Armstead Brown Diaries_1948 - Supreme Court



[Armstead Brown Personal Diaries. 1948.]

[Title Page: ]

“Marquette DIARY and Daily Reminder / Armstead Brown / A Page a Day for 1948”

Memo. My opinions appear in 90th to 158 Fla. Reports, inclusive / No. of Vols. 69

and

Vol. 105 So. to 28 So. 2nd inclusive / No. of Vols. 124

Thursday, January 1, 1948.

This New Year’s day is much the same as a year ago—warm and cloudy, with fairly strong breezes from the South.

I drove up town to mail some letters and got the mail, about 12, and got caught in a regular cloud burst as I came out of the post office. Had to stay in the car for about 15 minutes before I could drive by the Supreme Ct. Bldg & get the mail. I was back home at 12:30. Cloudy afternoon.

Didn’t feel at all well this afternoon & Liz & I did very little else besides listening to the foot-ball games & other radio programs. Michigan beat S. Cal. in the Rose Bowl game 49 to nothing. Bob Chappuis did some fine passing.

The Greek Army has defeated the Communist guerrillas in their fight to regain the City of Koritsa.

And so we begin a New Year. May God bless us and may we, with his help, use it wisely.

I am glad we have Gen Marshall as our Sec’y of State in this critical time.

Severe tornado storms in 5 sections of Ark., La., Miss. caused severe damage & loss of life.

Friday January 2, 1948.

Clear and quite cold.

From the Central So. & Western States a snow fall proceeded all the way to New York & New England. The streets of New York yesterday had been covered with sleet and ice, & then came the 4 inch snow, which made driving and even walking dangerous.

I spent a large part of the day typing a deed to Mr. & Mrs. Lyons to contain lot and a half in LeBecage subdiv., Miami, to take the place of the deed made them in 1945 which they lost.

Lizzie has had a bad afternoon and evening following a busy morning of shopping. But tonight she phoned Jimmy Washington to find out how they all were and whether Annie & Elizabeth and little Jim would be able to leave tomorrow for Tallahassee. He said they were all well and that they would make the trip. But that the weather is still bad up there.

The Cowles returned this aft.

Saturday, January 3, 1948.

Clear & cold.

Lizzie was up to the hairdressers this morning. & some shopping afterwards. I drove her up & then drove back & got her.

This aft. we drove down to the County line 3:40 to 5:40. Then Liz called on Mary Maud. & tonight we had visitors—Henry & Elmira Palmer.

Sunday, January 4, 1948. Elizabeth & little Jim arrive, with Annie.

Clear & cold, very delightful in middle of day. I didn’t sleep very well last night and got up late this morning. Missed going to church. Regretted it.

Annie & Elizabeth and little Jim arrived on the 6 p.m. bus. Their train from N.Y. arrived in Jacksonville 2 hours late. So they missed their connection with the Seaboard & took the 1 p.m. bus. We met them at the bus station and spent some time looking for one of their bags, but couldn’t find it. Probably it came on the later bus. We arrived at home about 7 p.m. As soon as supper was over the Cowles came over & stayed till after 11. Annie & Elizabeth & little Jim stood the long trip very well. It is good to have them with us. Elizabeth looks fine & pretty in spite of all she has been through with the heavy snow. She & Bob & little Jim left their house and went to Jimmy W’s house just in time. If they had stayed a few minutes longer they would have been snow bound.

Monday, January 5, 1948.

Clear and cold, but delightful most of the day.

I haven’t been able to attend to several matters concerning Ma’s estate, tho I’ve been trying to for several days. The report of the appraisers is very poorly gotten up and has some serious errors in it—of description, etc. and seriously undervalues most of the lots. I must do something about it.

This morning, Liz, Elizabeth & I went to the bus station to get the four bags we could not find after Annie & Elizabeth & Jim arrived last night. Dropped by the Supreme Court and got Rambo, one of the porters, to help. We finally located the bags, after looking through the stacks of several hundred, & Rambo & I put them into the back of our car. Then we dropped by town for a little shopping. This afternoon I got in a little work & then went for Annie. Then after supper, Gunter Stephenson called and spent the evening. We were all glad to see him. He is looking so much better than he did when he got back from the war.

Now at 11:30 I must go to bed.

Tuesday, January 6, 1948.

Clear & cold morning.

Lowest temp. this winter. A fine day. I’ve been told that it was down to 28° this morning.

Congress convened today at noon. The President addresses them tomorrow at 1:30.

Lizzie & Elizabeth & little Jim went to town early, did some shopping and also took little Jim to Dr. Andrews to have his ears examined. He has been quite deaf for some days, the result of a cold. Dr. Andrews said there was no infection, & he would probably be allright in a few days.

The fighting between the Jews and Arabs in Palestine continues. Some 500 to 600 deaths so far.

The Greek Army has run the Guerrillas out of Konitza and back to the mountains. The Guerrillas have proclaimed a new Greek Republic. Moscow is back of this.

The communists in China have better arms and more ammunition than the Chinese Government troops. So the communists have made great gains. It is high time we were helping Chiang Kai Chek.

Wednesday, January 7, 1948.

Another cold but clear morning, pleasant in middle part of day, but cold by dark.

I spent practically all morning in town attending to various matters. But one strange thing happened. I drove to the post office to get some stamped envelopes, but there was no place to park. I drove around the block, and to avoid delay parked near Raney Cawthon’s place. I was in the post office sometime & when I came out I forgot where I had parked my car and thought I had parked in front of the post office. But I could not find it and concluded it had been stolen. So I reported it to the nearby police dept., and they reported it to the Sheriff & highway patrol. But I told them I was going to make another search and I did and finally found it right where I had left it in front of Raney Cawthons. I immediately went to the Police Dept. and told them, with some embarrassment, that I had forgotten where I left my car, but found it allright, & they notified the others. Old age and absent mindedness is catching up with me. I had the brakes fixed before I came to town.

I was not very favorably impressed with President Truman[‘]s speech to Congress today.

Thursday, January 8, 1948.

A continuation of the fine, clear & cool weather we’ve been having for the past week. Such a contrast to the weather of the past fall and most of December.

This afternoon I wrote a contract for the Stephen Foster Memorial Commission of which I am a member with Howard Chandler Christy, famous artist, for the painting of a portrait of Stephen Foster. I did this at the request of Mrs. W. A. Saunders, of the Commission. Price--$5,000.00 I mailed it to Mrs. Saunders who will send it around to the other members of the Commission.

This morning Gen. Marshall appeared before a Senate Committee to testify on the “Marshall Plan.” He took the offensive from the start and made a very forceful and impressive statement of facts. I hope Congress will back him up, but this Republican Congress is very skeptical of anything proposed by the Democratic administration. But the Marshall plan is so obviously necessary for the peace and prosperity of the world that it would be a terrible risk for the Republicans to scuttle it like they did the League of Nations after the 1st World war.

Had a good time playing golf this aft. with Judges Chapman & Barns & Reeves Bowen.

Friday, January 9, 1948. Lizzie’s Birthday!

Pretty foggy early morning[.] Otherwise a fine, clear and mild day—a fitting day for my dear wife’s 66th birthday! God bless her, and may she have many more!

Spent the morning writing a long letter to my Co-Executor, Joe B. Gorman, showing the inaccuracies and under-valuations of lots in Ma Brown’s estate as reflected in the report of the appraisers, and asked him to get them to file a corrected appraisal. Then got Annie to copy it on the type-writer.

Dow and Hilda drove down from Atlanta today, arriving in Tallahassee about 5 p.m. and stopping at the Colonial Hotel, where we, pursuant to a wire from Dow, had secured them a double room. I drove up to the hotel about 5:30 and brought them to our home for a nice little cocktail party. We stopped on the way at Pasco’s Florist place & they bought a lot of flowers as a birthday present for Lizzie. We had a nice time here at home. About 8:30 we drove out to the Talquin Inn for dinner. Had a room all to ourselves. About 10 p.m. we carried them to our house. Dow looks well but still suffers with shortness of breath. Elfrieda Cowles stayed at our house to be with little Jim while we went out to dinner.

Saturday, January 10, 1948.

Foggy early morning but clear and warm until late afternoon when it began to get colder.

Dow phone me this morning about 9:30 that they had had a very pleasant night at the Colonial Hotel and were just leaving for Port Richey. Suggested I write Joe Gorman with reference to an accounting as to rents on Ma’s estate. I was going to do that anyway.

I have not been feeling very well today.

Dow looks well, but is still suffering from shortness of breath following his attack of pneumonia last year.

It certainly was good to see him & Hilda. The latter deserves a trip and relief from house keeping.

They sold their old car and have a new Chevrolet.

Sunday, January 11, 1948.

Clear, cold morning, pleasant by noon. High barometer. But rather cool afternoon and evening.

This spell of beautiful clear weather began 10 days ago. Such a contrast to the weather preceding it.

This morning I went to Church and enjoyed a fine sermon by our pastor, Bro. Cotton. He is a fine man and an excellent preacher.

This afternoon I took a long walk on golf course, watching the players. But the North wind made it a bit uncomfortable.

Tonight Lizzie, Annie & Elizabeth are attending a little party at Edna Salley’s. I am staying home with little Jim—who is sound asleep.

Monday, January 12, 1948. Rain

It has been much warmer this afternoon and tonight. Also more or less cloudy all day with a short sprinkle of rain about 4 p.m. This with the barometer falling all day, & Southerly winds later this afternoon, indicate rain.

The President delivered his budget message this morning to Congress. It calls for forty billion dollars this year. It contains a great increase in funds for the armed forces. Eleven Billion. I think this is wise. We must increase our depleted armed strength if we are to maintain the Peace. And we should act quickly to increase the strength of our depleted Army, Navy & Air force.

Greece is in immediate danger now, and without our aid the present Greek government will fall, I believe, within the next few months. The so called Greek Republic which the Communist guerrillas have set up may take over unless we send troops, planes & tanks to help the Greek Government.

Then, too, Northern Italy is in danger, and Palestine may prove a powder Keg. What a mistake we made to back partition of Palestine in the U.N. a few weeks ago!

The Cowles took dinner with us tonight. Walter is some better.

Judge Chapman, Paul Barns & I had a good time playing golf this aft. I felt much better after the game.

Tuesday, January 13, 1948. Rain

It rained all night last night—a slow rain which came on intermittently during the morning. By noon the wind began to change to the N. and N.W. and it partly cleared up in later afternoon. Tonight it is getting cold.

I drove up town this morning and went to the Bank for Lizzie, got me some new overshoes, and came by for Annie & brought her home. Elizabeth took Annie back to work after lunch and on her return parked the car out in front. About 4 p.m. we saw that the right rear tire was flat. I called Maner’s Garage to send a man to change the tire. He did not arrive till 6 p.m. When the tire was taken off we discovered a big nail in it. The spare tire was badly in need of air, but I ran the car down to Henry Palmer’s and had it “blown up.”

Tonight we put in a lot of time looking at my collection of photos and pictures—& listening to some radio programs.

I did not realize how many pictures I had made in the days gone by. The wind is roaring at 11:55.

Wednesday, January 14. 1948.

Cold and clear—and getting colder tonight.

