The Palatka Daily News

AT McMEEKIN'S.

Politics in the Hill Country. Among the Lakes. Our Candidates Leave the Florida Southern Railway.

McMEEKIN, Florida, April 22, 1885.

At McMeekin Station our candidates were met by our former representatives in senate and assembly, the Hon. F. M. McMeekin and Hon. A. Munroe. From the hill upon which the station stands, we surveyed a broad expanse dotted with beautiful lakes, deep and clear—with orange groves green as emerald and bearing every evidence of high health and vigor—cultivated fields and happy homes with a background of tall pines whose plumes tossed in the evening breeze. One among us, who had never been in this section before, declared the prospect before us unequalled in Florida.

From the station Dr. McMeekin took us to his home when we were taken through a grove of immense trees bearing one thousand oranges each, and all planted since 1876. This grove of 1500 bearing trees is especially remarkable for the superior quality of the fruit, and it hangs so well that the doctor often sends the last Florida oranges to market. Last year he shipped to Boston till the middle of May, and to-day he can show a large per cent. of the crop still on the trees. There hang the golden globes amidst the tiny fruit for 1885 and the blossoms not yet dropped. He will get a high price for what is shipped and in grove and packing house the fruit is still being picked and boxed. The Tangerines in this grove are numerous and doubtless the largest in the state. After full enjoyment of the good things provided by the kind hospitality of the doctor's lady, we went to the new school-house near the station, and were there received by such staunch democrats and solid citizens as Messrs. Munroe, Barker, Seyles, Stokes, etc. Hon. A. Munroe was elected chairman on the motion of Dr. McMeekin, and in response to a flattering introduction, our candidate from the 17th Senatorial district, Hon. Wm. H. Cook, responded in a close and logical argument, which enchained the attention of the audience. He dwelt particularly upon the fact that we had outgrown many requirements of our present constitution and gave some most important thoughts as the new articles needed. Mr. Cook urged a non-partisan view of the present situation, and pledged himself and his colleagues to use their best efforts towards the presentation of an instrument in the interest of no party, race or section.

Mr. Harrison then spoke for some half hour, and his strictures on the consistency and character of his opponents seemed highly enjoyed by his audience.

Mr. Gillis then gave us a close argument from a legal standpoint, and was heard attentively for a half hour.

Many questions were then propounded by Messrs. McMeekin and Seyles, and the interest manifested was very marked. Dr. McMeekin and the chairman urged the necessity of prompt attendance at the polls, and the meeting was adjourned in high good feeling.

To-day we leave the railroad and pass on to Ockwilla.