The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1907-08-01

Hon. L. A. jennings WHO udS DSCA
urged so frequently by friends all
over the state to become q candidate
for governor, has issued the follow
ing address to the democrats of Flor
ida in which he announces that he
cannot become a candidate and gives
the reasons why he regards 1t 1mpos-
sible for him to do so.
Mr.. Jennings's Declaration.
To the Democratic Voters OF Florida:
For over d year there has been con-
siderable discussion as to my becom-
ing a candidate for the Democratic
nomination for governor in the pri-
maries next spring. At first 1 dis
couraged the idea, but when my
friends saw the trend of public senti-
ment they urged me to seriously con-
slider it. On April 4th, having up TO
that time repeatedly refused to make
a declaration on this question, | gave
out a statement to the effect that
was considering entering the race,
and l briefly stated the plan of cam
paign l would wage should / do so.
During the recent session OF the legis-
latuPe several conferences with
friends and the unsolicited support
rendered me in all sections of Florida
induced me to make the statement in
Tallahassee at the close of the Ses-
sion that / saw nothing to prevent
me from becoming a candidate; In
fact, it was my intention at that time,
In. To r1rIf IN hn
few DAYS. to enter the primaries as a
candidate for governor. An appeal
not to do so has. however, been made
TO me by my associates in business,
and | do not feel that / can consist
emily refuse it.
Ethics and Loyalty.
Fourteen years ago the people with
whom | am now associated in business
gave me the opportunity to make
new start in life. l had suffered Sc
we're financial reverses, having pre-
viOusly lost all the property | had in
the world, and when the opportunity
was presented l had nothing to offer
in return but my health and a willing
heart 10 work. These men have ap-
pealed to me within the past few
weeks not to desert them nova
time when they cannot well afford
to spare my services. There was a
time when | needed their aid much
more than they did mine, and now
that the situation is, partially at least.
reversed ] would be untrue both to
myself and TO them were | to disre-
gard the appeal which they make.
This is my only reason for not be,
coming candidate. 1t may not bs
dnnponH irin hHy hfrr fhrs
far in my life no one has ever been
able to accuse me of ingratitude, and
my associates in business shall not
do so now, even though it costs me
the governOrship TO remain loyal TO
them
Lifelong Ambition.
From assurances given me I am
that I could be elected GOV
ernOr, and those of my friends who
have been made fully acquainted Wit,
the situation are of the same opin-
ION. This does not, however, aIter
or lessen in any degree my obhga-
ton to The men with whom | nave
so long heen associated in business.
My friends may understand the sac
rifice | an making when l say thaI
it has been my ambition from my
Doyhood's earliest days to become
Governc Cf my native state, and that
IL. declining to become a candidate
at this time | fully realize that so
favorable an opportunity may never
come TO me again.
Grateful to His Friends.
| shall never forget the interest
and enthusiasm which my friends in
all sections Of the state have mani
tested in my behalf The press gen.
orally has been very kind to me, and
feel especially grateful TO the pa
pers of Hamilton couny, my old
home, and to the Pensacola Journal,
for their generous and unsolicited
support | shall always be grateful TO
my good friends, the drummers OF
Florida, who have been practically
unanimous in their support ever
since my name was first mentioned
as possible candidate. | thank all
OF these friends for the generous and