I didn’t get much accomplished today. Wrote a few letters. Went to town for awhile this morning and this afternoon. Took the car to Maner’s garage & had the mended tire put on and the spare tire put in the trunk of the car.

I’m a little uneasy about our car tonight. It will be mighty cold all night and by morning it will probably be down to 25° or less. Hope & pray our radiator doesn’t freeze.

Pres. Truman delivered another message to Congress today, mainly on the economic situation. He again urged Congress to give him the power to deal with inflation which he asked in his message several weeks ago—usually referred to as his 10-point program, but which the Republican Congress has so far indicated they would not grant. I thought the President was right. Rationing and price controls are drastic but something must be done to curb inflation.

Thursday, January 15, 1948.

Coldest day this winter.

Clear and very dry atmosphere but very little wind. I took a walk this afternoon without any overcoat.

It is 5 degrees warmer at 11 pm. tonight than it was this time last night. So the cold wave is beginning to recede.

It was down to 8° in N.Y. early this morning as compared to 19° here.

Many people are suffering from the shortage of fuel oil in Tallahassee & wood & coal are very high. Our power people are having a hard time in this cold weather.

I was afraid last night our car might freeze, but it was all O.K. this morning.

We heard a very fine and convincing speech by Gen. Marshall tonight, delivered to a convention of business men in Pittsburg, Pa. He is so right. And such a grand, able and sincere man. I wish every member of Congress could have heard it.

Friday, January 16, 1948. Cold.

Cold & mostly clear.

5 degrees warmer this morning than yesterday. Slightly cloudy aft.

Mrs. Lillian Saunders, who drove over from White Springs, and I had a conference with Mr. Ed Larsen, State Treasurer, in his office this morning about 10 Am. to 10:45 about proposed building operations on the Memorial to Stephen Foster. We went over the plans which had been drawn by architects for the gate house, carillon tower and the Memorial Bldg. We will build the gate house first, and wait on the other buildings until the funds are available. The legislative appropriation of 500,000 made in 1947 was to come out of funds not already appropriated. So it is conditional, depending on whether funds will be available after other appropriations have been met.

I bought a pair of Clapp shoes this morning, $18.00, hi prices but first shoes I’ve bought in several years.

Elizabeth not feeling very well tonight.

Saturday, January 17, 1948. Cloudy

Cloudy and warmer this morning. Light rain at 1 p.m. Cloudy and cooler in the afternoon.

We are beginning to get some of the cold wave that has swept from the N.W. across the Northern States, and into New York & New England.

I bought myself a pair of Clapp shoes today. Price $18.00. But it is the first shoes I have bought in about 2 yrs., or more. Shoes are high but will probably be higher. Clapp shoes are the most comfortable I have ever worn.

I drew a resolution this afternoon which I hope will be adopted by the Stephen Foster Memorial Commission.

I have joined an organization headed by Judge Robt. P. Petterson for the purpose of getting Congress to back up the Marshall plan, which I think should be promptly adopted in full. I think Gen. Marshall is the greatest man in this country & have been for his plan for European Recovery from the first.

In spite of the light rain this aft. Lizzie & Annie & Elizabeth & little Jim all drove to town for an hour or so. They got little Jim a toy pistol. He was so full of himself when he got back that he was hard to handle.

Annie & Elizabeth went over to the Cowles for cocktails, but didn[‘]t like them.

Sunday, January 18, 1948. Cold.

Mostly clear.

I went to church this morning and heard a good sermon by our Dist. Supt. Rev. J. W. Black. His sermon, like those of our pastor, Mr. Cotton, show that they are alive to the conditions which threaten civilization today.

The puerile politically inspired attacks made on the Marshall plan by such men a[s] Senator Robt Taft make me sick. Taft wants to cut the $6,800,000,000 which Gen. Marshall asks for the first 15 months to $4 billion, and yet he argues against the wisdom of the plan; says it will help Russia. If so, why provide the $4 billion—why give anything at all.

Henry L Stimson, Herbert Hoover and Bernard Baruch are for the Marshall plan—and other big men—much bigger men than “Bob” Taft. The latter is smart, but not a great statesman by any means. He seems to be utterly oblivious to the conditions which we face in the World today, as we stand at the cross-roads of history.

Monday, January 19, 1948. Cool.

Pretty cold morning, mostly clear. Warmer in afternoon, but cloudy. Tonight at 11:15 a little rain is falling.

This is the birthday of the great man and great soldier, Robt. E. Lee.

This morning I went to Dr. Rhodes office for my third vitamin “shot.” The nurse, at Lizzie’s suggestion, tested my blood pressure it was 130. She said that was “perfect.” Several months ago Dr. Ernest Wall of Thomasville found it to be 140. I don’t understand the decrease. But Lizzie thinks 130 is much better.

After I left Lizzie came to see Dr. Rhodes about the sore and swollen place on the side of her tongue—and had to wait for 2 hours to see him. She phoned to me to come and get the car and take Annie to dinner, which I did. After we had dinner, she, Lizzie, phoned for Elizabeth to come and get her. No definite opinion by the doctor about her tongue. She must see him again in a day or two.

This afternoon Paul Barns & Judge Chapman & I had a very pleasant game of golf. I am still playing badly. Don’t play enough to keep my hand in.

Today Mr. Bernard Baruch testified before a Congressional Committee. He endorsed the Marshall plan.

Tuesday, January 20, 1948. Cool & Rainy.

A very damp and penetrating coolness today. Felt colder than it really was. Rain—slow at night.

The Democrats are introducing their own tax bill along the lines put forth in the President’s message. Each party will try and show that they are doing more than the other for the small tax payers—who cast more votes than the large tax payers.

The place on Lizzie’s tongue which Dr. Rhodes treated yesterday looks better. I was very much worried about it.

Letter from Dow, down at Port Richey, received today shows that they have been uncomfortably cool. I fear they have a poorly heated hotel down there.

Wednesday, January 21, 1948. Cloudy

Mostly cloudy. Some occasional sunshine.

Lizzie & I drove up town pretty early this morning, and went to Dr. Rhodes’ office, where Lizzie had to stay till noon. Then I drove up from Supreme Court Bldg. & took her home. Then I drove back & got Annie. It’s a shame that Doctor’s patients have to wait interminably.

This afternoon I drove up and got my little radio, where I had left it yesterday to be fixed, at Tom Brown’s place on N. Adams St. The radio man said that the trouble was that one of the tubes had given out. It is acting up fine tonight.

Chief of Staff, Gen’l Dwight D. Eisenhower reported to have made a statement to the effect that he would not accept the Nomination for the Presidency by the Republican National Convention even if made. A wise decision. He is a fine man and a great soldier. His fame is secure.

Thursday, January 22, 1948. Bevin calls for a Western European block to combat Russia.

Clear and quite pleasant by midday.

This morning I went to see Mr. Ballou about my income tax return. I am going to get up the necessary data and see him again soon.

This afternoon I enjoyed a game of golf with Judge Chapman & Judge Barns. But none of us was on his game.

Tonight I enjoyed reading “Marshall & Taney” a book written by Ben W. Palmer, Minnesota lawyer, about 10 years ago. It is very interesting and well worth reading.

Ernest Bevin, Britain’s foreign Secretary, made a most significant announcement in London today. He said steps were being taken to form a Western European bloc to combat the “ruthless” attempt by Russia to dominate the continent of Europe—a policy which would lead to another world war. He is calling upon Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg & France to unite their efforts to combat the Russian scheme.

Friday, January 23, 1948. Churchill makes notable speech. Rain

Mostly cloudy and warm, with a sudden dark cloud and heavy rain for about 6 minutes at 12:45, accompanied by a strong wind from the South, followed by a partial clearing and sunshine for a little while, then lapsing back into the general cloudiness which had prevailed all morning. The weather has been peculiar tonight. Cloudy and warm; then about 11:15 a very strong wind from the North accompanied by pretty hard rain. This must be the backlash of the cold wave moving from the N.W. States Eastward. Already the weather is getting very cold in the States to the North of us. The radio says that it is down to 8° in B’ham, Ala. tonight. So the chances are it will be pretty cold here by tomorrow morning.

Elizabeth went to Dr. Holland’s office this morning for examination and to her delight he found nothing to worry about.

Winston Churchill, back from a rest in N. Africa, made a notable speech in Commons this morning, backing up Secretary Bevin[‘]s announcement of yesterday. He called for a vigorous cooperation with the Marshall plan, and a show down with Russia before she perfects her atomic bombs. It was a stirring appeal. And Prime Minister Attlee backed him up. Churchill is right.

Gen. Lucius Clay flew from Berlin to Washington to appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee. He says he doesn’t like the way the Russians are doing in Germany at all.

Saturday, January 24, 1948. Pretty cold.

Cloudy and rainy early morning-and quite mild temperature. Then about 8:30 to 9 o[‘]clock it rapidly got colder and was 36° around 11 AM., and cleared off. The bright sunshine warmed up the atmosphere this afternoon, but it has gotten colder tonight. The temperature will probably drop to 25° by morning.

Heavy snow storm reported in N.Y. and New England and various other portions of the Northeastern States and Virginia.

Yesterday and today a Congressional Committee hear a lot of testimony by Harold Stassen and Edwin Pauley about the latter’s speculations in the commodity markets on a large scale, but there is not direct proof that Pauley had inside information from Government officials.

Dow and Hilda are now at a hotel near Pass-a-grille. They were not favored with good weather at Port Richey.

Sunday, January 25, 1948. Cold.

Hazy & damp & cold morning. Mostly clear and a bit warmer in afternoon—but not much so.

I went to church this morning. Had a good sermon by Bro. Cotton.

Our furnace stopped working about 8 A.M. Lizzie turned it on about 6 A.M. And it warmed up the house & stopped suddenly and we have not been able to make it work any further today. We have had to depend on coal in our living room grate, and the small Kerosene stove in the kitchen.

This afternoon I called to see dear old Judge Whitfield. He is holding his own very well indeed and retains his interest in public affairs.

I also ran out to Walter Richardson’s, but no one was at home.

When I got back I took a walk on the golf course & watched Sonny Tinnig & Boyd Martin _____ play golf. Then joined the family at the Jefferds’ home where we stayed until 7 p.m.

Monday, January 26, 1948. Cold.

Cold morning. Warmer in afternoon. Clear all day.

Went to the doctor’s office for another vitamin shot. My 6th I think. Then to Dr. Davis’ office to have my corns trimmed away. One in particular has been giving me fits for several days. Then to the Sup. Ct. Bldg. where I waited for Liz to drive by which she did about 12.45.

This afternoon I took a long walk on golf course. When I got back, Annie & Elizabeth & little Jim arrived from town and the Cowles came in. Elizabeth served some drinks.

This evening we spent quietly at home.

Another cold wave, the third in one week, is [ ? ] from the N.W. to the Northern States, but the weather bureau says it will not hit this far South.

We finally got our furnace going again this afternoon. They had to put in a new electric control box—Cost $35.00.

Tuesday, January 27, 1948. Warmer. Rain at night.

Mostly warm and cloudy, with hard rain beginning about 10:45 p.m.

Nothing out of the ordinary today.

Little Jim and I each had a hair-cut this afternoon.

