The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-05-18
PROMINENT CANDIDATES
VOICED THEIR CLAIMS
BEFORE LARGE CROWD
LAST NIGHT

! candidates for State offices-indeed,
one Of the candidates remarked in
his speech, 1t was the best audience
they had had thus far in their
frodnds,u with the exception of the
meeting at jacksonville.
The speaking led off by an address
by Hon. w. N. Sheats, State Super
intendent of Education. Mr.. Sheats
reviewed his connection with the
educational system of the State, and
also referred to certain ISLANDERS of
an itinerant so-called lecturer. Mr.
Sheats was at home among the peo-
pie OF this city, where he had lived
for several years, and the reception
accorded him made HIM feel that he
was in the house of his friends. The
people of this community know Mr.
Sheats and have confidence in his
ability and uprightness, and they are
satisfied that the school interests of
Florida will be faithfully served as
long as he is at the head of her edu-
cational system.
Hon. A. p. Jordan, of Punta Cor
da, was the next speaker. He told of
his service to the State and how he
had worked and boosted for it
through many years. He said he
thought it time to make a change in
the Office of Secretary of State, the
/ incumbent having held it during a
remarkably long period. Mr.. Jordan
made a good impression, and it is
evident that he will get good vote
/ here.
Hon. H. Clay Crawford, the pres
ent Secretary of State, followed Mr..
Jordan in a pleasing talk, proving
himself more of an orator than one
would have suspected who did not
know him, as he is rather a quiet
man ordinarily. The voters have got
ten in the habit of voting for Mr..
Crawford during a number of years,
and this is an asset that may stand
him in good stead on June 9Th.
Hon. Jefferson B. Browne, candi-
date for Supreme Court Justice, made
an excellent address, which won him
friends. He is a facile and pleasing
talker, and he presented his claims
effectively, yet modestly. He paid a
fine tribute to the ladies, goodly
number of whom were present, and
his remarks were roundly applauded.
]. T. Griner. of Bradford county,
candidate for State Treasurer, came
next Mr.. Griner bases his appeal
to the voters on the ground that he
has been a successful business man,
and he also read strong endorsements
from his home people. He declared
that the Treasurer. like the Cover
) nor, should be giveS put one term !.
]. c. Luning, the! present State
Treasurer, reviewed his public ca
reer, showing the satisfactory service
he had given the State, as evidenced
by the fact that he was appointed to
two Cabinet positions by Governor
Gilchrist in quick succession, and
was chosen to fill his present position
of State Treasurer, being his first
elective term, by a vote that gave
him a majority in all but three coun.
ties in the State. Mr.. Luning has
; many friends here. and is always
given a kindly reception.
The three candidates for Governor
who are following the prescribed
itinerary, next presented their claim
in twenty-minute speeches. Hon. lor
l.. Farris, of Jacksonville, was thu
, first of the trio to speak, and 1t II
: but fair to state that he made {
splendid impression. He has the 9th
er candidates distanced when /
comes to oratory, and his eviden
sincerity and straightforward man
ner of statement carried an appeal t
his auditors He touched upon hi
career as legislator, especially will
reference to his work on behalf o
labor. Prior to his visit to Lakelan
Mr.. Farris was comparatively lit
i tie known, but it is now evident tina
he will develop considerable strength
hereabouts.
Hon. F. M. Hudson came next
and, while he makes no pretense I
= oratory, mis- clear-cut, logical pre-
sentiment of principles, inspires con
fidence in his character and in hi
= ability to grapple with the problem
of State-craft. Mr.. Hudson empha
sized his position on the liquor ques
ton, having been recognized as on
of the foremost champions of temper
ance in the State. He also discusse
various other phases of State polio
in a most intelligent and interestin
manner Mr.. Hudson already ha
many friends in Lakeland, where b
has family connections, and he adde
to the number Of his admirers by h
address last night.
Hon. w. v. Knott, present Conf