The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1919-08-23

President Wilson, notwithstanding the
celebrated republican filibuster which
caused other important measures such
as the appropriation bills for the
army, navy and agriculture to be laid
aside. That accomplishment, alone, is
evidence Of his craftsmanship.
AS a member of the banking and
currency committee of the Senate he
has taken an active part in all legisla-
ton referred to that committee, espec-
tally that creating the federal reserve
system, under which our country was
able to finance the war and prevent
financial panics and bankruptcy. He
was requested to serve on the COM
mittee because of his broad knowledge
OF business, law and finance.
AS a member of the judiciary COM
mittee, he took an active interest in
all legislation extending the powers
of the president during the war in
connection with espionage and other
matters of great Importance, includ-
ing alien enemy legislation.
AS chairman of the committee of
commerce he has had to do with river
and harbor, merchant marine and
light house and coast guard legisla-
ton.
AS chairman of the joint committee
on printing he took an active part in
all matters concerning printing done
for and by the government. AS we all
know, our government has in Wash,
ington the largest printing establish
ment in the world.
Senator Fletcher has also rendered
valuable service to the state in con-
nection with his membership on the
committee on public health and ma
tional quarantine.
In addition to the above Senator
Fletcher has been most active in OBJ
tanning appropriations for public
buildings, fish cultural stations, hydro.
plane and aviation stations, appropria.
items for eradicating citrus canker
federal aid for good roads and estab
fishing the shipbuilding industry ii
Florida and developing the use of oul
ports.
Every interest of the state and the
people has been served and cared fol
by him.
AS a member of the committee OF
military affairs, Senator Fletcher tool
an active part in framing Legislation
l providing for our stupendous militar!
operations which brought the worlC
war to a sudden end; and for his un
firing efforts, and the efforts of hi
colleagues, we should all feel deepl!
grateful.
Regarding the splitting up of Flor
ida troops, quote from a statemen
of the secretary of war:
"The Florida National Guard regi
ments were not kept intact because il
the entire country there were NOR
organizations at minimum strength
than could be used in the number o
, divisions to be organized. Consequent
ly, in every state units were combine
, and in a great many instances unit
from two or more state were combin
, ed.
"The Thirty-first Division consiste
of Georgia, Alabama and Florida Ma
> tional Guard troops and even the
many drafted men had to be sent
, fill in. The First Florida Infantr
, was split up and assigned to severe
: units of the 31st division. The Ser
: ond Florida Infantry went into tn
1 124th Infantry, 31st Division intac
+ Field Hospital Company No. 1, Flol
r ida National Guard, went into tn
1G6th Sanitary Train, 31st Division
4 intact.
q "Due to- the late arrival in Franc
a of the 31st Division at the time of til
heaviest fighting, the entire divisio
n was at once broken up and used g
n requirements in numerous division
q This explains why no Florida uni
d large enough for a reception, returne
= as unit"
g President Wilson was, and is, con
q mander-in-chief of our military ar
n naval forces. He called to his assis
n ance the best trained military MIND
n ia the world. 1t would have been poe
II policy, under the circumstances,
q have permitted senators and congress
., men to dictate when and where tn
4 man, or that company or organizatio
r. should serve, or serve at all. Coz
! fusion would have been at it's heigl
h had not experienced minds in milital
l. affairs planned what was best in ord'
= to bring about the early and SUGGEST
>. conclusion of the war. l do not b
licve any fair-minded man shou
q hold any congressman or senator r
: sponsible for the acts of military off
is ials who had to contend with milital
; problems.
" Governor Cats was exceeding
boastful of carrying out all of Il
!. promises he made when he was a Cal
didate for the high position which
now fills, but he did not mention Il
fact that he promised a reduction