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

from her would result IN q DlCter anu cuSVy hSnV'
In order to avoid such struggle it is quite possible
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 Tor the once OF otate
Attorney
Hon Benz. p. Calhoun, the present incumbent,
and Thomas w. Fielding of Starke are candidates
and both preparing for an active fight. 1t was
rumored that Hon. sgd Carter of Gainesville had
his eye 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 are Frank Sans of Volusia and II.
H. 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 OppOsi-
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
dspleased some and Disguised Others so that his
control of affairs to have become weak
kneed and generally out-of joint. 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 can 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 an entertaining speaker,
bright and orcible, 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 which resulted in the
election of VIM. B. Lamar and the political death
n Of To In haaa hon M Doc
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
proprated by the Legislature of 1908 yet remains
in the State treasury, Mr. Wales declining to accept
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 apain 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 unjusy treated by the
oher or such small recompense for the work con.
nected with the collection of the Indian War claim
against the Government, and that the full * nor
cent OF the amount should have been paid them
mat thelr demand was either ustifable or else the
entire claim should have been repudiated on the
ground OF no service to the State.
Indeed, it was shown that $500 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 unionism, every member belong.
ing to union labor organization. The purnose %
the club is not to push the political fortunes Of anu
person only to the extent where such action NOV =,
beneficial to union labor 1t stands ready, however
to oppose candidates and schemes considered nra;
dicial to the cause of unonism f'''u
AN officer OF this club has stated that an ANIMAL
will be made to working men throughout the Stota
to favor the Evergade improvement plan of CO.
ernor Broward and to vote for the const;tuto~sI
amendment connected Herewith
The zeal with which the Times. Union q .ou
union paper, is attacking Governor BrowarS and az
Everglade project, furnishes the incentive TO- .ne
pec OF such action Indeed this officer asserted tb"
anything denounced by the Times Union vr,S S''"o
worthy object of investigation by the workr" uS
and he believed that in this case the motive. nh;nS
prompted the condemnation of Broward by that
were inspired by certain interests preiudc;a 70 H.
welfare OF the common people. W 'Hc