The Weekly Tallahasseean., 1902-01-31
A GREAT LOSS

In the death of DR.. John L. Craw-
ford, which occurred about three hours
before We went to press last week, the
State lost one of her noblest citizens.
He was truly gentleman of the old
school, a type that is rapidly passing
into history, and of him it may be
truthfully said, the world is better that
he lived in it and emblazoned the way
of an exemplary citizen.
DR.. Crawford's character was as firm
as Gibraltar, yet his manner was as
mild as that of the most timid child.
once convinced that he was right, no
power on earth could change him nor
divert him from the plain path of duty.
These characteristics were so palpable
in every action of his everyday life that
mis- bitterest political enemies Che had
no others) could but admire him, and
though many longing eyes were turned
to his position as Secretary of State,
none ever dared oppose him before the
people.
1t may be truthfully said, too, that
while almost lifelong public official,
ne was a firm believer in the princi-
pie that the Office should seek the man
and not the man seek the Office" He,
therefore, never went to conventions
and pOlitical gatherings seeking pre-
ferment, nor sent his friends there in
his behalf. His selection as represen-
tative from sWakulla, Senator from
Wakulla, FganAlin and Liberty, and
his subsequent appointment as Secre-
tary of State all came without solicita-
ton. In fact, for the latter he was an
earnest advocate of another man.
Once, when the people of the State
were clamOrous to make him their chief
executive, he sent his son to the State
convention at st. Augustine with posi-
tive instructions not to allow it. The
writer, wnO was raised in the Doctors
home county and had known and loved
him from childhood, demonstrated with
him the morning the convention met
He was appreciative of the honor, but
could not be persuaded to change his
mind and hung around the telegraph
Office, occasionally repeating to his son
his determination not to allow his
name used.
The writer pressed him for the rea-
son of all this. At first he would not
say, but finally he turned around in
his chair and with gesticulations- and
much emphasis said: One goes into
the executive Office the best man on
earth, in the estimation of his con-
stituents, but their interests are sc
varied, their ideas of right so different
that by the time his term expires he
is in their opinion the grandest rascal
on earth. That is reason enough, but
nave OIu6TS.
He was so heedful of his obligations
to his constituents that he went to his
Office before breakfast as long as his
health would permit him, and remained
until sundOwn, regardless of what time
others opened or closed their offices
and was never tco busy to welcome
with his inimitable cordiality the
humblest citizen as well as the highes
official in the land.
He never affiliated with the church
until he was well along in years-ir
fact, considered an old man-yet ht
was so mindful of the wisdom of the
Creator and his doing that he never
complained of "bad weather" He USED
to declare the days were good and bet
ter in reply to a friends salutatior
and comment on ''bad weather" WheI
he did join the Methodist Church it wa:
to lead an exemplary life in every par
ticular.
the doctor served Florida longer il
an official capacity than any other man
And while he had none of the persona
magnetism that has made some of his
conferrees famous-nothing but his rug
ged honestly, faithfulness and capabil
ity to commend him-it is doubtful il
any other in this State had a Hidel
personal acquaintance, and it is Ger
tain that no other man enjoyed the
confidence of the people to a greater
extent. -
1t is no reflection upon the living tt
say that his death is an irreparable los:
to the State.