustrate this still further, we will take
the vote for Congressman in the First District,
at lac late election. The total vote was 26,5l6,
emitting one scattering vote, of which Davidson
received 1859 and Locke II ,899. Deduct II 500
from l4,619. just as the law prescribes, and we
get as Davidsen's majority 1870. If it was
necessary for one of them to get majority Of
the total vote, 2651s, of course half of the total
vote (13259) would stand as an arbitrary num-
ber-the Negative r0te-for the successful can
dida,c to overcome before he could possibly have
a majority and be declared elected, and this at-
and the only method-for arriving at the ms
joriiy for Convention. If this same rule was ap
plcable to the contest for Congressman, David
sons majority would be exactly what his vsteh
in excess of tile arbitrary number of 1852
1860, instead OF what the law now makes It.
2,720. AS the law and the Constitution pre-
scribes that they shall, Mr.. Davidson's majority
begins to accumulate when his vote exceeds that
of his opponent and his majority is exactly the
excess oil his vote over that of Mr.. Locke; on
the other hand, the majority for Convention BE-
gins IL accumulate when the affirmative vote
exceeds the constitutional negative vote, Soeo7,
one-halI of the highest vote; therefore the con-
stitutional majority for Convention is exactly
the excess of the affirmative vote over said con-
situtional negative vote, 1877.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16
cAssasssuA Nsws ~ cousEl
To Centennial ~ M6tho1lsu.

CAaEisssuA Nsws ~ coasEl
The Centsnnanl ~ M6the1ism.
One of the most important ecolesiasti-
cal events of the year win be the Ccnten-
NAL Conference of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, which will meet At Balti-
more, Maryland, this evening. The Con-
ference has been called to celebrate the
one hundredth anniversary of the organi-
zatiou of the Methodist Church in Ameri-
ca in 1884 It will be composed of rep
resentatives of the Northern and Southern
branches of the Church, together with the
African Methodists of all shades of opin-
ion, and most of the other separate
Methodist bodies in this country and
Canada The Conference will continue
in session for a week, and will be attend
ed by not less than FIVE hundred dele
gates 1t is computed that these dele
gates will represent about four millions
of members belonging to the several
branches Of the Methodist family, estima
ted as q community of twenty millions of
persons. The Conference will be
deliberative, not a legislative body.
Questions of Church government are not
to be considered, but there will be full
discussions of doctrinal points, and essays
will be read by many of the ablest men
in the denomination on special themes
connected with the history, the progress
and the future work of the Church.
Methodism was founded at Oxford,
England, in 1929 by John and Charles
Wesley, who drew around them few
persons, and thus started the new move
ment. 1t spread rapidly, through the
vigorous and eloquent preaching of John
Wesley, through all parts of England.
In 1876 the tenets of Methodism were in
PRODUCED for the first time in this country
by John Wesley in person, during the
two years he resided in Georgia as a mis-
sionary of the Propagation Society. The
growth of the denomination in this coun-
try has been phenomenal, the official tables
showing the numerical strength of the
different branches of the Church as fol-
lows: Methodist Episcopal Tor Northern
Methodist) Church, l,799,593 members !;
NJ. E. Church South, 1914, 1872; African
Methodist, 39l,O 44; African Methodist
Zion, 900; Colored Methodist Episco-
pal, $500; Primitive Methodist, 3,7l6,
and Independent Methodist, 5,ooo-mak
ing total of Methodists who recognize
Episcopacy, 3,7ls,2ss. Counting the
separate organizations which are offshoots,
Immediately or remotely, from the tree
planted by John Wesley in American soil
a hundred years ago. and the Methodist
Church in America to-day numbers 4, So,
456 members.
The mere celebration of the establish
ment of so powerful an organization
would be a noteworthy event but the
| importance of the Conference i'll Balti-
more can only be measured by its effect
upon the future work of the Church. For
the first time in forty years the represen-
tatives of the Northern and Southern
branches of the denomination will meet,
and it is expected that the deliberations
of the Conference will have powerful
effect in unifying the various Methodist
bodies, and increasing their effectiveness
through more harmonious organization.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16
TO THE LADIES' OF FLORIDA.
CIrcular letter No. N from Com.
s,aissl0aer Sebrlnx ON Exposition
Matters.
NEW ORLEANS. December s.

