The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-02-23

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) THE FATAL STEP
BY Mr.. BLOUNT
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Arcadia News.


If. as seems almost certain, M.
Blount has failed by a few hundred
votes to win the United States sena-
torship, the wise ones will soon re
naming his mistakes"
1t is human nature to attribute a
mans defeat to certain mistakes. The
successful man in business or politics
is apt to forget that 1.-The chances" are
always risked. In a popular election,
where two contest for a prize only one
can win. In 1884 two masterful men
commended for president Old. Grover
Cleveland defeated James G. Blaine by
less than 1900 votes in New York
which determined the result.
1t was believed that one foolish re-
mark Of fool friend, Dr. Burchard,
defeated the brilliant Blaine 1.-The
rum, Romanism and rebellion" turned
enough adherents of the Holy Father
away from the Republican nominee to
send Old Grover to the White House.
Did Mr.. Blount make any mistakes
The Tampa Tribune expresses the
opinion that his letter retiring from
the race year ago, was fatal mis-
take. It gave his Jacksonville COM
effe ctively with the common people"
Others will argue that it was a mis-
take for Mr.. Blount to reienter thu
race, when Bryan had the compa ct,
ardent support of the friends of the
lamented Broward, whose recent death
had turned the eyes and hearts of
thousands to Nath. P. Bryan as the
logical man to take up the banner that
had fallen.
It seems wonderful that Mr.. Blount
came so near winning. True, he was
recognized as lawyer near the head
of the profession. He had earned great
reputation in his chosen high calling.
He was rich. His wealth was honest
ly earned and not inherited. He was
also a man of exalted character, whose
ideals Of private and public life were
of the highest~kind.
In the few places of trust he had
filled, his splendid ability for public
service was recognized. Yet, he was
unknown to the great thousands be-
yond West Florida, and the legal. pro-
fession. Those who knew him best
recognized his great mind and fine
character: but many thought him cold,
and too far removed from the masses
to feel sympathy or interest in the toll
ing yoemanry.
And, worse than all, he was the paid
attorney or general counsel for the L.
g.. N. Railroad Company He admit
ted this fact, and went before the peo-
pie. boldly declaring that he was proud
of THIS relation He satisfied his home
people that he had only business,
legal relation to the hated corporation.
Pensacola and Escanbia county gave
Mr.. Blount a magnificent vote of con-
f1dence.
Still, it must be admitted that his
long service for twenty-six years as
railroad attorney. for the most despised
corporation in the south, was great
handicap from the start. The trend Of
public opinion is against accepting such
leaders, even on a progressive plat
form.
That w. A. Blount came so near
winning the United States senatorship
under all the circumstances is remark
able. He proved himself strong cam
friends by the thousands, who had
never met him before
Almost single and alone he made the
race. me lew OIL the Olu-llHe iSduci
who took an active lead in his behalf
did him harm. The people, many Of
them, voted for him in spite of Peter
o., W. A. Mac, H. H. B.. and others
always defending the Interests"
The News ventures to suggest that
there was one fatal mistake commit
ted by the Pensacola statesman. Blu;
for this, he might have overcome the
small majority of the militant leader
of the Broward forces.
The Anti-Saloon League is not q
partisan organization. 1t never nomi-
mates or supports d candidate. Still il
aims to ascertain and make known tht
attitude of candidates towards pro-
posed measures for destroying or linn
iting the licensed liquor traffic. A note
clear In statement and respectful ir
tone, was submitted to Bryan and
Blount. Their attitude towards a GER
tain bill in congress was asked.
Mr.. Bryan replied; Mr.. Blount re-
fused to answer. treating a courteous
note with silent, dignifed contempt.
Thee result: He greatly pleased