The Washington herald., 1908-06-28

The publicity bureau OF the campaign
committee which conducted Duncan L.
Fletcher's fight for the nomination for
the United States Senatorship from Flor
ida. TO succeed the late Senator Mallory.
sent out an interesting and unique circu-
lar 10 the voters OF Florida
In the circular Mr Fletcher gives a
history OF his life as a citizen and as d
public official He says, In part:
Who Is FIetchert
Il was born in Sumter County. Ca,
near Americus. January 6. 1883. When an
infant my parents moved TO Monroe Coun-
~. Ga. near Forsyth, where my mothers
people lived. and my father bought a
plantation and engaged in farming. He
served four years in the Confederate
Army lin which / had seven uncles) and
surrendered with Lee at Appomattox- Re
turning to a devastated home he had a
difficult task 10 restore his place and
make headway.
Struggle from the start.
Being the oldest of four children. my
lot was hard from the beginning. When
a mere lad 1 worked in the helds with tho
other hands, and before / was sixteen
years old I was doing as much plowing.
hoeing. picking cotton. and other work AZ
any laborer on the farm.
We had some good years. and my
father was a good farmer and grew excel
lent crops. He was at last able 10 send
me 10 preparatory school. Gordon Insti-
tute, GAINESVILLE, Ga, and then TO Van
derbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. where
course in the law department, coming to
Jacksonville and beginning the practice
Of law in July. 1S2.
Won by Hard Work.
Hard work has been the prime cause
Of whatever success 1 have had. Ii has
devolved upon me to make my own way.
with no outside influences or help. and
the one way to do it was by industry and
perseverance.
Il soon took an interest in the public
affairs Of my home city and State. and
have always felt that interest. which
conceive every citizen should feel
About 1885 / was elected TO the city
council and served for several years. In
1892 was elected to the legislature and
/ served in the house, 1893. Served as
mayor Of Jacksonville. 1885.
Again in l90l-O3. Two very important
points in the history Of the city. In 1900
/ became chairman OF the board Of public
/ instruction Of Duval County and served
until 1901 The buildings and facilities
and work now enjoyed speak Of that
I labor
( IN 1904 was elected a member OF the
Democratic State executive committee
and was chosen chairman Of that commit
Tee and have served as such until the
present time
Have attended various State and Con-
| gressional conventions as delegate. and
/ have 'stumped' for various Democratic
/ state and Congressional candidates. con-
\ trlouted 10 campaign funds. assisting in
/ paying poll taxes, and performed other
/ services for the party and nominees as
! occasion arose.
i have never before sought Office at
/ TIE hands Of the people Of the state. Ap-
/ p0-ntments 10 very important positions
| have been rendered me. but I have pre-
ierred 10 stick to my practice
A Versatile Speaker.
I have, on invitation. addressed tbe
normal school at De Funiak Springs. the
college at Tallahassee. the university at
Lake City. John B. Stetson University ar
De Land. on commencement occasions
Have also addressed the Horticultural So
ciety and other organizations al the an
nual meetings.
1 am member Of the Jacksonville
Board Of Trade. Seminole Club secret
orders. State Horticultural Society. a
trustee Of John B. Stetson University.
member Of American Bar Association
and admitted TO practice in state and
Federal courts. including the Supreme
Court Of the United States. All my in
terests are in Florida I own lands in
DuvaL Polk, De Soto. Lee. and Dade
Counties. l am president of the Georgia
Society Of Florida and vice president OF
the Children's Home Society. and one OF
the directors Of St Luke'S Hospital. and
connected with other humanitarian So
cieties. and president of the Citizens Bank
Of Jacksonville, and several Industrial
and business concerns. 1 was division
commander Of the United Sons Of Confed-
crate Veterans and organized eight camps
in Florida. reSigning in 1901
Owes No Man IA Cent.
My family consists Of a wife and two
daughters. of whom I am very proud. and
next TO the happiness they afford is the
fact that I owe no son Of Adam a cent
Il do not claim that a great army OF
devoted friends and ardent admirers have
showed and pushed me into this contest.
Certainly no interest. corporation. political
ring, or special privilege seekers have ever
advised or wished me. SO far as I know,
TO run for the Office and none are con-
tributing 10 my campaign expenses.
Il am solely responsible for making the
race and bearing its burdens. / did not
ask any ones permission to run and |
am running solely on whatever merits
I possess and addressing myself directly
20 the people who alone make the choice
Il am absolutely untrammeled, un-
shackled and unbound. and am free 70
serve the people, and them only. II is my