The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1916-05-24
FEASTING AND ORATORY
AT FLEMINGION
Candidates Met the People in One of
the Most Pleasant Events of
the Campaign

The political meeting and picnic
dinner at Pennington Tuesday was an
event that well deserves to be remem-
bered by all who were present.
Pennington seems to be a sort of a
hub to the country surrounding. 1t
might well be the hub of the universe
to the people who live or have lived
there. A quiet little settlement in the
midst of woods, and cornfelds, on
ordinary days it seems the incarna-
ton of rural peace and beauty. It
was lively with people, autoes and
other vehicless Tuesday, and both
those at home and visitors from afar
fully enjoyed the day.
Pennington is a place where roads
from all parts of Marion, Alachua and
Levy converge, and is almost the CEN
ter of the territory the Bloxhamites
tried to take from US last year. After
viewing the country and the people,
the Star was more than glad that we
kept them with US. 1t is a splendid
country and the people are worthy
of it.
When the clans began to gather
Tuesday morning the clouds were
heavy and the showers occasional,
and it looked like the speaking would
have to take place in the church; but
by IL o'clock the clearing aspect of
the weather encouraged those in
charge to open the meeting at the
stand built in the grove between the
postoffice and the church. This grove
is most pretty and pleasant place
to gather; the ground is clean and
dry and the towering oaks and pines
give an agreeable shade. while the
cooling breezes sweep in from every
side.
At least three hundred people
perhaps more-were present, coming
from Fairfield, Irvine, Geiger, McIn-
tosh and all other neighboring points,
as well as from Ocala, Dunnellon,
Williston, Micanopy and Gainesville.
Mr.. c. M. Mathews, the efficient
young committeeman of the precinct,
was entitled by virtue of his office to
preside, but assigned the duty to Mr..
w. II. Anderson, who performed it
most courteously and efficiently. The
candidates spoke their little pieces as
usual, extolling their own virtues
with good-natured little stabs at each
others failings. Messrs. Light and
Lewadski kept out of each others
hair and devoted their time to public
questions, which was an improvement.
Henry Gordon, for the time being,
took away Walter Priests medal for
the shortest speech, and it is difficult
to see how either is going to say any
less.
When the reporter saw the big
crowd gathered he felt little bit un-
for he wondered If there
was going to be enough to go around
but when he saw the table spread he
rebuked himself for his lack of faith.
There was plenty for all and lots to
carry away. The Star man had trou-
bic disposing of his share-Mr. A. B.
Dupuis, lately candidate for clerk,
opened the proceedings by handing
him loaded plate, which was re-
plenished by other friends faster
than it could be emptied. If the din
ner was fair indication of the con-
d1tlon of the country, Pennington is
a land of Canaan.
We have understood that Fleming
ton is rallying point for the guard
lans of liberty; if SO, they are not as
angry with the Banner and the Star
as reported, or else they are Arabian
IN their hospitality. The venerable
editor of the Banner moved around
like an uncrowned king, the loved and
honored guest of all, while the Star
man, tho far less known, received a
cordial welcome from everyone he
met.
A large number went out from
Ocala; all greatly enjoyed the day.
and are loud in their praise of the
good looks and hospitality of the
people of Pennington.