A LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER 7 .Tanuarv 2000 Pago EDITORIAL AND COMMENTARY .. _______ Letter to the Editor ".5 TUE Dr Andrew Jackson: Another View A reply to the revisionists involved in "Springtime Tallahassee" The clamor raised about the involvement of Andrew Jackson in the annual "Springtime Tallahassee" has been a familiar story. Andrew Jackson, former President of the United States, and Florida territo- rial governor before that, has suffered the criticism of modern-day revisionists for his actions in the American Indian removals to the western U.S., and his military campaigns in northern Florida. In- deed, the public criticism began almost as soon as word about Gen- eral Jackson's command military campaigns reached Washington, and other areas, and continued intermittently through the Presiden- tial elections of 1828 and 1832, in which General Jackson was elected twice as President of the United States. Many historians, including Jackson scholar Robert Remini, whom the New York Times called "the foremost Jacksonian scholar of our time," called some of those deeds have, such as the Indian removal, "regrettable". However, the revisionists would rather rid the nation of any memory of Old Hickory, if the intensity of their criticism is any index of a deep seated revulsion at a reincarnation of the General even remembered at "Springtime Tallahassee." Without getting submerged in the many facets of historical interpre- tation, lest we lose the point, the revisionists want to rid the land- scape of Jackson's history. They have succeeded in reducing his role in a traditional celebration of Northern Florida commemoration in a very selective manner while ignoring a larger perspective of U.S. his- tory. Dr. Robert Remini, in his recent book "The Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson and America's First Military Victory," set the stage. "The Battle of New Orleans was one of the great turning points in American history. The country had gone to war with England in a desperate effort to prove that its inde- pendence won in the Revolution was no fluke, no acci- dent, no grant by a reluctant mother country to her re- bellious colonies. Over the past several decades, foreign powers had treated the United States at times with out- rageous contempt, the British in particular, starting with the Jay Treaty and continuing with the seizure of Ameri- can ships and the impressment of American sailors. As Gleig said several times, 'We have long been habituated to despise the Americans, as an enemy unworthy of seri- ous regard.' Even France, the nation's former ally, had acted with such disregard for American rights that a so-called Quasi-War broke out between the two coun- tries in 1797-98 and only the determination of President John Adams prevented it from escalating into something more serious. ,VE ~Ar, POST OFFICE BOX 590 ni- EASTPOINT, FLORIDA 32328 850-927-4023, 850-927-2186 o 850-385-4003 (TALLAHASSEE) Wos Facsimile 850-385-0830, 850-927-4090 THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CHRONICLE, INC. Vol. 9, No. 1 January 7, 2000 Publisher .......................................... Tom W Hoffer Contributors ........................................... Tom Campbell .......... Barbara Revell .......... Rene Topping .......... Jean Collins Sales .................. ......... ............... Jean Collins .......... Tom W. Hoffer Advertising Design and Production Artist........................ Diane Beauvais Dyal Production Associate ............................... Andy Dyal Director of Circulation ............................ Andy Dyal Proofreader ........................................ Lois Lane Citizen's Advisory Group Rand Edelstein ....................................... Alligator Point George Chapel ....................................... Apalachicola Karen Cox-Dennis ................................... Apalachicola Rene Topping .................................. Carrabelle Pam Lycett ..................................... Carrabelle David Butler ......................................... Carrabelle Elizabeth and Jim Sisung ..................... Eastpoint Bedford and Eugenia Watkins .......... Eastpoint Pat Morrison ................................ ...... St. George Island Dominic and Vilma Baragona ................. St. George Island Back Issues For current subscribers, back issues of the Chronicle are available free, in single copies, if in stock, and a fee for postage and handling. For example a 10 page issue would cost $2.00 postpaid. Please write directly to the Chronicle for price quotes if you seek several different or similar issues. In-county subscriptions are $16.96 including tax. Out-of-county subscriptions are $22.26 including tax. Changes in subscription addresses must be sent to the Chronicle in writing. All contents Copyright 2000 Franklin County Chronicle, Inc. T H From The Publisher: We committed an "omission" in the last issue. The article by Joyce Estes "Christmas Symbols and Meanings" was reprinted from The Christian Mirror (St. George Island. United Methodist Church. Ted Schiller, Pastor: December 1999). Thank you for permission to re- print. The citation of the Remini book is: Robert W. Remini. The Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson and America's First Military Victory. Viking. New York, 1999. Four pages are devoted to a review of some highlights from 1999. As the deadline approached, we were required to be more selective in our choices of pictures and distilled stories. We hope that no one is slighted by any omissions. But everything changed with New Orleans. In that one glorious moment the nation had demonstrated that it had the strength, will, and ability to defend its freedom and prove to the world that it was here to stay, that its sover- eignty and rights were to be respected by all..." Remini, author of a three-volume biography of the General, described the political climate in Washington as one of despair and apprehen- sion. The nation had gone to war and suffered one military disaster after another. The loosely organized states had been invaded, coast- lines blockaded, and Washington itself had been burned by the Brit- ish, who held the United States in supreme contempt. The concern was for the security of the southern territories, specifically New Or- leans, when word was received that an enormous British force had left the West Indies and were headed for the Gulf Coast. If the British should capture New Orleans, the seizure of the Mississippi was next, and eventually other forces from Canada would help shred the new republic. Remini has told the story of Jackson's victory over the British at New Orleans with the intensity of a cinematic chase. Indeed, his presenta- tion over C-span highlighting the story was told with all the gusto of the saloon fist- and gun-fights depicted in the movie Shane. But, he reminds the modem reader and arm-chair historian, there was some- thing in the victory that transcended a long battle.with great losses suffered by the British. He wrote: "As the city celebrated, its citizens suddenly realized that out of their commonality of purpose a disparate ethnic population of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Germans, Italians, Anglos, Indians, and blacks of various social classes had been brought together and welded into a force that had brought about the nation's first military victory of any significance. The past ethnic and social distinc- tions that had kept them divided and rendered state unity all but impossible had been blurred. Moreover, they had united with outsiders, in a common cause: Creoles and Tennesseans, Cajuns and Kentuckians, blacks and whites, slaves and freemen. For the first time they came to realize they were Americans, no matter their ethnic background, social class, or residence. And as Ameri- cans they had achieved an extraordinary feat. All of a sudden the city was unified..." And the unity of New Orleans infected the nation. Remini added: "...In fact, Americans in the first half of the nineteenth century did believe that January 8 would be remembered like July 4-both dates representing the nation's first and second declaration of independence from Great Britain. Indeed, some called the War of 1812 the Second War for Independence. Generally speaking, widespread obser- vance of January 8 as a day of national celebration con- tinued for the next fifty years, with parades and toasts in most major cities. But, as with so many other traditions of the antebellum period, the Civil War and its aftermath more or less extinguished the commemoration of this event. L For nine glorious days in 1815 the nation celebrated its newfound claim to military power and achievement. Then in mid-February dispatches arrived from Europe an- nouncing that the commissioners in Ghent had signed a treaty of peace with their British counterparts and that the War of 1812 had ended. There had been rumors of a peace treaty as early as January 21, but they were only rumors. Not until Saturday, February 11, when the Brit- ish sloop-of-war Favorite arrived in New York with an of- ficial copy of the treaty that had been ratified by the Prince Regent, was it certain that the war had finally ended..." The Battle of New Orleans was one of the