This Congress, with a large Republican majority, is going to have a battle royal on the question of tax reduction. The Republicans are fighting for the passage of the Knutson bill, which they claim will reduce taxes on incomes 6-1/4 billions. The Democrats will support a bill of their own / probably / along the lines requested by Pres. Truman, which will not reduce the National tax income, but will allow all income tax payers a deduction of $40 and $40 for each dependent, which will amount to a reduction of about 1-6/10 billions of taxes to be made up by an increase on excess profits of corporations, so as to make up for the damage and hold the National income as is.

Wednesday, January 28, 1948. Rain.

A dark rainy day, following rain last night.

I stayed indoors at home all day—but so cold in my office I could not do much work.

The municipal election on the question of bonds for street paving was held yesterday. The vote was heavily in favor of a bond issue of $750,000. I forgot to register—so could not vote. But if I had, I too would have voted for the bond issue. We need a lot of street paving very badly.

The shortage of fuel oil is causing a lot of suffering throughout the country. We are using our coal in the front room grate at quite a rapid rate, but we use the oil furnace to heat the house up in the early morning and depend on coal the balance of the day. But we have conserved our oil and bought when we could get it. So our tank is 4/5 full.

Thursday, January 29, 1948. Some rain, but mostly cloudy.

Pretty cold morning with some rain. Cloudy all day; damp & misty.

I went up town with Lizzie & little Jim, and went to Dr. Rhodes office for a vitamin injection. Then home for awhile. Lizzie spent quite a long time shopping and when she returned I got in the car and went for Annie.

This afternoon I put in some work in my office & drove up for Annie about 4:30 with little Jim who had a good time pecking away on the typewriter.

Elizabeth has been in bed all day with a bad cold. So we moved little Jim’s bed into Lizzie’s room, and Annie will sleep in Lizzie’s bed, while Lizzie will sleep, or try to, on one of the beds in my room—which is pretty cold, but she will have her electric blanket.

President has displaced Marriner S. Eccles as Chairman of Fed’l Reserve Board & appointed Thos. B. McCabe, Republican, of Philadelphia. Eccles will remain as a member. Just why this change was made is not known. Eccles has been Chairman for 12 years.

Yesterday the President appointed Gen. Omar S. Bradley to Succeed Gen. Eisenhower as Chief of Staff of the Army when Eisenhower retires Feb[‘]y 15th. This is a good appointment.

Friday, January 30, 1948. Rain. Overcast and cold.

Some rain during last night.

Misty & foggy & some rain at times. No sign of sunshine. A damp & dismal day.

Very cold weather in the North—3rd cold wave in a week.

Mahatma Gandi[sic] was killed this morning. Shot by a Hindu—not a Moslem. A great loss to India. He was a remarkable man. The young Hindu who killed him was taken into custody and if he has given any reason why he murdered this good man it has not been made public.

Saturday, January 31, 1948. Dark & foggy—some rain

Some slow rain last night and at times during the early morning.

Another dark overcast and misty day. But this afternoon the wind changed from the S. E to S and then to N. W. and it became rapidly cooler after 5 p.m.

This morning I took another vitamin injection. I do feel some better and have more energy, but am kept pretty busy doing little things that I don[‘]t seem able to do anything worth while. Haven’t made much progress with my income tax return, and some other matters connected with Ma’s estate.

This morning I went to the Telephone Bldg. to see about getting our phone in operation again. It was on the blink this morning. I had a very pleasant chat with the manager, Mr. Schucart or some such name. A bright young man.

Sunday, February 1, 1948. Cold & clear.

A fine day, but quite clear and cold.

Went to Church this morning and heard a fine sermon by Dr. McClellan, a Methodist Minister from London, England. He is quite gifted.

This afternoon I called at the Forsyth Hospital to see how Mr Bill Bass was getting on—had a heart attack several days ago—not receiving visitors now—but getting along nicely. Then I went by the Floridan Hotel to be sure they were holding a good room for Dow & Hilda. Then drove out to see Walter Richardson who was not at home.

After I got back home about 5 o[‘]clock Hilda & Dow drove up. They were pretty tired, especially Hilda who had done most of the driving on their trip from Pass-a-grille. After talking awhile we had cocktails & then a grand dinner. Hilda was as good company as ever, but had a bad cough. They brought us some nice temple oranges. They left about 10 o’clock. Plan to drive to Pensacola tomorrow.

Dow & Hilda reported that they had had bad cold weather both at Port Richey & Passagrille. Only two pretty clear days in their 2-1/2 week trip.

Monday, February 2, 1948. Mostly clear & cold.

Dow phoned this morning that Hilda had coughed all night last night and that they had decided to go straight home. So they left for Atlanta about 9 AM. Dow looked pretty well, but still suffers from shortness of breath. They have a nice new Plymouth car, with a heater in it. Which is well this Winter.

Foggy morning, but mostly clear today.

Several days ago, Dr. Rhodes burned out a mole on the under part of Lizzie’s chin, and it has been giving her fits. The place has been running terribly. Mrs. Barns, Dr. Rhodes’ assistant, told her this morning to quit using the adhesive tape, which irritated the skin, and she has been much more comfortable today. I got another “shot” today. I do feel some pick up in energy, but can’t see any great improvement yet.

This afternoon I put in some work on my income tax, and wrote checks for the bills that have come in. January was an expensive month.

Tuesday, February 3, 1948. Clear & Pleasant.

Foggy early morning but clear by 9 A.M. and quite pleasant and mild by 11 a.m.

I put in the morning working on an inventory of Ma Brown’s estate. I criticized the inventory and appraisement made by F. J. Routon and another man, which was faulty in descriptions and in valuations. So Routon wrote asking me to furnish him with what I considered a current inventory: then they would make another appraisement. He blamed Joe Gorman for the mistakes in descriptions of the various lots.

This afternoon I played golf with Paul Barns. Enjoyed it. Didn’t get tired, but played badly.

Lizzie is having a terrible time today & tonight from the painful after effects of the operation to remove the large mole under her chin. Didn[‘]t sleep any last night & I fear will not sleep any tonight. Nothing seems to stop the awful pain.

Wednesday, February 4, 1948. Mostly clear & warm.

A bit hazy & cold in early morning, but from 10:30 on it was quite clear and mild, though rather cloudy in late afternoon.

It is said in the morning papers that another cold wave is moving in from the N.W. which will blanket the Northern States with snow tonight, but there was no prediction that it would reach the South. I finished the inventory of Ma’s estate today and gave it to Annie to copy this afternoon, but she could not get to it.

Tonight I went to hear the English preacher who is preaching his last sermon here tonight—Dr. McClellan. He preached a very fine and earnest sermon.

Lizzie & I both went to Dr. Rhodes’ office this morning. I had a shot and Mrs. Barnes examined the strange & painful condition that has followed the operation to remove the mole. She has suffered so. But she is some better tonight.

Thursday, February 5, 1948. Warm & clear.

This has been more like a day in May than one in early February. Foggy early morning, but mostly clear and warm from 9 A.M. on.

Wheat and corn have gone down on the exchanges about 10 points yesterday and again today. The drop in prices is due to the reports that the prospect for larger grain corps both here and in Europe & Australia are is[sic] very good indeed. Large crops are indicated. Pres. Truman’s prediction yesterday that prices would continue to rise and that his message some weeks ago calling for some measure of price control should be enacted promptly into law, has been rebutted by the working of the old law of supply and demand. However is his message he merely asked for power to set up price controls if and when necessary.

Lizzie is feeling a little better today.

Friday, February 6, 1948. Very warm.

Very foggy early morning: mostly clear the balance of the day.

Unseasonably warm.

Nothing out of the ordinary today. Senator Russell of Georgia joined several of the Southern Governors by issuing a strong statement attacking Pres. Truman’s advocacy of laws against racial segregation in the South. There is quite a lot of feeling stirred up. The charge is made that the President is after the negro vote in some of the doubtful Northern States. Whatever his motive, this is not the time to stir up racial antagonisms. A federal law / of doubtful constitutionality / providing that all buses and railroad trains and theaters & hotels must stop segregation of the races would do more harm than good. Whatever Pres. Truman’s motive was, & regardless of the merits of it, he was unwise in starting his fight now.

Saturday, February 7, 1948. Cloudy & warm.

Very foggy all morning and overcast or cloudy all day.

“Bob” arrived this morning about 7, much to the delight of Elizabeth & little Jim. He came from High Point via Atlanta where he spent yesterday. Then by train last night to Thomasville and by bus from there here.

After dinner he took a good nap & tonight we had dinner with the Cowles at the Silver Slipper, and then back to our house where we talked till late.

Annie has been in bed with a cold yesterday aft. & today & tonight. She is now about well.

Sunday, February 8, 1948. Mostly cloudy.

Foggy till 9:30 a.m. Mostly overcast and cloudy all day, with some light rain in late afternoon.

I did not sleep well last night and did not feel well this morning—but I went to Church any way and heard a fine sermon by Bro. Cotton on the text “We then who are strong should bear the infirmities of the weak.” The subject was, our duties and responsibilities to the Negroes who compose nearly half the population of our City—with reference to education and better housing, & so on.

This afternoon late Lizzie & I drove over to see how Mrs. Chapman was getting on. She was suddenly taken very sick two days ago but is improving.

Monday, February 9, 1948. Cloudy & light rain. Getting cooler.

Heavy Fog this morning. Cloudy all day except a little sunshine in afternoon followed by clouds and light showers. So. wind until mid afternoon, then it swung around to the West & N.W. Falling temp. Looks like we are heading for a cold snap.

The drop in prices of commodities has stopped, but there was a big drop today in the prices of cattle and hogs.

This morning Bob & Elizabeth and Annie and Lizzie took little Jim to Dr. Andrews’ office at 8 A.M. for the taking out of his tonsils and adenoids. The little fellow was pretty badly worried, but stood the operation well, and they brought him home by 10 A.M. The Doctor said the operation was badly needed. He slept most of the afternoon in response to some medicine the Doctor gave him but has been singing and talking some tonight, and took some soft food. The Doctor said he ought to be much better by tomorrow. Bob is leaving tonight at 12:30. The mail man is taking him to Thomasville where he will take the 2:00 train for Atlanta & thence back to High Point.

Tuesday, February 10, 1948. Clearing & Colder.

Mostly clear & cold. N.W. to N. winds.

Little Jim has not been as well today as we had expected. Spurns all food and medicine, even milk of magnesia. Has slept a good deal. Has been sick in his stomach. Vomited some. He seems to be sleeping well tonight. Do hope he will be better tomorrow. I miss his high spirits and talkativeness.

I did not get a chance to go to town this morning, but went up about 12:15 and had a talk with Mr. Ballou about my income tax problems. It was too cold to work much in my office today.

Lizzie up & about but not feeling at all well. She has been under such a strain for past few days.

The stock market followed the lead of the commodity market today and stock prices fell considerably. The experts disagree as to the causes of the break in both commodities & stocks.

I was so worried about little Jim today that I forgot all about going to the dinner in honor of Judge DeVane tonight.

Wednesday, February 11, 1948. Rain

Cool & overcast morning with sharp N.E. wind. Damp and cool all day. No sunshine. Showers in afternoon and evening.

