The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-09-13
Pensacola, Florida.

Editor. Pensacola Daily journal:
The article appearing in some Flor
ida newspapers purporting to be an
interview with Governor Cats relative
to his invitation and speakii at La
Dor Day picnic at Palmetto Beach, Sep
TENDER /; requires an answer from
me, in justice to my friends, who have
never known me to be prejudiced
against any man on account of his
religious. social, nor political belief.
The Committee on arrangements"
of which 1 had the honor to be chair
man, had no knowledge Of the govern
or's coming, hence no preparations
were made for his reception. 1t was
agreed, there was to be no parade nor
public speaking on the grounds, yet
had any of the crafts expressed their
wishes for a speaker through the COM
mittee, all matters would have been
attended to and their friend received
the attentions they desired, regardless
his station of life.
No man at the picnic had any de-
sire to interrupt nor. interfere with the
governor during his speech. The peo-
pie enjoying themselves dancing, with
baseball, and other sports, many hum
dreds were entirely ignorant of his
presence; so when the sheriff came to
me when the governor was ready to
begin his spec 4 and expressed the
wish there would be no trouble" i
was certainly surprised and replied
why certainly not Jim. Let him go
ahead and speak" That is all there
was to that Riot call
Further on in the interview the COY
ernor says MIR. LeBaron of the COM
mittee on arrangements who appears
so opposed to me, / am told has son
being educated to become catholic
priest. Possibly he is not thinking
so much of the Welfare of the labor
ing classes as he is in serving the
Roman Catholic church,"
Well! As Josh Billings would say
That declaration is certainly. am
muslin" AS a matter of fact the Cath
Ole church rightly disowns me since
1 do not comply with its obligations and
they would not bury me from that
church today should 1 die. I think the
governor will agree with the Catho-
lie church once, that is, that Back
sliders" are not dependable defenders
of any church. My son is studying for
the priesthood and if Governor Cats
should ask anyone, Jew, or GENTLE ac-
quainted with his character they will
tell him. mo cleaner young American
ever Bonded his knee to the true God.
or uncovered his head in the presence
of his countrys flag.
Yes, I am with labor, but not for
votes. / have worn the overalls many
days, and when it shall please God
to place the rein of government in the
hands of labor, the great majority,
then. and not until then, shall we
have a country free of trusts, free OF
profiteers, and free of religious preju-
dice. the curse of every country where
1t has existed. from the highlands of
Scotland, to the mountains of Spain,
from the green sward of Ireland, to
the steppes of Ukraine.
Editor Journal:
We are glad to inform the public
that our very efficient county COM
missioner. Mr.. J. d. McCurdy, operat-
ing under the able supervision Of over
seer, r. J. Brewton. ST.. is doing some
good and substantial work on the
swamp road from Chumuckla Springs
to McDayid- This road when finished
win be in condition. and will give a
great deal of satisfaction TO the peo-
pie. Mr.. Brewton has the congratuia-
tions of al lour people as master
road builder.
"A PATRON.