The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1905-03-31
CHAPTER XIV.
RAPHAEL. WHITMAN.

RAPHAEL. WHITMAN.
Raphael Whitman was a rising
young journalist of Tallahassee. AT
the time of his introduction to our
readers, he was editor and proprietor
of ssThe Florio,an,'' a large, we'll es-
tablished journal, which had been
published at the state capital for
more than fifty years; bravely living
through many trying vicissitudes
through which the peninsula state had
passed. Its clean pages had been a
brave exponent of truth, an honest
cbronicler of fac-s, and reliable
medium through which the news OF
the day was transmitted to an appre-
ciatiye public. Whitham's father be-
fore him had been editor and proprietor
of the Floridian, and dying when he
had scarcely passed the meridian OF
life, he left his unfinished work in the
hands of his only son, then young
man just having reached his MAORI
ty, and time proved that he had not
left it in unworthy hands.
Yong Whitman was born, reared,
and educated in Tallahassee. Every
picturesque hill, every stretch OF
woodland, and every acre of the
broad plantations surrounding the
city of his birth were dear to him as
having been the play ground of the
happy days of his boyhood. His love
of nature amounted to worship and
from its beau les he drew his happiest
inspiration as a writer. In nature he
saw the Creators handiwOrk, and
through it he drew closer TO the great
source of love and light, and in it
breathed the air of broader freedom
In appearance he was tall and
commanding, we'll built and sinewy.
His face was alight with power and
passion; rich in cOlOring, noble in
features-a face to love and trust to
the end of life. His hair was black
as night with an inclination to lie in
clusters; his brow full and rounded at
the temples; his mouth firm but
shapelv-and his da k eyes beneath
their straight black brows were both
proud and thoughtful and had
golden CLEAN in their depths.
With Governor Murriatte the young
journalist and writer was a prime IA
vorite, and appreciating the young
mans ability and character he saw
in store for him brilliant future. Mr..
Whitham's invitation to visit
Beaumont was standing one, and
he was always sure of warm wei
come whenever he turned his back
upon his professional duties and be-
took himselfto the hospitality of the
governors mansion. He had been in
trOduced to Miss Bennett soon after
her coming to Beaumont, IS the
young lady had been placed on terms
of equality with the family and its
guests.
ssFor Miss Bennett is a lady born
and bred" kind hearted Mrs. Muir
rite had avOwed. eff she were not
we would not permit her to hold the
position as teacher and constant COM
panion to our daughter. TO plare
her IN this responsible position and
then exclude her from our family
circle, because she is using her tai
ents wisely and industriously to
maintain herself and live Independent
of financial aid not honestly earned,
would be the very height of snobbish-
ness"
Governor Murriatte was proud OF
his wife's good practical sense, and
her kindness of heart that prompted
this treatment of the orphan girl,
whom he knew in his heart was
worthy the respect and esteem of
every one.
He had noted, with deep regret
that of late his wife's conduct
sss>Sss eesdSal towards Miss Ben
-
first year Of her stay at Beaumont.