Today little Jim was still in a lethargic condition. Would not eat. Would not take any milk of Magnesia. So we got Mrs. Beasley to come this morning and she handled him beautifully, got him to take milk of magnesia, gave him a high enema, and had him eat scraped apple this afternoon. By the time she left about 5 p.m. he was lively and talkative again and able to take nourishment. I think by tomorrow he will be himself again, and gradually get better than ever.

Lizzie took back her own room tonight. Annie insisted she still had a cold & must not sleep in the same room with Elizabeth & little Jim. But she has no running cold, in fact little if any, and Elizabeth insisted that Lizzie sleep in her own room and bed again—and she finally prevailed. I’m glad. Lizzie is worn out and needed her own room so badly.

About noon today Bob called me from Washington and asked me to call Senators Holland & Pepper to help him to have a meeting with the head of the reconstruction Corp. which I did.

Thursday, February 12, 1948. Fog, mist & some rain. Warm.

Dense fog in early morning and up to 10:30, and misty all day, with occasional light showers.

I wanted to go up town with Lizzie this morning about 10:15, but she said she would be back in 30 minutes. She had trouble parking and did not get through her shopping and back home till about 12:15. So I drove up town & called to see Judge DeVane, who was not in, and after a few minutes with judge Curtis Waller[,] I drove down to Supr. Ct. Bldg. & drove Annie to the beauty parlor and got home about 1 p.m.

This afternoon I drove up town about 4 p.m. Called to see Frank O’Kelly & make my excuse for not attending the dinner Tuesday night in honor of Judge DeVane, Frank being President of the local bar ass’n. Little Jim was so sick Tuesday I forgot all about the Bar Dinner. Then I drove out and had a short but pleasant call on our pastor, Bro. Cotton & gave him a copy of the Bar Journal with an article in it which I wrote about 4 yrs. ago.

I heard Mr. Dewey over the radio tonight speaking at a Lincoln Birthday Dinner in Boston. He came out for the Marshall plan, with some slight variations. A pretty good speech.

Weather warm & wet tonight.

Friday, February 13, 1948. Warm. Misty—Some rain.

Foggy & misty early morning . Overcast all day. Some rain tonight. No sunshine at all. Cyclones in Mississippi.

Went by Dr. R’s office & got another vitamin shot, then to Dr. Brown’s office to have the lashes pulled out of my left eye.

Had a pleasant visit with Judge Dozier DeVane this morning.

Saturday, February14, 1948. Clear & colder.

Sunshine once more after a week of dark, cloudy misty weather, except for Tuesday of this week.

I went up town this morning and had a conference with Mr. Ballou abut my income tax. I left my schedules with him. He made one suggestion that requires me to look up some matters--& report back to him

Then I went for Annie & brought her home for lunch.

Little Jim is better today, and in a much better humor. I think he will be back to normal in a day or so.

The breaking of ground for the long needed Tallahassee Hospital was carried out this afternoon in great style. Velma Keen presided and made the opening speech. Then Geo. Martin followed & did very well. Then Senator Pepper delivered a really fine & appropriate address. I heard it all over the radio. I felt so badly I stayed in bed till about 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 15, 1948. Clear & warmer.

This has been a fine day. Bright sunshine. The Northerly winds have died down to a gently breeze. Barometer very high.

I went to church this morning. Bro. Cotton spoke on total abstinence as the safest attitude toward alcoholic drinks. He made a strong, but calm, argument based on scientific facts and statistics. In these recent times there has been such excessive drinking, not only by grown-ups, but by the young people, often those in their teens, that total abstinence would be a blessing to the country. Moderation is almost a lost art with most people. We Americans are inclined to go to extremes.

This afternoon I spent nearly two hours walking around the golf course in the sunshine and felt better for it. Hope I can play golf tomorrow.

If this pretty weather continues—and I think it will for one more day at least, I’ll try my hand at golf tomorrow I hope.

Monday, February 16, 1948. Partly cloudy. Warmer.

Cloudy & overcast and cool morning; warm but not clear afternoon. Practically no bright sunshine today.

This morning I went to the Doctor’s office—which was crowded and after waiting awhile & not seeing Mrs. Barnes, I left. Called to see Velma Keen, but he was not in. Then I walked down to Julius Parker’s office and had a good long talk with him. He was working on a draft of a platform for Mr. English, who is one of the seven candidates for Governor. It was a good platform, but pretty long. I am inclined to vote for Dan McCarty, but so far his campaign has not been well managed. Fuller Warren will, I feel sure, be one of the top men—probably the top man—in the 1st primary, but there is no telling at this time who the other of the two top men will be. May be Tom Watson or English. The School teachers will probably work for English as he has done a lot for them.

This afternoon I had a very pleasant but pretty long visit from Mr. Edwin Barnes.

Gen. Eisenhower issued his final report as Chief of Staff of the Army yesterday. It was a splendid message to the American people on preparedness.

Tuesday, February 17, 1948. (14th shot) Mostly clear.

Except for a short hard shower about 4:45 A.M. this has been a bright, mild sunshining day.

I went up to Dr. Rhodes office and took my 14th “shot.” Will take others about once or twice a week. The have done me a little good, but not as much as I expected.

Then I went to Judge Buford’s office and had a very pleasant chat with him for about a half hour or more. His resignation becomes effective at the end of this month. He does not know who the Gov’r will appoint in his place. Judge Buford became 70 years of age about Jan. 29th. I regret to see him leave the Court, but his eyesight is bad and his doctor advised him to quit. He still suffers, as he has for years with diabetes.

This afternoon was fine and Judges Chapman & Barns & I had a good time playing golf.

Wednesday, February 18, 1948. Clear and mild

A grand day.

Called on Gov’r Caldwell this morning. Had very pleasant time. Just a social call.

This afternoon Lizzie & Elfrieda Cowles entertained the Garden Club at the Cowles home, but Lizzie & Elizabeth put in a busy morning cooking & fixing the refreshments.

I took a walk on golf course this afternoon watching four good Thomasville golfers play—qualifying for our tournament which begins Friday.

Thursday, February 19, 1948. Fair.

A gorgeous day—fair—bright sunshine. Clear.

Today and yesterday over a hundred golfers played qualifying rounds for Wash’n Birthday Tournament here, beginning tomorrow. We have had fine weather all the week. Hope it continues through the tournament. But the barometer’s falling yesterday and today is not reassuring.

Pres. Truman made a very trite speech at the Wash’n-Jackson birthday banquet of the Dem. party in Wash’n tonight.

Lizzie & Annie & Elizabeth went to the movie tonight, & were disappointed.

I had an engagement with Judge Chapman to play golf at 4, but the Committee ruled that none but those playing qualifying rounds for the tournament could play this afternoon. I walked around for 1-1/2 hours watching those who did play, & there were plenty of them.

Friday, February 20, 1948. Mostly Fair. Golf Tournament begins.

Mostly clear, but cloudy at times. Very pleasant day. Fine weather for the golf tournament.

Jimmie Lee has the best qualifying score—72, and both he and Sid Andrews won their matches this morning. They were in the championship flight. Garland Spencer, a lawyer friend from Sanford, is here. He won his matches today. It’s a fine tournament so far, tho not as many entries as last year. 116 qualified this year as against 124 last year.

In response to a letter from Mary James Herin of Miami, I listened to the argument of case to which she was a party today. She was represented by my friend Judge Mitchell D. Price. He, as usual, made a good argument. I think Mary will win the case. It is a will contest.

Elizabeth has not heard from Bob for several days and is badly worried. I[‘]m afraid he & Kenneth Strickland are having a hard time in Washington.

Saturday, February 21, 1948. Cloudy.

Foggy early morning and mostly cloudy & overcast all day, with a light drizzle about 2:30 p.m.

I watched the golf match between Jimmy Lee and a young man named Ribner from White Plains, N.Y. from the 15th hole on to the 18th, this morning. Ribner is a fine player and they were all even at the end of the 17th, but Jimmy won the 18th. So he was 1 up at the end. Then I walked around watching some other payers. This afternoon I followed the match between Jimmy Lee and Sid Andrews for several holes. Jimmy won 3 up and 2 to play on the 16th. Robert Parker beat Tom Green this morning by about 2 up, but Robert was defeated this afternoon by a New Yorker named Occia _____ on the 18th green. The N.Y. man is a well seasoned player.

Today the gear shifts on Lizzie’s car, which have given us trouble for several days, got so bad that she took it to the Chevrolet shop this morning, and we haven[‘]t gotten it back yet.

Sunday, February 22, 1948. Cloudy—Light Rain.

Cloudy with intermittent light showers at intervals, but almost clear by late afternoon. Cooler tonight.

I went to church this morning and heard a fine sermon by Bro. Cotton. Then drove by & got the mail and also went to the Clubhouse & found that Jimmy Lee had wont the morning’s 17 holes of golf over Occhialini of Mass., Boston I think, Central Mass. Am. Champion. I found later in the day that Jimmy Lee also won the afternoon round, 8 up & 7 to play. I was delighted.

We gave a dinner party down at Wakulla Springs Hotel about 1:45 to Elizabeth & Jimmy, Lawrence Salley & wife Edna, sister Annie W. and Mr. Mrs. Cowles, and Henry Palmer & wife. Very nice dinner & Lizzie made everybody have a good time.

Heard over the radio tonight that there was a terrible explosion in Jerusalem last night killing 46 persons,--Some Jews & some Arabs, and 6 British soldiers & wounding as many more. The division of the U.N. to partition Palestine—a most unwise decision—is bearing bitter & terrible fruit, and this is only a beginning. Indeed only the worst of many killings that have been going on ever since the decision was made.

I drove Mr. Fayard’s car home to try it out. It runs all right.

Monday, February 23, 1948. Cold & Cloudy.

Overcast, damp & cold morning. Cloudy with some misty rain at times. Wind N.E. to E. Tonight the thermometer is rising and it may be cold & clear tomorrow. But the weather bureau predicts that tomorrow will be much like today.

My dear Lizzie is determined to give me the car (1941 2 door Chevrolet Sedan) which Mr. Ulysse S. Fayard, Mgr. of the hotel down at Wakulla Springs, told her yesterday he would sell for $1,000. We rode back home in it. I did the driving, which was easy, as it is the same kind of car I sold about a year ago. But this one has been repainted black and has a clock, & radio & compass. While it has been driven 72,000 miles, it is in good condition. I had it examined by Mr. Yancey at Alford Chevrolet place, & he says it is all O.K. & should sell for $900. But Lizzie called up Mr. Fayard & accepted his proposition. I undoubtedly need a car of my own and am very happy over my dear wife’s generosity. She insists on paying for it herself.

Bob has quit his job with Kenneth Strickland. I think he acted wisely.

Tuesday, February 24, 1948. Mostly clear.

Foggy early morning. Mostly clear balance of day. High

I mailed Mr. Fayard a check for $1,000 yesterday, and asked him to send me the certificate of title. Lizzie cashed two $500 U.S. bonds in order to get the $1,000. Today I received Registration certificates for several years back and two additional sets of keys, but no certificate of title. The annual registrations were all in Mrs. Fayard’s name. I suggested that we make a counter offer of $900, but Lizzie thought we should accept Mr. Fayard’s offer as made. The car is in good condition and runs allright. Reminds me of the car I sold last year for $1,100, which was also a 1941, 2 door Chevrolet Sedan. I certainly have missed not having a car of my own. So now I feel better.

