The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-05-22
FLORIDA GOVERNORSHIP
THE RACE TOO CLOSE TO Make
THE WINNER EASY TO PICK.

Capt. Fleming, Of Duval, and Captain
Davis, of Putnam, Apt to be the Lead
ers at the Start-Two Views OF Ex-
Gov. Bloxham's Chances.
TALLAHASSEE, FLA, May 21.--
The political situation in Florida
Is now attracting a great
deal of attention. On May 90 the Demo-
cratic State Convention meets at st. Angus
tine to nominate candidates for Governor,
Judges of the Supreme Court, Cabinet
officers, Presidential electors and to ap-
point delegates to the national convention
to nominate candidates for President and
Vice President
1t is universally conceded that the con-
vention will declare unanimously in favor OF
Cleveland and tariff reform. More interest
Is manifested in the selection of the guber-
Material candidate than any other. There
is no leading man in the race--no man who
commands superior consideration. OF the
half-dozen mentioned, it is most probable
that DIR. Crawford, of Wakulla, Hon. X. w.
Davis, of Putnam, or Capt f. 7. Fleming,
of Duval, will receive the most votes at tue
beginning of the ballotings Perhaps Capt.
Fleming will lead on the first ballot but
when the whole situation is considered, it is
not thought that he will be successful. The
friends of DR.. Crawford and Col Davis in-
dictate determination to give them a cor
dial and constant support.
In this state of uncertainty and the alb
sence OF an aspirant who will harmonize all
interests and awaken enthusiasm, the peo-
pie in different sections of the State ara
thinking about ex-Gov. w. d. Bloxham, of
Leon aud it is safe to say il he would per-
nit the use of his name he would be nomi.
mated. Many believe that in certain con-
tingencies he will be chosen in spite of
himself. There is also IA possibility that the
present Congressman, Hon. r. II. M.
Davidson, will yield his place to Col. S. M.
Sparkman, or some other man from South
Florida, and be himself nominated for
Governor. OF course all is speculation now,
but IT can be repeated that there is no leads
ing man in the race for Governor.
All indications point to the denomination
of Chief Justice Maxwell and Associate
Justice Raney with the addition of Circuit
Judge Mitchell, Of Tampa. There ara
other aspirants, with more or less follow-
ing.
There will be free to all race for Cabi-
net positions, and it is to be hoped there
will be no disgraceful scramble for thesa
offices, and that incompetent men will not
be named TO fill them.
As SEEN FROM JACKSONVILLE.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA, May 21-Florida
political gossip is rather quiet, considering
the nearness of the State Democratic con-
vention. Either the big guns are too wary
to stir up opposition or else they feel So
sure of their position that they consider 10
time wasted for much public discussion.
But, while all is quiet on the surface the
smaller fish are working their underground
wires freely. Duvals Endorsement of Frank
p. Fleming and John f. Hartridge,
on Saturday, will have its effect
on the convention. and give these
two candidates a good "boom" The Du-
val delegation consists of experienced poll
tlcians, and they will make their influence
felt in the convention. One obstacle they
will have to overcome is that two candi-
dates are presented from one county, and
that is something that the other counties
will resist at once. Besides, this is a year
for favorite sons-Putnam, Marion, Leon,
and, in fact, there is hardly a county out of
the forty-flve but has one or more "favorita
sOnsn for each ofice--and as the offices
won't go round some must give way.
Ex-Gov BULLoCK's CANDIDACY.
While the chances Of Messrs. Fleming and
Davis are we'll spoken of for the Governors
ship, yet ex-Gov. Bullock, of Ocala, looms
up as a very formidable competitor, and
we'll posted politicians say that he is the
coming man. His canvas has been very
quietly, though none the less effectively,
made, and probably his strength is under.
estimated by many. 1t Is understood, how.
ever, that he will enter the convention with
strong backing.
ExGov. Bloxham's friends, and they are
numerous, would like to SEQ their old
war horse again In the race for the Cover
norship, but there are too many opposing
forces for this to happen. Gov. Perry has
never forgiven ex-Gov. Boxham for his an.
tagonism in the Senatorial Agbt, and while
he Gov. Perry cannot hope for a re-elec-
tion, yet his friends would knife Bloxham
quickly if the latter gained the nomination.
The Democracy is united now, in a gen.
eral way, and unless the convention breeds
some bitter dissensions is in fine condition
for victorious fight.
The Republicans are "laying low,n as it
were. waiting the result of the State con-
vention. They are organizing quietly and,
while stronger than ever this year. yet they
fully realize the folly of flghtunless great
dissensions occur in the Democratic ranks
a f.nnfi not likalv accur