The weekly true Democrat. (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1905-1912, 1907-08-09
Ex.cOv. Fleming ana Pensions.

Because F. r. Fleming, Ex-Governor
Of Florida, expressed his sentiments
against the Gdvisability Of enacting and
enforcing the present pension law Of
Florida IA mills taxi, he has been as
sailed and criticised by men and news
papers In various parts Of the State,
some Of the expressions being harsh
and unjust. Every man In this world
IL entitled TO his own thoughts, and in
this country they are ut liberty to ex-
press them II they are not Of a crimi-
nal nature,
Ex-Governor Fleming was one Of the
bravest and best men who went forth
20 do battle for his State, and today
the Confederate veterans have no
stronger or truer friend than he, and
be would be the last man IN the State
70 attempt 10 deprive them Of any com
fort or pleasure possible. No one knows
the situation better than he does. He
IL familiar with the conditions Of State
and people; and II he believes that the
law will be burden 10 the State and u
hardship 20 many taxpayers, he Ger:
tainly has good grounds therefor, and
while the law Is intended as benefit TO
Confederate soldiers II may also be very
hard upon the poorer classes who must
contribute to the pension fund.
The Metropolis has before said that
while the former laws were most too
strict 70 be complied with by many
wOuld-be pensioners, the present law Is
the OppOsite--too open and slack In its
nature. The removal Of the property
clause OF all Confederate soldiers Is be-
inR taken advantage Of by many who
own thousands Of dollars worth Of val
liable property. We have seen In some
counties applications for pensions Aled
by men whose worldly possessions are
estimated at $4,000. Now, will any
one dare defend such Wholesale grasp
ing propensities just because the law
allow II, and try TO impeach the opin-
Ion and verAcitS Of as good man as
Ex-Governor Fleming because he pointed
out the danger Of such loose legislation
Let us be fair and impartial in cOnsid-
ering this question.
No fair-mindCd citizen Of the State
objects, az far as known, 60 assisting
the INDECENT Confederate veteran, his
widow and orphans, but we honor men
like Fleming, who, without fear or IA
vor, expresses himself In a matter
fraught with danger. Before the pres
ent law was passed possession of $500
excluded under the former law, and
only those incapacitated from making
living were entitled to pensions. The
Federal pension law excludes all owning
$50 worth Of property, and we all know
that the general government is able TO
pay ten times what the State of Florida
10. The Union veterans owning prop
erty In Florida are now forced 20 pay
the 4-mill Confederate pension tax just
as the Southern citizens are.
The Metropolis is not opposed 60 pay
ing pensions. and does not wish 10 be 30
understood. as It's proprietOrs are ma
tive SOutheTners, but Il does oppose
paying 10 those who have more than
enough 90 supply them with all Of the
necessaries and comforts Of life, and we
honor Ex-Governor Fleming for his
warning Rs 10 what such loose legisla-
tion will result In u not protested
against - Jacksonville Metropolis.
~~-~-~~,~~~~~~~.~e>>~-~~~~-
"We never repent Of eating too lit
tie" was one Of the ten rules Of life Of
Thomas jefferson, President Of the
United States, and the rule applies 90
every one without exception during this
hot weather, because Il 10 hard for
food, even In small quantities, 20 be di.
gesfed when the blood 10 az a high tenn.
perature. At this season we should eat
epafingiy and properly. We should also
help che stomach ~ much aa possible
BY the use Of q little Kodol For Indiges-
ton and Dyspepsia, which willsreat the
stomach by digreeting the food Itself
nnta 10 ali ArtSo.sftDfa