The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-03-10
SHAKING THE OLD PLUM TREE
By Edward Fitzgerald

In order to AVOID SUCH ~ 10 4uioO
that the Lakeland contingent will advocate creation
of new county and will prepare Tor legislative
action to that end.
In the Eighth Judicial Circuit composed of the
counties of Alachua Baker, Bradford, Levy and Put
nam, warm race will occur for the Office OF State
Attorney.
Hon Benz. p. Calhoun, the present incumbent,
and Thomas w. Fielding of Starke are candidates
and both are preparing for an active hight IL was
rumored that Hon. sgd Carter OF Gainesville had
his eye on this plum, but he has not so announced
If he did enter the threecOrnered contest would
make one of the livliest fights ever conducted in
that circuit
Among former Senators who have announced
for reelection Frank Sans of Volusia and H.
II. McCreary of Alachua. Mr.. Sans, who has served
a number of years in the upper House, enjoys much
and well-deserved popularity in his district. He is
strong candidate and good Senatorial timber
would be difficult to find in his district, no oppos
ton has appeared above the surface yet and it IS
likely that Mr.. Sans will secure election without
opposition.
In Alachua County McCreary has been success
full for two terms and became sort of county boss,
but his attempt to hold the reins of power has
displeased some and disguised others, so that his
control OF affairs seems to have become weak
kneed and generally out-of-jon Whether such con-
dition will result in bringing out candidate who
defeat him for the Senate is secret of the future
that only the count of the primary tell, but it
is almost certainty that he will encounter decided
opposition.
Hon. John Beard of Pensacola is conducting an
active campaign for the Senate from Escambia
County Mr.. Beard is entertaining speaker
bright and forcible, and if he does not win it will
not be from lack of energy in placing his candidacy
before the people.
Four years ago Mr.. Beard was candidate for
Congress in the eventful race which resulted in the
election of Wm B. Lamar and the political death
of Fred Myers of Tallahassee. Since then Mr.. Beard
has not been active in State politics, but during
the Presidential campaign of 1904 he was one of the
orators under direction of the National Democratic
Committee and made many speeches in other States
Speaking of Mr. Beard recalls the WALES claim
against the State in which Beard has an interest,
and the fact that this matter has never been settled
to the satisfaction of the claimants The $4,000 ap-
propriated by the Legislature of 1908 yet remains
in the State treasury, Mr. WALES declining to accent
that amount.
1t is quite probable that this matter has not been
ended by the action of the Legislature making that
appropriation and that the affair will again he
brought up for more equitable adjustment at the
next session.
There are many persons who teel that Mr. WALES
and the other claimants were uustly treated by the
offer OF such small recompense for the work con.
nected with the collection Of the Indian War claim
against the Government, and that the full Is per
cent OF the amount should have been paid them
mat their demand was either ustifable or else the
entire claim should have been repudiated On +bo
ground of no service to the State.
Indeed, it was shown that $25 90 would not REIN
burse Mr.. Wales for the expense to which he was
put in presenting the claim to the Government.
Some time since political club was organized in
Jacksonville the essential qualification to member
snip being that of unonism every member belong.
ing 10 union labor organization. The purnose of
the club is to push the political fortunes Of
person only to the extent where such action NAV he
beneficial to union labor. 1t stands ready, however
10 oppose candidates and schemes considered nre;,
dicial to the cause of unionism f'0'"
-, An officer OF this club has stated that an appeal
WIN De made to working men throughout the State
TO favor the Everglade improvement plan Of Cow.
ernor Broward and to vote for the constitut;onal
amendment connected Herewith.
Inc zeal with which the Times Union, n non.
union paper is attacking Governor Broward and the
Everglade project, furnishes the incentive for
Pect OF such action Indeed this officer asserted that
AWNING tng denounced by the Times. Union was a
worthy object OF investigation by the workingman
and he believed that in this case the motives which
prompted the condemnation of Broward by that paper
welfare of the common peonla w 'iie