great turning points in American history, Remini concluded. In the Battle of New Orleans, the new nation had demonstrated that it had the resolve and strength to defend freedom and prove to the world it was here to stay, that its sovereignty was to be respected by all. Jackson was in command. Jackson was the leader. And, then he turned to seize Florida from the Spanish in 1818, having been directed by President Monroe to pur- sue marauding Seminole Indians who raided Georgia settlements and then retired to the safety of villages inside Florida. This was an era of western and southern expansion and General Jackson was very much a part of that history. The history of his military work has been selectively diced into a distortion by arm- chair buffs who, for whatever reason, cannot assess the General's role in this expansion perspective-not to forgive him, but to inter- pret his deeds in a much larger political and military context. By so selecting actions that are a part of a larger whole, the revisionists contribute to a gross distortion of Jackson's contributions to the ex- pansion of the United States upon a world stage. The defense and victory of New Orleans stands tall in American his- tory, overlooked to be sure, but critically important in defining the United States as an emerging military power that could ensure its own survival in the period 1810 1818. Franklin Realty ( I I Downtown Carrabelle, FL 32322 Phone: 850-697-8111 Nights: 850-697-2836 Fax: 850-697-8240 2 BED/1 BATH HOUSE on 2 lots-6th Street, Carrabelle $69,000. 2 BED, 1 BATH HOUSE on commercial lot--10th Street, Carrabelle $59,000 3 BED/2 BATH on 3 commercial lots-3rd Street, Carrabelle $90,000. 3 BED/3 BATH on 1 acre riverfront-Carrabelle $259,000. 3 BED/2BATH TRIPLE WIDE 5 acres, fireplace-- Carrabelle $105,000. 2 BED/2 BATH brick home-Carrabelle $99,000. 3 ACRES COMMERCIAL with beach access $299,000. WE HAVE RIVERFRONT LOTS starting at $65,000. The Let The Children Play Foun- dation held its first annual "Ca- sino Night" on-December 28th at the Dixie Theatre and raised over $11,000. Over 150 people at- tended the black tie optional af- fair. Attendees enjoyed the lively music of the Island Jam Band whose members include Steve Maleveusto, Willie Irvine, & Joe Hening. The gourmet buffet, si- lent and live sections and gam- bling Dustfor fun, of course) were also a big hit. Glen Siler exhib- ited her, talent at the tables by winningover two hundred chips. She received an engraved crystal award declaring her Casino Night Grand Champion 1999. Total Photo's Tom Baird donated photography services and many patrons enjoyed having their pho- tos taken as a souvenir of the gale event, The decorations were de- signed by Belinda Cash Designs and included a hand painted joker that measured over twelve feet tall. A not for profit foundation, the Let The Children Play Foundation, was established as a means to provide funding for youth recre- ation in Franklin County. The foundation's board of directors includes members from Eastpoint, Carrabelle, Apalachicola, Alligator Point and St. George Island. Executive di- rector Teresa S. Kline stated, "We are trying very hard to let people know that the playground to be built on St. George Island is only the beginning. Our board will de- cide, based on need and commu- nity support, where the next play- ground will be built." 'The Battery Park playground, which was funded and built by the Apalachicola Parks Fund, under the direction of Karen Cox-Dennis, has provided a won- derful place for community mem- bers to gather. On any given day you will find elderly members of the community who come to watch the children play, For some of these folks it may be the only social interaction that they have that day. It's also a great place for parents and grandparents to en- joy each other's company. While the little ones play. Some people assert that St. George Is- land doesn't need a playground because the children can play an the beach. What they don't real- ize is that the children need more than just the beach, The Play- ground will provide year round enjoyment for both children and adults as well will'serve as a much needed a% gathering place for the entire community. My hope is that the areas represented by our board of directors will join to- gether in support Of Playgrounds and facilities for older children to be built throughout Franklin County. I would like to see all of the communities embrace their differences and realize that each community has it's own unique strengths. I propose that we be- gin to work together for the good of all the children of Franklin County." If you would like to