NEW ORLEANS, December B.
Mrs. Ellen Call Long, of Tallahassee, and Miss
Lulu V. Harris, of SANFORD, Fla, have been ap-
pointed by Governor Bloxham and myself, and
by the Board Of Management Of the Worlds Ex-
position, as Commissioners for Florida for the
WOman's Department, and they are charged
with the getting up and management OF the ex-
hibit after 1t reaches New Orleans
have secured special space for Florida in the
government building with the other States,
where the women's work Of The United States
will be exhibited, and Il il to be hoped that the
ladies Of Florida will do themselves honor. l
have asked for an extension of time 60 that our
ladies could make a better exhibit, and the Man
agement haye given your lady Commissioners
until the 10th OF January, 1885, 10 get your ex-
hibiis here. Collect them ct convenient points
us Mrs. Long and Miss Harris may suggest; try
and have them all come together. The county
organizations Of the Ladies' Department will re-
pert to Mrs. Long and to Miss Harris as they may
In future direct they will try TO serve and pro-
mote the best interest Of the various sections of
the State. When you ship mark your boxes
" E A. Burke, Director General Worlds Expo
sition Grounds, Government Building; w. H.
Sebring, Florida Commissioner, New Orleans,
La" The railroads will bring and return the
exhibits free, - It h part Of our State exhibit.
] sincerely hope that the exhibit made by the
Florida ladies viii excel that Of any other State.
am, very respectfully,
e Florida CommissI0nsr.
Stale papers do not I'll 70 copy.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16

"A light frost was visible here on the morn
ing of last Wednesday the Ord inst, the first of
The season. Thin ice also formed in exposed
situations. For the benefit of our East and
Middle Florida exchanges We will state that,
from most reliable information received, we
learn that on the same morning the citizen of
Tallahassee, Pensacola, Lake City and Gaines
Vile were going about in their shirt sleeves per-
spring protusely and hunting for cool place
Ice and palm Leaf fans were in immense de
mand. They found time however, between
their gasps for breath, 10 express sympathy and
commisera,ion for the UNHAPPY denizens of South
Florida suffering so intensely from the opposite
extreme Of emperature.-1ampa Tribune.
1t was not so warm in Tallahassee on
the Sd as our esteemed contemporary
supposes, but it was not cold. The mer
curry at noon marked fifty eight degrees,
and at sunrise forty-6ve-or thirteen de-
grees above freezing point, and this is
the lowest point recorded this winter, or
fall. Bananas are untouched by frost, as
also tomatoes and other tender plants.
Among the natural blessings Of Leon
county is its delightfully."- mild climate,
with an equability of temperature which
may not be surpassed in America.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16

1T did not take long to dispose of the usual
bill to limit the rate of money TO I per cent.
The Legislature voted it down on Thursday.
One member, it is said, wanted TO introduce a
bill to establish Democratic rate of interest"
without defining his idea of Democracy in rela-
ton to the price of money.-ChGreston Aers
and Courier 18Th.
1t is safe to presume that the member
is performer somewhat of that cheap
sort to whom the Atlanta Constitution
refers when it Gays performers are be-
coming a nuisance. An English states
man once said that patriotism was the
last refuge of scoundrels, and in these
DAYS it can be said that reform is the last
dodge of the crank and the vagrant, and
cites the Socialistic Performers who in
the North and West are stirring up the
populace by preaching the equal distribu-
ton Of property, etc. But reform and
patriotism are good words all the same
however they may be misused, and no mat
ter what scoundrels or fools they may
cloak. There be many "reformers "
everywhere nowadays of the foolish, or
the thoughtless sort-some so simple that
they consider almost any change OF law
or usage to be improvement.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16

