Evening star., 1951-07-08

uIlQ6TSGOOQ. NOtIllIlSs dIlO L
mean it. I will do nothing for
you as such a group, but as citi-
zens of Florida. however, will
tell you what I will do for you
and all other citizens-everything
I can" Such candor might have
been the kiss of death for man
of lesser stature; for Caldwell, it
resulted in a generous vote.
Such a positive personality must
have strong likes and dislikes.
which might lead to clashes, ex-
cept that he resents the time and
energy spent on grudges and diff
ferences Of opinion. This is part
of his adherence Of wasted
energy. Therefore, his associates
make their own decisions within
the outline of his general policies
and an efficient executive team
retains its full vigor. There is no
place for yes man on his staff.
(Note: AS Governor of Florida, he
has sometimes refused to suspend
local officials from office, taking
the somewhat tough-minded at
titude that the people must bear
the burden Of the men they elect.
1t followed that such officials were
defeated for Office In the next
election and government i'm
proved.)
Caldwell was born in a month
which has given us many of our
greatest leaders-February, 1897
And, like many of our leaders,
he came from Virginia stock,
though he was born in Tennessee.
Perhaps his individualism and
pioneer spirit can be traced, in
some measure, to his upbringing
His father had holdings in Ten
nessee, Louisiana. Mississippi Ar
kansas, California and Florida end
frequently the whole family went
on camping trips in one OF these
many States. On such occasions,
the young Millard found deer
hunting and quail shooting seri-
ously crowding his studies. ut
was a matter of keen regret to
him that his appointment as
Federal civil defense administra-
tor conceded with the opening of
the best bird season in years,
One of the Caldwell family farms
was Oakley, in Gloucester, Va,
formerly owned by the Faunt-
leroy family. It was here, in fact,
that Frances Hodgson Burnett
wrote Little Lord Fauntleroy"-
and plunged a whole generation
of little boys into long curls and
velvet knee breeches. Not far
away, on another lovely estate,
lived Mary Harwood. who was to
become Millard Caldwell's bride.
Both Caldwells love the plan
tation life of their 1,000-acre
home, Harwood, in Tallahassee,
although the event that brought
them there was a tragic one. In
February of 1899. their only son,
Millard Caldwell III, was killed
by a hit-and-run driver as he
crossed the street on his way to
school. AS soon as his term was
up. Caldwell left Washington .
thinking, perhaps, that it was for
ever. They found and fell in love
with an old house, surrounded by
ancient oaks and magnolias and
pecan trees, and soon restored 1t.
Caldwell found himself busy with
a successful law practice, the over
seeing, by horseback, of thousands
of cattle. fishing in the inland
lakes and rivers, and extending
the hospitality of Harwood plan
tation. 1t was the sort of life led
by Jefferson and Washington, a
beautiful balance of work and
play, a blend of leisure and
achievement. But the call of a
mans country is the strongest call
Of all, and Millard Caldwell an
swered it.
For that, ladies and gentlemen,
you may thank your lucky stars!