Mr. Truman’s attack on race segregation in the South has raised a lot of indignation—my own included. Also his call for a federal anti-lynching statute. We already have laws against murder in any form. A federal law on that subject would be unconstitutional. I have always opposed lynching, but that crime has decreased steadily. There was only one lynching last year, or the year before.

The Communists have at last taken over Checkoslovakia[sic] by force.

Wednesday, February 25, 1948. Clear & warm.

A gorgeous day. Quite warm from midday on.

Checko-Slovakia now firmly under the heel of the Communists.

This afternoon I had an engagement to play golf with Judges Chapman & Barns. After I got to the club house they phoned me they were tied up and couldn’t come. I played with three fine youngsters—16 or 17 yrs. old. John Fain and Ben Hundley & a boy whose name I cannot recall. Young Hundley plays a good game & John F. is a close second. My game was bad, as usual, but I felt better afterwards.

Tonight we—Liz & Annie & Elizabeth spent a quiet evening at home. That is, quiet after little Jim went to bed. He’s as live as a cricket since he recovered from his tonsil operation. Wish they could remain near us—Elizabeth & Bob & little Jim. The latter is one of the most attractive & lively little boys I’ve ever known.

Thursday, February, 26. 1948. Clear & warm

Another beautiful day—warmer than yesterday.

I wrote several letters this morning—one to Senator Spessard Holland about the resentment in the South against the President’s (and the Republicans’) fight against race segregation in the South, etc., and the Republican [ ? ] Civil Rights bill.

This afternoon I played golf with Judges Chapman, & Barns, & Reaves Bowen. We had a good time, but none of us played good golf except Judge Barns.

We spent the evening quietly but pleasantly at home.

Friday, February 27, 1948. Mostly clear & warm.

Another fine Spring-like day. And how the trees are putting out and many of them blooming. The white flowers like blooms on Mrs. Fains big pear tree are wonderfully beautiful. Also the azaleas in our back yard. We had a foggy morning till about 10 A.M.; then clear.

I have had a good many things to do today, so didn’t get to play golf, and the falling barometer indicates that we may have rain tomorrow.

Elizabeth had to have two teeth pulled this afternoon & little Jim & I had to have hair cuts.

The car Lizzie gave me is running fine and is a great help to me in many ways.

Saturday, February 28, 1948. Clear & warm.

Except for a brief light shower early this morning, and a few clouds at time during the morning, this has been another pretty day—the warmest yet. I played golf this afternoon with Paul Barns, young Bruce Davis & Julian Smith. Bruce Davis, Jr. and I were partners, and we won by reason of Bruce’s fine playing. It was quite warm and I was tired afterwards.

Stalin has demanded that the Finnish government sign a mutual assistance and non-aggression pact with Russia. Finland is expected to comply. They cannot afford to do otherwise. Finland will have to join the other countries of Europe now dominated by Russia, much as they hate to do it.

Sunday, February 29, 1948. Clear & warm

Clear and warm

I went to church this morning, heard a good sermon by Bro. Cotton, then by the Sup. Ct. Bldg. for the mail and with a letter, and on my way home I heard part of a fine broadcast by Hon. Sam Pettingill on my car radio, then turned on my home radio and heard the balance. He made a strong attack on Pres. Truman’s disregard of States’ rights in asking for federal “civil rights” laws.

“Bob” had arrived from High Point and came in with Elizabeth about the end of the broadcast. He is looking well and seems in good spirits.

While he was taking a nap this afternoon I took a long walk on the golf course.

Russia will soon have Finland in the bag. Then she will continue her efforts to get control of France & Italy, & North Africa, & control of the Mediterranean—then Turkey & Greece & Arabia. If she gets all this, she will attack us. But we must stop her now.

Monday, March 1, 1948. Partly cloudy

Clear, Northeasterly winds—moderate in morning, but quite cloudy in afternoon.

Must have caught a slight cold. Woke up in the night with a head cold. Took something and went back to sleep after about an hour. Had some neuralgia in left forehead and a congested feeling in left side of nose and sinus. Went to see Dr. Brown, who took some ingrowing eyelashes out of my left eyelid and blew something in left nostril.

Attended to some matters up town, went by Sup. Ct. Bldg. & brought Annie home.

Went for walk on golf course this afternoon. Looked like it would rain, but it has not yet. We really need a good rain. With the exception of some showers, light, on Feb. 22nd we have not had any rain since Feby. 13—16 days practically without rain. The gardens and some crops need rain.

Last night the Jewish Stern gang blew up a troop train in Palestine killing 28 and injuring 50 British soldiers. What cruel folly!

Tuesday, March 2, 1948. Shower.

Mostly cloudy. With some wind and rain for about 30 minutes about 12.30. Not as much rain as crops need right now.

Senator Vandenberg made a great speech in behalf of the Marshall plan—or European Recovery Program—in the Senate yesterday morning—or about noon. All the Senators rose to their feet in his honor at close of his speech., except O’Daniel of Texas and young Glen Taylor of Idaho.

Vandenberg is the ablest leader and best speaker in the Republican party. He is not a candidate, but if the Republican convention should become deadlocked between Taft, Dewey & Stassen, Vandenberg might get the nomination. He would be their best choice anyway.

Wednesday, March 3, 1948. Rain.

Cloudy—shower in early morning and a short but very hard rain about 12:30, lasting only about 15 minutes, a regular cloud burst, just as I got to the Sup. Ct. Bldg to get Annie, followed by intermittent showers during the afternoon. I did not get my usual walk on the golf course, but got some exercise playing with little Jim before supper.

The lights went off in the Kitchen and dining room and my office about 6 pm. and Lizzie had to cook supper by candle light. Those three rooms are on a different circuit from the rest of the house.

A truck load of dynamite was exploded in the Arab section of Haifa today by the Jewish underground, killing 11 Arabs and wounding a number of others, and wrecking several homes, including one 7-story bldg. No wonder the Arabs are getting their blood up. What a mistake our country made in getting the U.N. to recommend to the Security Council the partition of Palestine by force. I was strongly opposed to this unfair and unwise move.

Thursday, March 4, 1948. Rain.

Dark, overcast, drizzly early morning, with slow rain and some thunder by 9:40 A.M. and either rain or mist till 4:30 p.m. Rather cool. But the barometer has been slowly rising and I guess it will be clear by tomorrow. Little Jim says God told him it would be a sunshiny day tomorrow. He’s a remarkable little boy. He asked Lizzie if anybody had ever seen God, and was somewhat mystified when she said “No. God is in heaven.”

I have not been feeling very well and the weather was so bad, I have not left the house, all day.

Tonight Bob & Elizabeth & Annie and the Cowles went in Bob’s car to the University students Circus out at Dale Mabry field. They reported that it was really very fine.

Friday, March 5, 1948. Rain

Cloudy early morning. N.E. Wind.

My opinion last night was that today would be clear, but today was worse than yesterday. It rained more and was cooler—a very disagreeable day. Strong N.E. wind this afternoon & tonight, but the barometer has gone up quite a bit this afternoon & tonight, and maybe we’ll have clear weather tomorrow or next day. We’ve had enough rain to satisfy the farmers for awhile.

This morning I went up town with Bob intending to introduce him to some of the State officers, but all of them had gone to Gainesville where Dr. Hillis is being installed as President of the State University. But then I took him down to the Capital City Bank and Pres. Sam Teague gave him the names of persons to contact in Jacksonville, Panama City, and Pensacola, as to possible business opportunities. Tonight Elizabeth & Bob went out with Julian Proctor & Sarah Bell to spend the evening at some place of their selection. At 11:15 the have not returned.

Saturday, March 6, 1948. Hard Rain.

A bit warmer. Dark & cloudy all day with hard rain after nightfall. One of the longest and hardest rains we’ve had in some time.

Bob & Elizabeth had planned to leave this morning after breakfast for Port St. Joe where they were to have dinner with some friends, but they did not get off till 11:35. Bob wanted Ben to wash his car, & gave him the key to bring the car around and into our back yard. This was about 9 A.M. The entrance drive way was in bad shape due to the rains, and the car got stuck. It took us over an hour to get it backed out of the ditch next to the Fains, and then back to the place in front of our house where it was to begin with. By bringing several buckets of water old Ben gave it a good washing & polishing. So it was 11:35 when Bob & Elizabeth & little Jim left. Tonight they called Annie about 9:45 & said they would drive back tonight, tho they admitted that it was raining hard down there. Annie insisted that they stay down there tonight, and they reluctantly consented. How foolish & fool-hardy it would have been to try and drive through heavy rain and darkness 112 miles tonight. Such a night!

The wind today was from the East and Southeast by night fall.

It was announced over the radio tonight that Jack Benny was the “walking man.” The contest brought 1,500,000 to the Am. Heart Society.

Sunday, March 7, 1948. Rain

We had a torrential rain last night and a damp, overcast morning. It almost cleared up by late afternoon, but the sun never broke through.

The heavy rains have just about ruined the drive way from the narrow street or road (Palmer Ave.) to our garage. And the weather was so threatening that I did not go to church. I regretted this very much. I don’t want to miss any of Bro. Cotton’s fine sermons. But in the late afternoon I got in my car and drove up and got the mail but I had a hard time getting my car into the drive way and up it to the garage. Just did make it.

When I got back Bob & Elizabeth & dear little Jim had arrived from Port St. Joe. I was so glad to see them. While they were down there, Bob backed his car into a ditch & it took a wrecker to get it out.

Total rain fall so far in March is 5.06 inches. Yesterday & today 2.72 inches; for Feb[‘]y 85/100 of an inch.

Total so far this year 12.17 inches—So says the weather bureau.

Monday, March 8, 1948. Partly clear.

By 9:30 this morning it was clear. This afternoon it became cloudy, but no rain.

Bob Left for Pensacola about 3:30 this aft., looking for some business opening. Hope he finds one.

The Republicans are toning down their very drastic “civil rights bill.”

No solution yet to the Palestine question. The Jews are demanding that the Security Council take military steps to enforce partition as recommended by the Gen. Assembly of the United Nations on the insistence of the U.S. and Russia. The Security Council is divided in opinion and has left it up to the U.S. and Russia to suggest what action shall be taken. What a mess we are in!

Received last night the first issue of the University of Fla. Law Review. It is excellent. Contains a fine article by Julius Parker on the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision holding that the land under water off the shore of California, within three nautical miles of the shore belongs to the U.S. government. A bad decision, so Julius thinks—and I fully agree with him.

Tuesday, March 9, 1948. Steady rain.

Cloudy & overcast early morning. Rain, slow but steady, from 8 a.m. on to 3:30 p.m. A lot of it. Elizabeth little Jim and I drove up town about 4:30 & then back to the Sup. Bldg. to get Annie. It rained very heavily as we were leaving home. When we got back I was afraid to drive the car up into the drive way, which was in a mess. So we left it out on the other side of the road in front of our house.

The trial of Gov. Caldwell’s suit against Collier’s Magazine started yesterday—in Federal Court. The lawyers on both sides are fighting hard.

This afternoon late we had Chandler Cowles & his father & mother over for cock tails. Chandler has developed into quite a fine young man. He arrived yesterday in his car, from Key West, and he leaves in the morning for New York.

Wednesday, March 10, 1948. Mostly clear.