We are pleased to know that the pub
LEGATION of the Apalachicola Tribune will
be continued, .he office having been
bought of Mr.. H. w. Johnston by Messrs.
w. r. Orman, NJ. II. Alexander and J. f.
Grady The names of these prominent
gentlemen as editors and proprietors is
guaranty to the community of an able
and useful journal-politically sound aud
materially and socially beneficial We
extract from their salutatory article:
In view of said change of ownership
it is deemed proper 10 announce to the public
the course which the paper will take, and the
principles which shall guide and govern and
give direction to its best efforts in the future.
We have simply bought out the paper To keep
up its publication, in the interest and for the
continued effort to benefit this section and COM
munity Looking to this end, the Tribune now
addresses itself To those who 80 generously pat
ronized il ia the past and 10 the many more
whom it hopes tO induce to become its SUBJ
scribers and supporters by virtue OF its increased
worth as medium and vehicle Of the news of
the day, and OF its strenuous efforts in behalf of
the interests Of our county, rs well as the
qualified position that II will assume in political
matters Believing that government is best sub
served by intelligence dominating over iguo.
rance and knowing that the contrast In this
respect is as marked rs day from night, as be-
tween the democratic and republican parties in
Florida, the Tribune will continue It's advocacy
and support of that great organization, the
democratic party, which by sheer force Of Its
indestruclibe vitality, based upon the broad
foundation OF popular rights has withsteod for
nearly u century every other antagonistic politi-
cal organization. Sustaining continued defeat
for twenty -four years In national elections, has
shown solid front TO all opposition until 10 the
last great contest II has scored u triumph and
achieved q glorious and, we trust, lasting vic
tory. The Tribune will advocate the most lib
eral appropriation for educational purposes
knowing that the children OF 10 day are those
who will ere long arrive at msnh0od's estate.
and take our places in shaping the destinies OF
our proudly advancing commonwealth
We adhere to the policy inaugurated by the
democracy on coming In power 10 this State 10
1877, of broad and liberal system Of free schools
for both white and black children, believing
that education ID the best safeguard that can be
thrown arsund and about our form OF govern
ment-ihe best bower anchor that can be cast TO
the windward 70 hold with safety the ship OF
Stale. We are In sympathy With thai true
Democratic doctrine q ~ IiFgest liberty Of the
individual compAtibie with god government.
md advocate The peElsct eguallty a az men BE-
fore the 1nWs z 81 a
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16
Am Acquired Citizen OF the Right
Sort.

The able delegation elected to the
Legislature from Gadsden includes Hon.
A. w. Snider, one of the most public
spirited, prosperous and "large-hearted :"
citizens of that county. After the cleo
ton he published the subjoined card in
the Quincy Herald, our copy of which
was mislaid, but it is not yet too late to
extend the circulation of the writer's ex-
perience as Northern settler in Florida:
From the Quincy Herald, Nov 49,
A Card.
To the Voters and Citizens of GGdsden County:
desire to tender you my sincere thanks for
the very hattering vote received al your hands
on the 4th inst, for member of the Assembly.
1t is but six years since left my native home
in the great Northwest, cast in my lot with you,
and became citizen of this beautiful, growing
and prosperous State. Although l did not
come here as a politician or to seek political
honors, or positions, yet upon recognizing the
political situation, felt it to be my duty even
rs a new citizen, 10 lend all the aid within my
power, humble though it might be, to the sup
port and perpetuation OF sound constitutional
and economical government
Having from my early manhood been an &C
tive Democrat, very naturally fell into line
with my newly found political friends and al
lies of Gadsden. 1t is said and believed by
many in the North, that the people of the South
are inclined to doubt and taboo all northern
men who come among them. Such has not
BEEN by any means, nay observation or expert
ence; but on the otler hand can testify that
have never lived among q more kind, noble
hearted and generous people. l came here q
perfect stranger without friend or even an &C
quaintance, and l have never met with aught
but the kindest and most considerable treatment
by all with whom came in contact. True,
came as citizen, 10 cast in my lot for veal or
Tor woe with the people and to aid them TO the
extent of my humble ability in building up the
waste places, and thereby if practicable, better
my own condition.
l did not come as an Office seeker, nor have
ever by word or act, asked for effice or political
preerment, and yet for the last four years
hive held one of the most important Offices in
the county and, on the 4th inst, was elected to
represent in part the people Of the county in the
next General Assembly. by fatlerIng vote.
For this manifestation Of confidence and good
will on the part Of the people oil Gadsden, am at
loss for proper language to express my graft
tude l can only thank them and humby i'm
plore the Great Am, who rules in the hearts of
men, TO guide and direct all my acts, that the no.
BILE and generous hearted people Of Gadsden
county will never have good cause to regret
having placed such unlimited confidence in their
humble servant. A. w. SNYDER.
Quincy, Fla, Nov. 18th, 1884.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16