show your support for the foundation attend their next fundraiser to be held at the St. George Island Method- ist Church on Saturday, Febru- ary 12th. It is a Valentine Spa- ghetti Dinner with a silent auc- tion, which will include a two night romantic getaway at The Inn at Resort Village, jewelry and many other enticing goodies. There will also be valentines made by children from area schools and churches available for purchase and guaranteed to enchant that special someone. Engraved brick pavers can be purchased and in- scribed with your special valen- tine message, family name etc. The pavers will be installed near the playground area as a perma- nent addition to the park. For more information call Teresa Kline at 927-3485. Teresa Kline I a istiuedi-raki.1 . Long bream Gallery CUSTOM WEDDING RINGS Designs just for you by your own Hometown Goldsmith KRISTIN. Visit us for anniversary and birthday presents and unusual gifts for other special occasions. Custom Pearl Knotting and Bead Stringing by your own Hometown Professional Bead Stringer HELEN. "We make the piece, you make the heirloom." FINE ART JEWELRY = VALUE FOREVER. Waxen Candles, Soaprocks, Jonathan Spoons, Toys, Ornaments and More. Handmade by Living American Artists. LONG DREAM GALLERY 268 Water St. Apalachicola 850-653-2249 r Coastal Trailer & Hitch Sales & Service Medart, FL Across from Medart Elementary 984-0728 PUTNAM DRAW-TIE All Types Of Trailers We also sell parts Rolls & S.M. Trailers Used Trailers Financing Available Decorations < ^ J. Ben Watklns, Broker Nita Molsbee, Associate Broker 697-2836 Raymond Williams, Sales Associate 697-3434 Freda White, Sales Associate 697-2590 WE SPECIALIZE IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES. Visit our website: www.franklin-realty.com E-mail: frealty@noblestar.com 7 The Franklin Chroniclerl FWCC Charged With "No Integrity or Honesty" Recently the Legislature was reviewing the procedures for implement- ing regulation by the new Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC). The issue, do all user groups have "due process of law" when questioning the divisions of the FWCC? The FWCC filed a lengthy report to the Water Resource Committee indicating that the people had due process or protection of rights by simply filing a declarative statement action. They indicated the sys- tem was simple and quick, assuring the people recourse against pos- sible discrimination and prejudice. The FWCC painted the picture that equal access-equal opportunity to Florida Resources was as- sured and the concern of the legislature was unfounded. I say today that there is no integrity or honesty in the FWCC based on our experience and evidence. We have attempted a declarative action on a single issue of what constitutes a legal 500 sq. ft. rectangular net under Article 10 Section 16 "Limiting Marine Net Fishing" in Florida's Constitution. The Attorney General and the FWCC filed motions with the 1st District Court of Appeals to stop the process. Five years, several hundred thousand dollars and today we are still blocked by the FWCC's motion to the 1st DCA, stating that the proper venue to resolve the interpretation is with the FWCC. The Attorney General and the FWCC will lie, cheat, and steal your rights to get their political goals. Will the state deny the rights of women, senior citizens, and the disabled by denying them due pro- cess or protection from tyranny? In December one of our members, a senior citizen of over 80 years was cited with a net deemed legal under the Constitution, Statutes, and our Representatives. The citation pyramided from a single issue of mesh size to four major violations, clearly indicating the political attack by the FWCC. After weeks of investigating this member's citation, I am concerned that it involved his race. This issue involved a disabled, African Ameri- can senior citizen. This incident brought me to the conclusion that denying due process or protection under the law by the Attorney Gen- eral, FWCC and the 1st DCA is not acceptable. The new position of the Wakulla Fishermen's Association is to pre- pare a cause of action in Federal Court, to protect the civil rights of its members. The state is lying; there is no way to question the FWCC authority. We were able to get to the Florida Supreme Court with questions about shrimp nets, in 1996. The Supreme Court supported our posi- tion and stated in their order, "the position of the state is absurd and brings about an illegal conclusion." It is clear the position of the state is prejudice and discrimination. Ronald F. Crum Wakulla Fishermen's Association Let The Children Play Foundation Raises $11,000