The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-11-27
MASS MEETING
is LIVELY One
Letter From Congressman
Smithwick Is Read and Filed
With Other Papers
PUBLICITY PLANNED
Committee Appointed to Meet
This Morning Will Take Steps
To Advertise City

Fireworks featured last nights GEN.
tennial mass meeting at City Hall and
a committee of five was appointed to
prepare and place publicity for the
Pensacola Centennial. after a number
of hot speeches had been made by
DR.. F. G. Renshaw, r. Pope Reese.
Col. Beard, Judge Sheppard. Hon. John
B. Jones and others. The publicity
committee will meet this morning at
10 O'Clock to prepare matter for the
state press.
Hon. John B. Jones read correspond
ence from Chairman Brorein of the
state commission in which the Tampa
member said I'VE are back at the
starting point" which Mr. Jones said
indicates that Pensacola's chances are
brighter now than ever before.
a communication from Congressman
Smithwick to Mayor Sanders was read
by Secretary Bayliss and was filed
with little or no comment. The con-
gressman's communication stated that
Congress was not keen on appropria-
tions at the present time but that he
would do everything possible to get
federal aid. His letter follows:
Pensacola, Fla. Nov. 26, 1919.
Hon. Frank ID. Sanders Mayor, Pen
sacola, Fla.
Dear Mayor: Replying to your re-
quest that 1 give my views upon the
securing of federal aid to the proposed
Centennial Exposition, designed to be
held in this city 1 would say that
am, of course, heartily in sympathy
with any movement which will aid in
the upbuilding and prosperity of Pen
hn
citizens take such preparatory steps
toward the holding of the exposition
here, and show such local support and
financial backing of the enterprise as
will enable me to present it to con-
gress in way to enlist it's co-opera-
tion and aid, it goes without saying
that / will do my best to obtain the
needed legislation to put it through.
This, however. is a business propo-
sition and / would do injustice both to
the citizens and to myself, if l con-,
tented myself with mere assurances of
sympathy and support, which. if given
undue weight and not followed by sue
cessful endeavor on the part of your
congressman, might result in much
harm.
l think it fair to you. therefore, to
add that from my experience in the
house during the past six months,
and my observation Of the reluctance
of congress. in view of the billions of
dollars of existing indebtedness, due to
the war, to incur additional obliga-
tions. 1t is by no means a certainty
that the Florida delegation will sue
ceed in getting the needed appropria-
tion.
/ would not be understood as throw
ing cold water upon the enterprise. but
frankness compeIs me to make no
promises in the matter that feel can
not be fulfilled. and while you have
my best efforts in your support, 1 wish
to be honest with you and not raise
greater expectations than l feel to be
justified, especially when action upon
these expectations might mean great
loss.
Yours very truly,
J. II. SMITHwICK.
Judge Sheppard, of the United States
Court. spoke briefly, saying that he
believed federal aid could be secured
{ Pensacola shows she really means
business. He discussed the stand of
he State Commission and said he ex-
1ected Pensacola to be designated.
DIR. Renshaw, Col. Beard, r. Pope
Reese and John A. Jones declared that
he time is past for waiting and hop
ng and that action should be taken
% show East and South Florida that
Vest Florida viii be extremely dissat-
sfied and determined to make repri-
'als IL Pensacola is refused the cen
ennial designation
Hon. John B. Jones deprecated such
.ction. and suggested that it would be
desirable TO delay further publicity un-
Ill the state commission meets. He
Urged that Pensacola proceed with its
'rginal plans for an independent cele-
,ration and his suggestions will be
,arried out.
Following a lively discussion as to
he policy of the proposed publicity
committee was appointed
o take full charge Lucky Baldwin was
made chairman and the other mem
'ers are R. Pope Reese Richard Nc
irath, T. L. Cant and j. Hobart Cross