- OonsGasne1omal Oo0von91on.
Ths oGls;al declaraiion Of the vote hav-
ing detsrmined that the people elect that
Tiers shall b Conversion for the par-
pase Of revising the Constitution which
u now of force, the subject is become
matter of Interesting discussion in the
newspapers. Important points are raised,
among them the manner in which the
Convention shall be constituted in its
membership 90 that the Democrats in
Republican counties shall have due rep
resentation. 1t is suggested that this es-
sential object be attained by voting
throughout the State for representatives
from such counties as "delegates-at-
large"-not for all the delegates from
such counties to Convention, but one from
each; and again, that he Convention
Immediately on assembling shall elect
them to itself as additional members. II
it be decided that this is proper way of
constituting popular representation it
will be an apparently sure way of secu-
ring the services in the Convention of
certain able men who should be of it.
The Jacksonville Times Union suggests
the latter method, and that the number
of delegates so elected be ten. We think
this number too small to be fixed as a
limit, as it would exclude some men
whose ability would be invaluable in the
deliberations of the Convention-which,
it is provided, shall consist of number
not less than both branches of the Legis-
lature," and therefore may consist Of
more. And there is yet another plan to
secure to all the counties Democratic rep
resentation, and that is for the people to
vote for one member from each senatori-
al district as delegate-at-large.
Question has arisen as to whether the
Constitution as revised by the Conven-
ton shall be submitted for ratification by
the people, inasmuch as the section of the
present Constitution providing for such
be submitted is sustained by common
sense, by general usage, by the weight OF
precedent and by decisions Of high judi
cial authorities. The present Constitu-
ton was ratified, and also the amendments
made by successive Legislatures The
Fernandina Mirror has a strong article
upon the question, from which we quote
the following paragraph:
The practice may be said to be universal to
submit all revisiOns of the Constitution To the
popular verdict, whether prepared by Conven-
ton or passed by the Legislature. The preamble
of the Constitution always begins with We
the people of the State of -" This
indicates that it is the act of the people IN
their sovereign capacity, and not the act Of
We, the Csnuention. Any Constitution not sane
toned and ratified by the popular vote would be-
subject TO criticism and revolt, and it would be
an unsafe precedent to try to place in operation
such Constitution. We think the submission
of the amended Constitution to the people is i'm.
piled and will be expected.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16


One of our exchanges suggests that the pro-
prietors of the FLoRIDIAN make the experiment
of issuing daily paper, and say that Tallahas-
see is the only capital in the union which has
no daily.
The FLoRIDIAN is one of the ablest Journals
in Florida and has large circulation outside OF
the state, and we would be pleased To see ii
bloom out into an attractive daily. Tallahassee
should be able to support one good daily when
jacksonville Can afford three, one OF which com
pares favOrably with any in the land. We hope
our brothers OF the FLoRIDIAN will take these
suggestions to heart and devise some means by
which this desirable project may he pat into
successful speraton.- WestcMe Pioneer.
The Pioneer. OF Holmes county, says that
the Tallahassee FLoRIDIAN has the largest cir
culaton in and out OF the State, and i, would be
pleased tn see il thrown into daily. The Pr
lakta Herald will always be ready 10 add its
need of praise Ia this honored journal and trust
that its shadow may never grow less. Is 1t this
matter of daily in Tallahassee at this period is
q question which the able proprietors of the
FLoRIDIAN can best decide. 1t might do during
the session OF the Legislature. -Pdhdtkd Herald
We very heartily thank our contempt
raries for their expressions of good will
and ask them if it would be wise to risk
the forfeiture of their valued approval by
the substitution of small daily for the
present weekly? Large dailies are read
in Tallahassee on the day of their publ
cation, and to fully compete with them
we should have to take the press dis
patches, at a cost which the business of
daily here would not begin to justify.
Small dailies may be pleasant institutions
for the people of the communities where
they exist, but those who publish them
will doubtless agree with us that the
remuneration is in no proporti N to the
labor involved. There is generally more
wear and tear Of soul and body involved
in the publication of an sxlo daily than
in the production of the New York
Ha~uZH
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-12-16
Railroad Men Again In Conference.

This morning a number of the managers Of
the Florida railroads held a private business
meeting at the Duval Hotel, among whom was
recognized Major S. Conant, of the Florida
Southern; Col. W. D Chipley, of the Pensacola
and Atlantic; Maj IT r. Mclaughlin, of the 81
Johns; Col d. E. Maxwell, of the Florida NavI
!. vile, Tampa and Key West. The reporter was
informed that the object of the meeting was .
consider various matters connected with raii-
reads in this State and to discuss the freign,
tariff adopted by the General Freight Agense
Convention in this city on Wednesday.
The Florida Freight Agents were in session
yesterday afternoon and this morning, arranging
freight matters to conform with those OF con
Meeting roads and for local purposes Thsy
adjourned at Q p. n. sine de.
II Several other railroad matters ofimportancs
will b. made public in day or two.-JacSo"'
4ilLs Herald 1871