The Florida star. (Titusville, Fla.) 1880-1917, 1900-06-22
EXPLANATORY.
Letter From Dr. w. L. HughIett. Of Cocoa,
Florida.

ElOrtdas
Editor of The Florida Star:
Please allow me space in your valuable
columns for an explanation.
i am reliably informed that my politi-
cal enemies, fearing that l might in some
way be brought into public notice, are
industriously circulating a report that |
am not true Democrat, but Prohibition
1T, having once tried, and scheming at
this time, TO disrupt the Democratic party.
AS there are a number of citizens
strangers on the east coast who know
nothing of the past history of our section,
or our public men, submit, for their infor-
nation and in justice TO myself, the fol-
lowing statement:
Some ten or twelve years ago the coun-
ty of Brevard voted dry by a majority of
three TO one. Ii was then Differed by
tried Democrats, tine same as now. IL
was q we'll known fact that the law
against the sale of liquors was not en-
forced in Titusville. When law abiding
citizens ventured to criticise the admin
istratIon for not enforcing the law they
were either insulted as kickers, or inform
ed that the law could not be enforced
1t happened about this time | had to go
TO Titusville to keep an unfortunate
friend out of trouble, he being under ar
rest for being drunk and disorderly."
| stood in the mayors court and saw him
robbed of a fine of nearly twenty dollars
for being drunk on whiskey sold to him
in open violation of the law
then and there said to some of those
good people present that whether or not
a public protest against such wrong as
that would do any good, that | would
certainl.y be found protesting.
Accordingly | straightway supported
and voted Democratic Prohibition tick
ct, not for the purpose of disrupting the
Democratic party, but as protest against
lawlessness and for the purpose of aiding
II lawful civil government in carrying out
the will of three-fourths of our people.
This is the only time have ever voted
any but a straight Democratic ticket. If
this action entities me TO wear the brand
of trditor then I'll wear it. have no
apologies to make. Some Of our leading
Democrats have been Republicans; il
was proper for them to repent Gin sack
cloth and ashes"
Born and reared to young manhood in
Old Virginia, in the very cradle of De
mocracy, | can be nothing but Demo-
crat; but am not Democrat for Off e
do not need an office at this time. Pm
a Democrat from principles. | believe
in the rule of the people, and that power
should 60 up from them and not come
down from distant and secret co"clayes.
IL the present local option law suits the
majority Of our people it can stand. My
position in regard to the sale and use of
spurious liquors is my own personal
affair have never taken drink of
alcoholic beverage, and, as such, never
expect TO. | cannot afford To have my
brain added nor my purse drained in
that way; others may DO Is they choose,
but for myself know that | am right.
| advocate the greatest individual lib
erty within lawful bounds. This is free
country, and hope TO be able To- help
keep il so.
Ii We would command the respect and
confidence of those who bear the burden
ri government, let H. see L. it that thoS,
We propose Ia elevate To Positions Ot
public trust ami responsibility are tit and
capable IL well a. good Democrats.
Very respectfully,
W. l.. IlUdLErr.
| Cocoa, Fla, June 10Th, lHOO.