Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-10-18
FLORIDA'S DANGER.
Republicans on a Still Hunt-The
New Constitution.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. Oct. 17.-As the
Congressional election of Nov. . ap-
proaches 1t is beginning to be actively re-
membered in this State that there are
other important questions to be decided
at the polls on that day-questions that
in lasting results and universal State in
terest are far above and paramount to the
comparative upimportant one of who
shah represent Florida in the lower house
OF Congress for the next two years.
These questions are the ratification or
rejection OF the new state constitution,
and the election of a Democratic Legisla-
ture. whose duty it Will be to elect q
United States Senator to succeed Senator
Jones, and whose term Will be for the
long one of six years.
HOSTILITY TO THE CONSTITUTION.
1t was pretty generally conceded, up to
few weeks ago, that the new constitu-
ton would be adopted, but since then an
UNEXPECTED and bitter hostility to 1t has
sprung up among the leading Republicans
in the State, most OF whom were thought
TO favor it, and they are writing, speech
making and otherwise fighting against it.
1t was known, of course, that the Demo-
Gratis OF the ''black belt' counties
mostly opposed 1t, and very natu-
rally, too, upon superficial inspection; !;
but the opposition OF so many Republi-
cans was not expected, as it certainly
gives the rank and file OF that party the
only chance they have TO get a few of the
local Offices. But il is remembered that
the frank and file" of the q. o. =. in this
state are negroes, and when it comes to
be governed by them the average
white Republican has no more use for
the "negro" than the Democrats.
NEGRO INDEPENDENCE.
Many of the more intelligent colored
men, however, do not intend 10 follow the
leadership of the old time carpet baggers
in this matter, as is evidenced by the ut
terances of one Of their journals.
The jacksonville Southern Leader, a
Republican weekly journal. edited by
colOred men, says: "Bisbee, Cheney, Con-
over, and other carpet bag rlngsters, have
agreed to vote the negroes of this State
against the new constitution, but we
shall show them that they cannot deliver
the goods. The election of Cleveland has
emancipated the colored people from these
scheming carpet baggers, and we hope
every intelligent colored man in the State
will refuse to wear their yoke again"
On the other hand it must be confessed
that 1t is being warmly fought by some OF
the Oldest and purest Democrats in the
State, and for some good reason, but
which, after long consideration and view
ing it in all its future bearings upon the
destiny OF the State ana the Democratic
party, the majority o. the Democratic
leaders are unable TO see as valid and
sufficient why it should be defeated and
the State put to the large expense OF an
other election and sitting of o0nstitu-
tiOnal convention.
DEMOCRATIC MEASURE.
IA.. 10, -.
lated this instrument. ltis Democratic
measure. A majority of the Democrats
of the State demand 1t, and it must be
adopted.
Whether it will be or not is another
question. IL is quite doubtful at this
writing, unless it's friends throw off their
lethargy and work especially for it. See
that "For the Constitution" ls on all
Democratic tickets, or enough Of them to
supply all demand. 1t must be remem-
bered that the call of the Constitutional
Convention was only carried by the small
majority OF 1877 votes. 1t may be de.
feated by larger majority.
THE sENAToRsHrP.
Again the United States Senatorship! !
10 there not danger of the Repu blicans
carrying a majority of the next Legisla-
ture through apathy or county dlssen-
sions in the Democratic ranksY 1t has
been we'll said that a political party is
always in the most danger when it thinks
itself the most secure and the election of
its candidates an assured fact. This feel
ing OF security begets letnargy and ip-
difference, which are often fatal to the
expectations OF both party and candi-
dates.
The Republicans and Independents
have candidates for the Legislature in
almost every county in the State, and If
the Democratic party Of Florida does not
look to its fences il may have the deep
modification of seeing Senator Jones suc-
ceeded in the United States Senate by a
Republican.
There is not a particle Of doubt that the
Democrats can secure large majority of
the next Legislature II they only turn out
to the polls and vote their full strength on
election day and lay aside petty personal
differences.
The Republicans, especially in the
counties, are making very active, If 81
lent, canvass. 1t is part Of their deep laid
scheme TO avoid the noise and hurrah of
an open canvass, but to go through the
bushes on still hunt and enroll, organ
re. register and prepare their vote. They
will poll their full strength, and Demo-
Gratis had better prepare TO meet IT..