The colored American., 1903-03-07
TWOFLORIDALEADERS
VA M'GOURIN AND
EDITOR III NJ. LEWEY.
Lily Whiteism and Party Friction at an
End IN 66s Land Of FIowers-President
Roosevelt IS Statesmanship FIorida
Appointments Give Satisfo ction.

1t has often been said that no condi-
tlon is so bad that it might not be
worse, and so while we have been sur
veying the spread of the contagion of
Lily Whiteism" in the South and the
sequentlal perpleXitieS of the Admin
1stration in dealing with this illogical
eXcreScence upon the anatomy of the
Republican party and deploring its
growth, we find some comfort in OBJ
serving that the virus to which it
owes its presence has not yet been in
jected into the body of the party in
the State of Florida While wars al
arms alright the faithful in some
parts Of the South, IN the beautiful
land Of flowers, the very home of the
fragrant orange blossom, all is peace
ful-aH is serene-no leader and no
member OF the party has the temerity
to suggest such a movement and were
he to do so, undoubtedly the shades of
political obscurity would be his instant
portion 1t must not be supposed,
however that this gratifying condition
is due to the fact that the party or any
segment of 1t is asleep or that its con-
stituent elements are not each of them
keenly appreciative of the passing po-
litical events and of their bearing (di-
rect or relative upon its life and well
being
A notable evidence of this fact is of
recent occurrence, and shows not only
the party'S virility but also the vigil
ance with which it exacts the highest
standards from its leaders and the
splendid discipline with which it
makes a political fight within party
lines without disrupting or making
more than passing ripple upon its sur
face. Not long since the term of of
flce of Hon. Thomas F. McGOurin as
U. S. Marshall of the Northern dis
trict of Florida, expired. The leaders
promptly indorsed him for re-apppoint-
ment, but for some occult reasons
subsequently withdrew their endorse
ment and recommended Captain w. H
Northrup for the place Just before
the Christmas recess of Congress, the
President in harmony with the sup
posed wishes of the party in Florida
nominated Captain Northrup for the
position, but influential forces in the
PARTY said nag and in fOrty-elght hours
after the nomination, his name was
withdrawn.-These protesting gentle
men are all good Republicans, stead
fast in the faith. They decline to de-
sert Mr.. McGourin and insisted that
the original Endorsement of him should
be adhered to. At this point there be-
gan the most earnest and bitter con-
test ever known in Republican politics
in Florida. Prompt and judiciOus or
ganization of the forces favorable to
the incumbent resulted in the appear
ance in Washington, Immediately af-
ter the re-assembling of Congress, of a
formidable and as proven an invinci-
bic delegation OF representative F1ori-
dians in Mr.. McGourin's interest.
One of the most influential factors
among them and one to whom the 9TH
ers gracefully and unanimously yield
ed the leadership, was Mr.. NJ NJ
Lewey, of Pensacola, Florida, who was
the only colored member of the delega-
tion. By his charming manners and
high cultivation, he obtained ready
access to the President and had a most
cordial conference with the Chief Ex-
ecutive, which not only developed the
Presidents acute sympathy with the
object of Mr.. Lewey's visit but extend
ed TO wide survev Of the whole politi-
cal situation in Florida. The immed-
late result was the prompt nomination
of Mr.. McGourin to succeed himself,
While the confirmation of McGour-
m did not occur till last Thursday,
'6th ultimo. little over one month
following his nomination shows con-
clus1vely that every foot of ground
has besn hotly contested, and the vic
tory is much more to he admired he