Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-01-16
Bible Is Platform of New Florida Governor;
"PU Choke the Devil Out Of Politics, He Says
Sidney j. Cats Refomer of
New School, Says Bible
Should Be in Politics Points
to Ten Commandments
BY BRADFORD BYRD.
. ALLAHASSEE. Fla, Jan. 15.--With
Bible as his platform and ser

~
a Bible as his platform and ser
- mons as his political speeches
Stumey J. Cats. just -inaugurated gov
srnor of Florida stands today the most
unique figure in an American guberna-
toTial chair!
\ reformer of the new school, a pro-
hibitiOnist with new but drastic ideas,
a former minister OF the gospel who
hasn't forssA(en his religion, Cats en-
tered the stale house after lighting F1ori-
da's most strenuous political battle, de-
feattng the regular nominee of the all
powerful Democratic party by pitung
Biblical quotations against mudslinging.
His Bible viii remain on the COVER
nor's desk untn his term ends four
years hence and to il he viii turn for
counsel, rather than to political adj
visers-so Cats declares.
CHOKING THE, DEVIL
II have literally choked the devil out
Of politics in Florida" declares the new
governor, land the devil is due another
choking / hope to have enacted legis-
IaIion that will make our primary laws
so plain and simple there will be no
chance for fraud"
Cats entered a five-cornered race for
the Democratic nomination for governor
last spring on the face OF the re-
est opponent by a few hundred votes
and received a certificate of nomina-
ton.
A recount of certain precincts was
demanded by the opposing side, and
granted by the courts. and after months
of suspense and rechecking of votes
new certificate of nomination was
awarded to W. v. Knott
Feeling he had not been treated fairly
Cats announced he would enter the gen.
eraI election despite the Democratic GER
rifioa4e of nomination held by his op-
pOnent-
In years gone by such a move would
have meant political suicide in Florida,
but a political revolution swept over
the state in the fall of 1916, and Cats
came out a victor by an overwhelming
majority.
Thus for the first time since the re-
construction days Florida has a gov
ernor not the regular nominee of the
Democratic party.
Cats is the home" type of man
genial. religious. industrious. FTflls and
airs are as diStatsteful to him as high
bali would be to William ]. Bryan His
administration, therefore, will not be
marked by brilliant social events" but
visitors to the mansion will receive such
a welcome as can be given only by a
genuinely southern host
VIEWS ON RELIGION.
Discussing his views on religion and
politics Cats says.
IT believe there is a place in politics
for religion and the Bible Prohibition
of liquor TRAFFIC should go hand in hand
with religion, and blend in the political
arena
1.-The late campaign in Florida has
demonstrated the upward tendency OF
thought in this state We exposed IT.
regularities in the primary. This proved
the Bible should be in politics. Wle
strongest law on this Sub1ect-stronger
than state statute or constitutions
from one of the ten commandments:
Thou shalt not steal"
1--WE are going to clean and purify pol
dtics in Florida In order. to do this, 1t
will be necessary to rule whisky out"
Cats has only one eye, but that blazes
with the fury of two as he illustrates, in
the executive chamber, how he intends
to choke the devil out of pofitcs!'