Mostly clear and quite pleasant today from 11 a.m. on.

Jan Masaryk, Checko-Slovackian[sic] Foreign Minister, is reported to have committed suicide early this morning by jumping from his office window. He tried to cooperate with the new communist dominated government, but either could not stand it any longer or saw that his end was coming any way unless he complied with repressive demands & renounced his belief in democratic free government. As the press and radio are controlled by the Communists, we don’t know yet what really happened. Benes will come next, may be.

Gov. Caldwell’s case against Collier’s magazine for libel resulted in a verdict this afternoon in the Governor’s favor for $237,000 damages. There were three negroes on the Federal Court jury.

Bob arrived from Pensacola about 6:30 p.m. today.

A cold wave is predicted on the way here.

Thursday, March 11, 1948. Rain.

Dark and overcast morning with rain by 10:30 A.M. and more or less heavy rain all day.

Spent most of the day in bed. Not feeling at all well. Was so disappointed that I was not able to go to the Court Houses tonight to hear Dan McCarty, one of the 6 or 7 candidates for Governor, speak. I was requested by phone to introduce him, & regretted that I was not able to do so. We have several fine and able men, all my friends, in the race for the governorship, but I feel that Dan McCarty is the best qualified of them all, and I have been for him ever since I hear he would run, which was last October.

Congress is still stalling along on the bill for the European Relief and Recovery program suggested by Gen. Marshall nearly a year ago.

Cold wave predicted for tomorrow night. Hope that means a change from the excessive rains, which have done a lot of damage.

Friday, March 12, 1948. Clear & Cooler.

Cloudy and damp & cool early morning, but clear by 9:30. A bright, cool day from then on with brisk N.W. wind.

Drove up to Mr. Ballou’s office about 11:30 and got my income tax form, which he had finally finished, signed it & mailed it, and forwarded that part relating to the sale of the lot 1 of Blk B, down in Miami, to Dow.

This afternoon I drove up about 3:30 and got Annie & then took a long walk on golf course. First outdoor exercise I’ve had in several days, and I felt much better afterwards.

Tonight Elizabeth & Lizzie & Annie drove up town in Bob’s car and went to the movies. They left the car parked on W. Park Ave. near Rainey Cawthon’s place. When they returned the car would not run. They walked down to Proctor’s and the man there walked up with them to the car, but couldn[‘]t make it run. Then they got the Police Dept. and they put a placard “broken down car” on it & then Lizzie got a taxi and they got home cold & weary, about 12 o’clock.

Saturday, March 13, 1948. Clear & Cold.

Good to see bright sunshine again. A fine, crisp & cool, but comfortable, and tonic in its effects.

Jan Masaryk, Checko Slovakian premier, was buried in his little home town, beside his father, Thomas Masaryk, today. State funeral services were held in Prague, and Communist leader Gottwald—ironically—was the Chief Speaker. He praised Jan Masaryk and emphasized his loyalty to the present government—which he, Masaryk, could not stomach any longer. Poor, sad Benes was on the platform, but said nothing. But the great crowd of the common people showed that they were deeply grieved.

This afternoon Bob & little Jim and I drove down the Perry Road some 38 miles & got some liquid refreshments.

Sunday, March 14, 1948. Clear & Fine.

I went to church this morning. Near the close of Bro. Cotton’s good sermon, my dear old friend, Bro. B. M. Cates, 87, fainted & two men sitting next him took him out into the anteroom where I joined them. Dr. Hallstroud[?] came to his aid when Bro. Cotton asked if there was any physician in the congregation. Soon Mr. Cully & his assistant arrived with the ambulance, & stretcher, and took him home. I went with them. They removed his outer clothing & put him in bed. He was recovering pretty well when I left & was better this afternoon.

At 3:30 this aft., when we had returned from Talquin Inn where Annie had given us & the Cowles a nice dinner, Elizabeth & Bob left in their car for a visit to Jacksonville.

Monday, March 15, 1948. Clear & Mild.

A fine day—a bit cloudy at times. But I am still not feeling as well as I should.

The House may pass the Marchall[sic] plan bill this week. It authorizes the contribution of $5,300,000,000 to European Recovery in the next 12 mos. I hope Congress will act quickly, as the Italian elections are to be held Apl. 18th, and if we can get this plan going by or before that time it may prevent the Russians from winning the elections.

This is a terrible lot of money, but it may prevent another World War. The last war cost 275 billions.

This afternoon I had to have a new emergency brake put in my car. The spring had come out. I could not get a spring in town, so I had to buy an entire new shaft—cost 290 & labor 1.00.

Took a long walk with Walter Cowles on golf course this afternoon late.

Tuesday, March 16, 1948. Showers.

Cloudy and warm. Some light showers.

The 16 Nations E. R. P. conference voted unanimously today to include Western Germany in the Marshall plan.

The country is all agog as to what the President is going to speak about when he addresses Congress tomorrow at 12:30. I believe his main theme will be the strengthening of our Army, Navy & Air Force, and the prompt passage by the House of the E. R. P. already adopted by the Senate.

Tonight we had a very pleasant visit from Gunter Stephenson. Too bad Elizabeth & Bob were not here.

Haven’t felt well today.

Wednesday, March 17, 1948. Rain & Showers. President’s History Making Speech to Congress.

Rain last night and showers this morning and frequent showers this afternoon—almost a steady rain.

President Truman’s 12:30 address to Congress today was stronger than had been forecast. He minced no words in his attack on Russian aggressive policy of infiltration and aggression by which she has destroyed the freedom of Poland, Rumania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, & Albania, and recently Checkosolvakia; and is now threatening to also make a vassal of Finland, and probably, later on, Norway & Sweden. He did not mention Korea & Manchuria & China. He called for the reinstatement of selective service to bring our armed forces up to authorized peacetime strength, also Universal Military Training, so that we could check further aggressions, and maintain peace & help free nations to keep their freedom. He mentioned also the efforts of Russia to get control of Italy. His speech did not come a moment too soon. It was well received. We have allowed things to drift too long. It’s high time we were waking up.

Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands & Luxembourg today signed a 50 yr. Mutual Defense & Economic cooperation pact. Good.

Thursday, March 18, 1948. Warm. Light rains.

Misty, foggy & warm morning, raining by 10 A. M. and light rain off and on till 4 p.m.

The reaction of the press to Pres. Truman’s speech before Congress yesterday, and his speech last night at a St. Patrick’s Day dinner in New York along the same lines, has been favorable. McCormick’s Chicago Tribune and a few other papers were critical. But the press and the people are with the President. Russia’s leaders will pay no attention to anything but force. They are an evil lot. Tonight poor deluded Henry Wallace made an anti-Truman and anti-American radio speech which was sickeningly pro-Russian and anti-American. He must be mentally unbalanced.

This afternoon we had William Dodd & Pat, his wife, over to a cocktail party at 6:30. They are fine young people and like living in Venezuela, where Bill has a good job.

Friday, March 19, 1948. Clear.

A fine day. Clear and not unpleasantly warm.

Called on Mr. Cotes this morning. The fine old gentleman was sitting up. His attractive daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Daffin, was there. We had a very pleasant time. Mr. Cotes is better.

This afternoon Judge Chapman and Reeves Bowen played against Paul Barns and me. Wound up all even. My long shots were better than for quite a long time, but my approaching and putting were not as good as usual. Had a good time.

The reaction to Pres. Truman’s address in the still free European countries is good.

Saturday, March 20, 1948. Clear.

Cloudy morning, in spite of high barometer, but clearing by 11 AM. Bright & delightful the bal. of the day.

Sunday, March 21, 1948. Clear.

A gorgeous day.

Lizzie & I went to Church and heard a fine sermon by Bro. Cotton. A large number of young boys and girls were taken in to church membership.

This afternoon, all of us, Lizzie, Annie, Elizabeth & Bob drove down to St. Marks & from there over to Mr. J. R. Bickerstaff’s fishing & hunting lodge on the Wakulla River about 3 miles West of St. Marks. Dow wanted to know something about it. It could be made very attractive to fishermen, but the old lodge house needs to be enlarged & many other things done before it could succeed. The River is very pretty at that point, about 3-1/2 miles to the Gulf.

Monday, March 22, 1948. Cloudy—a little rain.

Strong S.W. Winds and cloudy with some rain—very light—in late afternoon.

I had intended to fly down to Miami this afternoon, but didn’t like the looks of the weather, and the falling barometer. Not feeling very well any way.

There is mounting tension between our country & Russia. There are many matters which have brought this about—one of them being their demand that now that the British & Am zones in Germany are cooperating economically, the Americans should get out of Berlin. Gen. Lucius Clay says No. But this is one of many evidences of frictions. Our government, joined by England and France have come out in favor of returning Trieste to Italy. Russia says we did this to influence the coming elections in Italy.

Tuesday, March 23, 1948. Showers. Off to Miami.

Overcast early morning: showers, pretty hard, from 11 to 12:30. I went up town & went to the [ ? ], then to Martins to have 2 pairs of pants (new suits) shortened 1 inch. Got them at 12:15. Went to office & Judge Terrell & called up Weather Bureau, & they said it would be safe to go to Miami on the 4:40 plane. So I called up & secured a seat, and had a very pleasant trip down, with Judge Paul Barns, whose son Paul met us at the airport in Miami (where we arrived at 8 p.m.) in a nice new car, & drove me to the Columbus Hotel. I made this trip to attend to matters arising in some[?] [ ? ] with Ma Brown’s Estate.

Wednesday, March 24, 1948. In Miami.

Warmer than usual in Miami last night and today than is usual at this time of the year. I asked for a bay front room, when I got here last night, on the 14th floor. Fairly comfortable but the breeze was from the West. Finding that the rate was 16 per day and that the cheapest rooms were $14.00, I took a 14.00 room and moved into it—on same floor. As the breeze was from the N.W. it was cooler than the East room.

I went out to see Joe Gorman & spent the day with him & his good wife. We discussed many matters connected with Ma’s estate. I took dinner with them. Mrs. Gorman is a fine cook and we had a fine dinner. We reached no conclusion on the sale of the houses, Ma’s home place, which Joe is renting from the estate.

Tonight I attended the Annual Meeting of the Historical Ass’n of Southern Florida of which I am a member. Had a good paper by Mr. John D. Pennecamp—also movies—on old Fort Jefferson 60 miles W. of Key West.

After the meeting / which was in Shenandoah School House / I met quite a number of friends, and one of them, Mrs. Emily (Somebody) who I knew years ago, drove me & others to their homes or hotels.

Thursday, March 25, 1948. In Miami.

A fine clear day—good breeze.

Yesterday Joe Gorman took up with me a proposition made some months ago by the Florida E.C. Ry. Co. to buy the reversinery interest (if any) the street and parkways in a small subdivision named Emerson Court, just So. of Papa’s LeBocuge subdiv. Joe thought the estate might still own a part of that subdivision, and asked me to look into it.

This morning I went up to N.W. 14th St. to see Mrs Frankie Emerson. The plat recorded in 1921 was signed by Papa & me and Mrs. Emerson. Mrs. E. had evidently forgotten all the details. About all I could get from her was that she had gone into the subdivision on “a 50—50 basis.”

