Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-07-16
FLoRIDA's PROGRESS.
A Talk With the GOvernOr-New Settlers
Heartily Welcomed
FROM tAe Nel0 Yort Tribune, Ju7v IS.


From the NelO York Tribune, .yu7y IS.
Gov. f, A. Perry, of Florida, is a large
man, with massive and well-shaped
head, on which there is a shock of black
hair and heavy black beard. He was
called here on Friday by the illness of his
wife, who has been visiting friends in
New York. In conversation the Governor
is atfable and agreeable, and apparently
desires TO give all the information posi-
bic about Florida, whose prospects he re-
CARDS as highly hattering.
1.-The Democrats of Florida" SAYS the
Governor, "are well satisfied with the adj
mlnlstratlon. Only few appointments
have been made in our State. New Col
lectors at Key West. Cedar Keys, and
Pensacola are the principal ones. There
have been very few removals, but bear
no complaint from any quarter. The
Democrats are more closely united than
for long time. We had local division
for some time over the calling of the con-
stltutlonal convention, but il was at length
called and is now in session. There was
a large majority of the party in favor Of
the convention and an active minority
opposed"
Nv hat is the principal subject engross-
ing the attention OF the cOnvention?V
was called was to substitute election of
officers by the people for appointment by
the Governor Under the present consti-
tuition the Governor appoints everything
but legislators and cOnstables-coun
officers, judges, justices, everything.
Florida is an anomaly in this respect. 1t
is the only State in the Union where such
law prevails. 1t was made operative IN
1868, emanating from a Republican recon-
Il
to counteract somewhat the voting OF en-
hanchised freedmen. 1t has served
measurably good purpose. Ii was
strange thing that in the reconstruction
period such restriction of the power Of
the people should have been made funda-
mental in the law. The large masses at that
time in Florida were ignorant colored
people, and there is no installing the pur-
pose of the law. Our leading people
have come to believe that they can trust
the masses with political power. and
are pressing for the removal Of the restric-
tlon.'
Glow about your Republican oppo-
nent?"
"The Republican organization was
much divided in the last State campaign.
For State officers they ran an independent
ticket, made up of a Republican and a
former Democrat. Many Republicans
national ticket they We're united. / don't
think the lines between the parties are as
distinct and well defined in our State as
elsewhere. We have great many Re-
publicans who vote steadily with Demo-
Gratis on State issues. We have large
emigration from the North, but it is coun-
terbalanced by the emigration from the
South, and both Democrats and Republic
cans in the State are generally liberal and
conservative. There are exceptions, of
course, but the general disposition ia to
avoid radicalism ia any direction. 1t is
the aim of the best people in the State to
get Democrats and Republicans to work
together in the development Of the State
and the promotion of its wealth. We
don't inquire into mans politics when
he comes among us, or where he was born.
This brings about a gratifying absence of
political bitterness, and whatever may
have existed in the past has subsidized"
"What is the business prospect in
Florida?"
The State is growing In prosperity
more than any other State in the Union,
not excepting even Texas. We get bet
ter class of people than Texas for our
newcomers. The best class OF citizens
from the North and South come to u.s.
We are getting a goodN class from Eng
land, who make good citizens. Our debt
is small and taxes comparatively low.
The debt has been reduced from 81 800. 00O
to 81 200, 900. Our bonds are now worth
100, and would be taken up gradually if
we could get hold Of them at anything
like fair price. The debt gives us no
trouble. The large part of it is held by
the State educational fund trustees, for
whom the bonds are good Investment"