The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-05-15
Toomer Describes L'[ng|e'S
Democracy as Shady
and Doubtful
Declines Joint Debate, Gives Rebuke 70
'Mud Manners" in Democratic
Primaries


! JACKSONVILLE, fa, may a. 1912
Mr. Claude LEngle, Jacksonville Fa
s-I noticed number Of political advertisements published
you recently and containing criticism and abuse Of with no
reference matters public political interest that you are any
ious in series Of joint debates before the people Fo
You have addressed invitation Of the kind and there
tempted doubt the sincerity Of your statement contained in and
published political advertisement
Assuming however that about and that vow
had invited me in proper way to meet you in joint discussion
that would under circumstances consider entering Joint de-
bate with you and for these
Your invitation such may called to this discussion was
the only reply received the statement made you you had o
tanned stolen dion from Office and had published forgery
of signature unaddresed undevered letter. Your failure
PRODUCE THIS LETTER AND ACCOUNT FOR YOUR POSSESSION
lit withdraw and apologize for utterng fragrant forgery nv name
ofe you the right demand this courtesy my hands
Second This is Democratic primary have been engaged
flair presentation the people Florida the views which entertain
upon Democratic principles like the proper regulation of trusts vso
downward the tariff the cooperation by general government with
the several States building and maintaining interstate highways the
protection OF the health Of the people Florida against foreign %
and questions equal importance desire and con-
nue this method campaigning stopping only private
and business abuse and SANDER me by
cradle.
YOU upon the other hand have IGNORED the discussion any
questions whatever Of public interest You elected base your campaign
statements Of service the people, eu scandal
and have spent the your time bitterly atacn
Judge Martin and Capt 0n former competitors and @
pecay abusing and mng personal and business record Your
propy perhaps utterly dead prevent your real
sing the improperly Of my speaking with you
Third We have no evidence from any public performance yours
any direct expression Of opinion public question: that you
Democrat ALL There abundant evidences given to those who
know real well that you harmless anarchist an onoclast
very meag capacity without faith creed ideals Of any kind The
only evidence Of Democracy which given to the people
Florida was your sworn statement that you Democrat when you
qualified as a candidate for this contest
nasmuch you neither have have not expressed writing
otherwise any political principles and because your Democracy
shady and doubtful character there nothing for discuss
with you except scandal and private character and this positively
decline to in have doubt you make noisy and widespread
political advertisements Of unwngne which you describe
rear to encounter your overpowerag courage and accomplishment
discussion The truth that perhaps underate your splendid
pacy forensic fight and have the least fear Of your wisdom o.
logic Joint discussion with Of business and professional
mas been my business for nineteen years really enjoyed
continue campaign going will the people and
discussing Democratic doctrines anFoda welfare and not
interrupt you in the operation Of your mud mill allow you
free distribution Of Dixie the standardized which YOUR onlv claim
to fame and which you publish for the sole purpose nurng the char
OF those VINO cannot adopt methods many Of whom have
been your benefactors and friends W'lU'tsss
Respectfully
W. N. TOOMER.