I had taken breakfast with Arthur Milum of Jacksonville, & he told me he was to address the Rotary Club that day at their 12:30 luncheon. So when I returned to the Columbus hotel at 12:30 I managed to join the Rotarians & hear Arthur’s excellent address, and met a lot of my old Miami friends.

This afternoon I had a conference with attorney Geo. C. McCaughan[?] who represents the Ry. Co. with reference to the Emerson Court matter.

Tonight I went out to see Joe Dowdell, Sr., and Mabel. Drove through a hard rain. Found Joe in about the same condition. A sad, sad sight.

Friday, March 26, 1948. In Miami.

Another fine, pretty day, but a bit warm. Not oppressive. Good breeze.

Put in a part of the afternoon yesterday and all of today investigating the deed records and conferring with Mr. McCaughan, and examining his abstract. This required several trips to the Court house. I reached the conclusion that McCaughan was correct in holding that Papa had conveyed away all his interest in the Emerson Court subdivision, and that if we had anything in it at all it was only a reversionary interest in the small streets & parkways. No residence was ever constructed in the little subdivision. No taxes have been assessed against it, or paid, so Joe Gorman had found.

I went out to see Joe Dowdell, Jr., & family in Coral Gables at 6 p.m. and had dinner with them. I brought along a box of “Easter Candy” for the children. We had a good dinner. I enjoyed the children. My little namesake (they call Ted) is a very fine handsome boy. Then I went with Joe & Adelaide to the dog races at the Flagler Kennel Club where Joe works.

Saturday, March 27, 1948. Home again!

Heavy wind & thunder storm in early morning in Tallahassee, but bright & clear as a bell in Miami. I took the plane at 8:40 A.M. at 36th St. Airport and reached Tampa at 10 A.M. It was clear, with light, white fleecy clouds all the way. Our plane travelled above them. But soon after we left Tampa we got into big clouds and passed through two rain storms which made the trip pretty bumpy until we came nearing Tallahassee, where the weather had pretty well cleared up, but it was getting cooler.

Strong N.W. wind.

Am so thankful to be safe at home again.

Sunday, March 28, 1948. Clear (Rainfall in March to date 11.6 inches.)

Clear & quite cool. A cool but beautiful Easter Day. Clear, with N. W. Wind.

I went to Church but there was not a seat to be had. So I drove by Judge Terrell’s office & got the mail and then home. This afternoon I took a nap, read a little and then took a good walk on the golf course.

Mary Maud came in about 6 pm & stayed till 8. Then we had supper and talked and listened to the radio till 11:15.

On this Easter day the bitter fighting between the Jews and Arabs continues unabated. What a terrible mistake our country has made in its handling of the Palestine question!

Monday, March 29, 1948. Clear & cold.

A clear and beautiful day but quite chilly. Went up town this morning and attended to a good many small matters. Then went by the Supreme Court and dictated a letter to Joe Gorman and then brought Annie home.

Our cook, Mary, has got to N.Y.—of all places—to visit her Sister. She arranged for another negro woman to take her place. She was sick today & got a negro girl to come instead—an ugly, densely ignorant black girl—more trouble than help. So Lizzie has had a hard day--& looks badly worn out.

Tonight Mr. Clarence M. Gay, a candidate to succeed himself as Comptroller spoke at the Court house band stand. I was invited to sit on the stand with him, along with Mr. Knott, Judge Buford, Mr. Sam Teague, & several others. We wore our overcoats. County Dem. Chairman Scruggs introduced Mr. Gay, who made an excellent talk. All of us wore over coats except Mr. Gay. Mr. Gay is a fine, able man, and should be, & I believe will be, nominated in the May primary.

Tuesday, March 30, 1948. Mostly fair & warmer.

Getting warmer. Winds have swung around to the S. E. & S. W. The barometer is lower.

Yesterday the Arabs attacked a Jewish convoy, killing 42 Jews, and the fighting goes on nearly every day. The President’s change of plans—from forcible partition to a U. N. trusteeship for Palestine has lost him the Jewish vote in the big cities of the North and his stand in favor of his socalled “civil rights” program may lose him the votes of the Southern States. It begins to look like he may not get the Democratic nomination, and if he does get it, he will not be elected. He is a good man, but he made a mistake in attacking the South on the negro question.

I went with Mrs. Saunders before the budget board this morning in a request for permission to build a gate house at the Stephen Foster Memorial in White Springs and also pay Howard Chandler Christy $5,000 for a picture of Foster. We succeeded in getting the funds.

Played golf with Judge Chapman this afternoon.

Dan McCarty’s sister & her 17 yr. old daughter were murdered in their home in Ft. Pierce today. Awful

Wednesday, March 31, 1948. Rain.

Rained nearly all day—hard from noon on till late in afternoon, then started up again from an hour or so after supper, & off & on till 11 p.m. Strong Southerly winds.

Henry Wallace appeared before a Congressional Committee this morning or maybe yesterday, read a 45 minute pro-Russian statement, and was then questioned by the Committee members. He made a sorry spectacle of himself. I do not believe he is really of Sound Mind. Some of his statements were so at variance with known facts.

Rainfall for the past twelve months, as reported in this afternoon’s paper, 85.80 inches. And for March 12.50 inches. But that does not include this afternoon’s heavy rainfall. Total rainfall up to 4 p.m. 4.47 inches.

Dan McCarty’s friends are filling his speaking engagements for a few days, on account of the death of his sister and niece.

A train bound for Haifa blown up in Jewish section. 24 killed. And so it goes.

Thursday, April 1, 1948. Rain.

Dark, warm & cloudy morning with occasional light showers; strong Southerly winds. Hard rain at 12:15, just after Lizzie & Elizabeth returned from town, and when Elizabeth returned & took Annie from the Supr. Ct. Bldg. home she was caught in an awful down-pour. It rained hard off and on till 4 p.m. when it held up, changed to a drizzle, and it began to get cooler. Wind shifted around to the E. and S. E. and from 5 p.m. on there was no more rain. But it is still cloudy.

I think there must have been at least 18 inches of rain in March. Guess the weather report in tomorrow’s paper will tell.

The House added Spain to the Marshall plan bill two days ago, but now that the bill has gone back to the Senate, that addition has been knocked out—and rightly so. Spain is under a dictatorship.

I went to town for a short while this morning before the hard rain started.

Heavy rains did great damage up at Donaldsonville and over in Jacksonville.

Friday, April 2, 1948.

Cloudy early morning but cool with N.W. winds and rising barometer.

Clear by 10 A.M. and for balance of day—Rather cool in late afternoon and evening. But it is good to have a day without rain.

This morning I had to attend to several matters up town, then went by the Court and brought Annie home.

This afternoon I played golf with Judge Chapman. Made the first 4 holes very well, but went to pieces on the remaining five. Hit one ball into the water hole on No. 16. But I did make the 585 yd. 12th hole in 6, 1 over par.

Both House & Senate passed the tax reduction bill over the President’s veto by large majorities. But I am inclined to agree with Pres. Truman that this is no time to reduce taxes. We must build up our Army, Navy and Air Force.

Saturday, April 3, 1948. Testimonial to Judge Buford.

Another clear, fine day. Quite cool in early morning. N.W. winds changing to N. & then East by noon.

I attended the testimonial meeting in the Supreme Court room at 11 to 12:15, in honor of former Justice Rivers Buford, which was a very fine meeting indeed. The Court room was filled, and there would have been more if the Ochlocknee river had not prevented the lawyers from Quincy and Marianna from attending. Many appreciation speeches and resolutions were made and read, and Judge Buford made a very fine response. I was pleased as I always liked and still like Judge Buford very much. He had and still has one of the quickest analytical minds I have ever known, and unusual working capacity. Wrote over 2600 opinions. Served from Dec. 4 1925 to Feb. 29, 1948, 22 yrs. and almost 3 mos. I served from July 1, 1925, to Dec. 1 1946, 21 yrs. & 5 mos.

This afternoon I lay down for 2 hrs. after dinner, & then took a long walk on golf course with Walter Cowles.

The Russian effort to inspect all American trains moving into Berlin cause Gen. Clay to make similar restrictions, & the Russians are getting rather sick.

Tallahassee has been without R.R. service for 3 days. The R.R. is under water for 3 miles in Lake Lafayette area 3 miles East of here.

Sunday, April 4, 1948.

Bright, pleasant and beautiful morning, but in spite of two or three days of clear weather, the Rivers E. & W. of the City are high. The only roads open to traffic are the Perry highway and the roads to Appalachicola[sic] and Panama City.

Our good friend Peck Green died this morning at 10 o’clock, and Mr. Pierson died this morning just after midnight. Lizzie and I drove out to the Pierson home and had a talk with Mr. Pierson fine daughter, Mart Pierson Hill, and she said the funeral services would be held at the home at 6 p.m. today. Lizzie & Annie & I then called at the Peck Green home and talked with his two sisters—fine women. Funeral services for Peck will be held in the flower garden he loved so well on Tuesday morning.

Lizzie, Annie, Elizabeth and little Jim and I drove down to Wakulla Springs Hotel for dinner, arriving there at 1:30. Annie’s party. We had a good dinner, & then Annie & Elizabeth & Jim took a boat ride down the river.

We got back home about 4:15, and at 6 we were at the Pierson home. When we got back Joe Dowdell, Jr. arrived with a friend who drove him up from Miami. He has a job with the Fla. Industrial Comm., but has to stand an examination tomorrow. I feel sure he will pass it

Monday, April 5, 1948.

Mostly clear and warmer. Some clouds. Southerly winds

Joseph D. put in a day’s work at the Fla. Industrial Commission. Heard a lecture on the laws governing the work of the Commission, and he is required to commit to memory the exact language of the Statutes. Some job. When he got home about 5:30 I took him for a walk on the golf course. After supper tonight he put in about 1-1/2 hours of study. He is determined to make good. A very fine and likable & dependable young man. I believe he will make the grade.

Lizzie doesn’t look well. She is showing the strain & I’m worried about her.

I got a letter from Tom Fleming of ft. Lauderdale. Says the Broward County Bar Ass’n, of which he is the president, want me to attend the state Bar convention at Hollywood Beach Hotel Aug. 15-17, as their guest. That is very fine of them and I appreciate it. Wrote him I would attend.

Tampa Tribune of yesterday came out strongly for Dan McCarty. Good.

Tuesday, April 6, 1948. Rain

A slow light rain for several hours this morning. Made the roads slick & dangerous. Mostly clear this afternoon—i.e., almost.

The rain was pretty hard when the funeral services at the home for our friend Peck Green were held. The idea of having the services in the flower garden had to be abandoned.

Russia has apologized to England for the side swiping of a British plane preparing to land in Berlin by a Russian fighter plane, killing 14 passengers & crewman, all on board the British plane and also the pilot of the Russian plane.

Wednesday, April 7, 1948. Walter Richardson died today.

Clear & warm.

We were saddened by a message early this morning that our good friend Walter Richardson—who was looking so much better when I went to see him two or three weeks ago, died at 3:30 last night. He fell while shaving in his bathroom at home and hurt himself and had to be taken to the hospital yesterday morning.

After breakfast Lizzie & I went out and did what we could to comfort Mrs. Richardson and the children. Mrs. R was prostrated and in bed. Suanne was devoted to her father & he to her. She took charge of the arrangements, but her eyes showed she had been crying. A number of friends were there. We stayed for quite awhile, then went by town for some shopping & got home about 1 pm.

