The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-05-03
FLORIDA FINDS A LEADER.
THONG AND VIGOROUS DEMOCRAT
WAS IN DEMAND.

~
dicate That He Has Been Found in
the Person of Senator TaIiaferrO.
Democrats From All Parts of the
state Were Assembled at the Din
ner Given Him at the Leon-GOv.
BIoxham's Career.
Tallahassee, Fla, May Am elaborate
4 h,nouet and reception was rendered to
Il rho newly elected United States senator
from Florida, Hon. James P. Talaferro,
q ot the Leon Hotel, in this city tonight
4 There were two committees in charge of
the function, one composed of prominent
members of the legislature. and the other
of leading citizens of Tallahassee. Prim-
srilv. of course, 1t was intended to do
honor TO Senator Taliaferro, and the eulo-
gies of himself which he heard and the
distinguished attention which he received
must indeed have been highly gratifying
TO him.
To the student of current Florida politi-
cal history and to the critical onlooker
AZ This evenings entertainment, however.
4 the event had another and more far-reach-
d ing significance 1t was painfully evident
thai numerous politicians who have not
hitherto traiped with the senator were
using the okcasi&n as an excellent OPP
portunity 70 jump into the Taljaferro
band wagon.
4 Mr.. Taliaferro has been strong man
4 in the business world, and now that he
has been sent TO the United States Sen
q ate il is believed by deserving men that
no hon nar,flH
in Florida politics. Men who aspire to
4 reach high public station from the arena
of which Senator Taliaferro is now regard
81 Cd as one of the masters, feel the neces-
B sity of getting close to him, and these
II men were here tonight in force.
We're Many Originals.
The original Taliaferro man showed up
81 in legions. The senator must feel amazed
u that he was not sent to Washington a
dozen years ago. A stranger TO Florida
g politics would be forced to the conclusion
N that the senator never had any political
"a enemies or opponents.
Speaking of love feasts this was love
a feast all wool and a yard wide. Men
II who only two short weeks ago placed
II themselves on record as voting and work
ing with all their might against ITALIA
81 ferro We're tonight in the front rank
of those who greeted and lauded him.
Candidates for the Governorship and for
II some of the cabinet offices which are to
be filled next year, fell over themselves
Il in their efforts to appear most devoted
to the new senator.
Ii this extravagant and jubilant demon
stration means genuine harmony in the
ranks of Florida's Democracy, it is a
cause for great rejoicing by the people of
n The state. Until there is a revolution in
existing conditions, Democracy will be
the ruling party in Florida and factional
Il strife is about the only thing that can
stand in the way of good government |
II For some years the party has been kept in
II reasonably harmonious shape by having
& it rally around Mr.. Bloxham, now Gov
b ernor, and the influences which center in
III and radate from him.
BlOxham Near the End.
III Gov Bloxham, however, has about ex-
~ hausted all the high offices which would
81 be available for him. He has been sue
B cessively secretary of state, Governor,
81 United States surveyor general, controller |
ri and Governor again. Although he is not |
an old man. he can no longer be termed |
a young one. and he really wants to retire |
from public life.
His name has often been mentioned for |
the United States Senate but it can be |
"a sad knowingly and authoritatively that |
Isl Gov BloXham is positively averse to GO
ing TO Congress. He and Mrs. Bloxham |
s# share strong fear that one winter in |
N Washington would prove fatal to him. |
q me fact Is even in this Florida climate, |
there are many days which he considers |
s# 100 raw for him to venture out of his |
E# mouse. So susceptible is he to colds and |
throat affections that during the winter |
months the number and thickness of his |
3# "rapplngs are subjects of mirthful com |
,neht by those who are thrown most with |
81 him.
81 Needed Strong Man.
Inc Democratic party of Florida. there |
lore needs a vigorous, active man for a |
heaa' VINO can hold the entire confidence |
VI the people, as Bloxham has done for |
Quarter OF century and the politicians |
S. seem agreed that such a man has been
III found in Senator James p. Taliaferro. He |
comparatively young, brany, popular
anu aNahable for anything that may turn
P' ne mas never before held political |
oillce' hence has no political enemies
"prlh mentioning. He has made a decId
success OF his private business which |
sans Tor him the confidence of the peo-
'nat ne can wisely manage their pub
dHars' The people of Florida want
~ Ni1tdtor IN the dominant party, but a
man equipped as Mr.. Taliaferro is. and
uilouhded by the conditions outlined
80 necessarily be regarded as a power /
Mnoh ambitious politicians cannot afford
&c disregard. "Al0iu
nd - mere remained any doubt that the
nd" party of Florida has found
ne" chieftain in Senator TalIaferro, that
=. was removed to-day and tonight
IS .t wonderful manner Ia which poIiti-
sb tons OF high and low degree, of every
.'aoe OF Democrat tic faith, flocked here
"A lay pay their respects and declare their al
9'""'e 10 the Jacksonville man,