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A History of Columbia County Florida (1996) Edward F. Keuchel 179/340

A History of Columbia County, Florida
in Lake City before a noonday crowd of some four hundred
persons. Opposition Democrats tried to disrupt the rally by fre­
quent blowings of the steam whistle of the Baya and Master engine
works.42 Although Pope received some forty-seven percent of the
total vote, he only carried Alachua, Duval, Madison, Jefferson,
Leon, Marion, Nassau, and Washington counties. Columbia County
stayed with the conservative leadership of the Democratic Party.
Economic policies were not the only factors dividing Florida
Democrats after 1876. The State Constitution of 1868 was also a
vexing issue. Looked upon as a “carpetbag” document imposed
upon the state during the Reconstruction period, there was a
strong desire among the Democrats to change it. There was
disagreement, however, as to the degree of change. In Jefferson,
Leon and other counties with a large black population, white
Democrats were pleased with the provision of the constitution
which placed all county official appointments in the hands of the
governor. Counties with white majorities generally favored local
elections for these positions.
Joseph M. Tolbert and J. P. B. Goodbread were Columbia
County’s delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1885. When
completed the Constitution of 1885 reflected the conservative
element. It provided for the election of cabinet officers and
supreme court justices while county commissioners were to be
appointed. Whereas the Republican 1868 constitution provided for
a strong governor, the Democratic 1885 constitution diffused
executive power among the cabinet. The weak governor provided
for could not appoint his own cabinet or run for re-election.
Appointed county commissioners essentially deprived Republicans
of those offices in predominantly black counties. It was anticipated
that the governor would rubber-stamp appointments of nominees
selected by the Democrats of a county. Blacks were also concerned
about a poll tax provision included in the new constitution.43
42 Ibid., p. 116.
4AIbid., pp. 140-41.
156

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