I had to go to the foot doctor this afternoon—corns hurting pretty bad. Felt better afterwards.

Thursday, April 8, 1948.

Clear & warm, but very nice breeze.

I wrote some letters & went to town and brought Annie home. Had a chat with Judge Jos. S. White of W. Palm Bch., who is sitting in Judge Barns’ place I guess. Judge Frank Hobson of St. Petersburg, appointed to succeed Judge Buford, was sworn in yesterday & was on the bench this morning.

The funeral services for dear Walter Richardson were held at the Presbyterian church at 5 p.m., but the honorary pall bearers, of who I was one, were asked to be at the church at 4:30 The flowers were beautiful. The Church was filled. Dr. Still conducted an impressive service. Sitting behind the Richardson family & relatives were four negro servants, and these negroes were taken to the cemetery in a fine automobile—right behind the auto containing the family. What would the Yankees think of that? During the Church service young Glen Terrell sang beautifully “Lead Kindly Light,” & “Abide with me.”

Just before I went to the Church I went by “Every Man’s” book store & met my old Miami friend, Mrs. Marjory Stoneman Douglas, & got her to autograph my copy of her recent book, “The Everglades.”

Friday, April 9, 1948

Fine clear day. A bit foggy in early morning.

Attended to some matters up town, wrote a long letter to Susie Lovejoy Harris, and played 9 holes of golf with Judge Chapman this afternoon. I played the first two holes fairly well, then all the others very badly till I reached the last (the 18th) hole, which I made in par—4. Judge Chapman took a 5.

Quiet evening at home.

The railroads are still held up by the floods on the Suwannee and Ochlochnee, and the Suwannee got so high today at Old Town that this route South had to be closed. The approaches to the big steel bridge were under water.

Saturday, April 10, 1948. Light showers.

Mostly clear. Light showers from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Light and intermittent.

I went to town about 10:30 and knocked around quite a bit. Got home about 1 p.m.

Good nap after dinner.

Joe Dowdell, Jr. and I played golf from 5 p.m. to 6:35 . Played the inside nine. We enjoyed it, but didn’t play so good. The wet grass made putting very uncertain. Joe made a 47 and I a 55.

Serious uprisings said to have been lead by Communists, reported from Bogota, interrupting the Pan American Convention. The building where the Convention held its sessions was wrecked. Many fine government buildings & hotels were blown up or burned. The heart of the City is in ruins.

Sunday, April 11, 1948. Clear (trouble in Bogota.)

A very pretty day, but quite warm. Strong Southerly breeze.

I took Joe with me to Church today. We heard a good sermon by Bro. Cotton.

This aft. at 1 pm we left Wakulla Spring, where we had a good dinner, and a boat ride, all of which Annie had arranged for. We returned via St. Marks, much to little Jim’s delight.

The uprising in Bogota and the attacks on government and other buildings, including the American Embassy and the building where the Pan-American conference had been in session, it is reported was inspired and lead by communists. The Pres. of Columbia made the mistake of not calling out the army until after 24 hours of looting, riots, attacks on police & men, and the serious damage by fire to public buildings. Several hundred persons reported killed and wounded. Similar attempts were made in Paraguay & Chili[sic] but were nipped in the bud.

Gen Marshall and our other delegates were in a building in El Nagal, in a residential district, and were not [ ? ].

Monday, April 12, 1948. Clear.

Mostly clear, but rather cloudy in afternoon. Very pleasant day.

I left home at 10 and attended to several matters up town. Went to Supr. Ct. Bldg. about 11:15 and heard the argument of Henry Carinn’s attorneys and the attorneys for the State Game & Fish Commission. Henry & one other man got themselves arrested for fishing in closed season to test the validity of the 14 County closed season order of the Commission. It was a habeas corpus case. The Court held that on the record, the rule made by the Commission was within its power. Both sides discussed an opinion I wrote—Sylvester v. Tindell—the first construing the Const. amendment creating the Commission. So Henry lost out.

The Pan American conference has about decided to continue their work in Bogota—where over 1000 people have been killed during the past three days.

Tuesday, April 13, 1948. Clear.

Mostly clear. Some clouds at times, but no rain.

Wednesday, April 14, 1948. Rain. Heavy. 4:40 inches.

Cloudy, with steady rain by noon and extremely heavy by 12:45 when I took Annie home—and it has rained all afternoon and up to now: 11:40 p.m. Shows no sign of let-up. I’m afraid we will have more rain tomorrow. Hope it stops by 8 tomorrow night, as Dan McCarty is billed to speak here at that time, in the band stand behind the Court House, and I am to introduce him. If it rains, we will have the speaking in the court room. It rained hard when he was here about 3 or 4 weeks ago. But rain doesn’t phase Dan. How he is going to cross the Suwannee River, I don’t know. He may go to Tampa & fly up here on the E. Airlines.

The Ohio River is on the rampage also. Much damage is expected.

My old friend Judge Wm. H. Ellis died at his home in Gainesville today. Age 81. He has been blind for past 7 or 8 yrs. I drove out to the Airport this morning & got a round trip ticket to Miami. Judge Chapman and I plan to leave Friday at 4:40 pm to attend the last day’s session of the Bar Ass’n at Hollywood.

Thursday, April 15, 1948. Total Rainfall yesterday and last night 5.03 inches (Dan McCarty speaks here)

A little cloudy early this morning, but clear by afternoon.

Dan McCarty spoke tonight to a big audience at the band stand back of the Court House—the largest audience that I have seen there in a long time. John Gwynn was chairman of the meeting, and called on me to introduce the speaker. I gave Dan the best send off I knew how.

Dan made a good, solid, sensible speech, and after the meeting was over most of the big crowd came up and shook hands with him. I believe Dan & Fuller Warren will be the two high men in the primary of May 4th, and that Dan will win in the 2nd primary. I hope so.

Friday, April 16, 1948. Clear & cool. (Trip to Bar Ass’n in Hollywood)

Fine, clear and cool morning. Joe Dowdell, Jr., left with several other young men about 8:15 this morning for Orlando. On acct. of high waters, they planned to drive over a route through So. Ga., which goes to Stahira[?], Ga., and thence So. to Lake City, Fla., & from there to Orlando for some further training for work for Fla. Industrial Commission.

Judge Chapman & I plan to leave today on the 4:40 p.m. plane this aft. for Miami & from there to Hollywood to attend Saturday & Sat. nights session of the Fla. State Bar Ass’n.

_____

Later.

Lizzie took me out to the airport, & Annie & Elizabeth & little Jim went along. Judge Chapman & I had a very pleasant trip to Miami. We had the same flight attendant (McManus) that was with me on my trip to Miami Mch 23rd. We made wonderful time from Tampa to Miami. Had a tail wind. Left Tampa at 6:20 & arrived in Miami at 7:34, 242 miles in 1hr. & 14 minutes.

When we got to Miami we took the regular bus to the Columbus Hotel. We went to the bus station, and were told that the bus to Hollywood had just left, but there would be another at 10. Went back to the hotel & sat on the porch overlooking the Park. Back at the Bus Sta[.] at 9:50. No bus at 10. We had to wait till about 11:30 with no place to sit down. We got to Hollywood about 12:05, & got a young fellow to run us to the hotel—thru a hard rain. Got to our rooms in Hollywood Beach Hotel about 12:30. Worn out.

Saturday, April 17, 1948. Hollywood. Bar Convention.

After a good nights sleep I went down to breakfast about 9 A.M.

Attended the State Bar Ass’n meeting during the morning. Interesting session. After the session I met very many of my lawyer friends. Accepted the invitation of Mr. & Mrs. Bert Riley to take dinner with them Had a fine dinner and a most delightful time. Always liked Bart & his wife (his 2nd) is a charming lady.

Took a good rest after dinner. Then got a good shave[?] and put in the afternoon delightfully talking with old lawyer friends.

Julius Parker & John Wigginton had me to go with them to their room, near mine (which was 707 on the 7th floor) for a good drink of bourbon before dinner. Then I went to my room & rested a bit and dressed in my white suit for the 8:30 banquet.

We had quite a fine banquet, in honor of the past President of the Bar Association. I was the oldest, & was President much further back than any of those who were present, as I was Pres. in 1922-23. Each of us was called in for a brief speech.

Dixie Beggs, Pres. for the past year, presided & I sat on his & his wife’s right. Dixie has made a fine Pres., and a fine successor was elected this morning for the coming year “Bob” Pleus of Orlando.

I got to my room about 12:30 worn to a frazzle.

Sunday, April 18, 1948. Back Home.

I left a call for 6:15 this morning. The telephone rang some time before I woke up. We were to take an auto for the airport at 7 A.M., and Judge Ch. & I were at the front door on the dot. Mr. J. B. Patterson, atty. of Ft. Lauderdale, drove us to the 36the St. Airport, Miami; through a pretty hard rain. We got there in time to take the 8:40 airplane for Tallahassee, & had time to get breakfast before leaving time. Patterson is a fine young lawyer.

The rain stopped, but we flew over the clouds most of the way to Tampa—rather dark clumps of clouds. Arrived in Tampa at 10 AM. & left at 10:10, and had a nice trip home. The clouds were now big white ones & beautiful to look at. We flew around & over them, & got to Tallahassee at 11.50. Lizzie & Annie & Elizabeth & little Jim were there to meet me and Mrs. Chapman to meet Judge C. It was clear & pleasantly cool. I had a very strenuous trip, & after dinner I slept for two hours.

Then I drove up & got the mail & took a short walk on golf course. Ideal weather for golf. After dinner I rested in bed for awhile & then sat up till now—about 11:30. Glad to find all as well as usual at home.

While the trip was strenuous, I enjoyed it, and the Convention was held at the most ideal spot in Fla. for a big Convention, the big & beautiful Hollywood Beach Hotel.

Monday, April 19, 1948.

A very fine, clear day.

Went up town for awhile this morning and then to the Supreme Court Bldg. Got Annie to write a letter or two for me; chatted with some of the judges, & then drove home with Annie.

This afternoon Judge Chapman and I played golf. The weather was ideal and the course was green & beautiful. But the putting greens were in bad shape. We enjoyed the game, but did not make good scores. I won, “1 up.”

The Reports so far indicate that the Communists were badly beaten in the Italian election yesterday, but we will not get the final results for a day or so yet.

Tuesday, April 20, 1948.

Clear & fine, but barometer is falling some tonight. Wind N.E.

Nothing out of the ordinary today except that I called on Mr. Bryan Willis, State Auditor, & he said he could give Bob a job as auditor of State Institutions at $5,000 per year. I told Elizabeth about it, and she phoned Bob, but got no definite reply.

While all the ballots have not been counted yet, enough have been to show that the Communists have been defeated about 2 to 1 in Italy. Good.

Wednesday, April 21, 1948.

A gorgeous day. Showers were predicted by the local weather bureau, yesterday, for this afternoon, but the sun was shining brightly all day.

Liz & I drove down to the County line this morning & got some Bourbon for me and some Scotch etc. for Annie & Elizabeth—& Lizzie.

This afternoon Judge Chapman and I had a nice time playing golf. He gave me a good busting—I won only two holes. However, I enjoyed it, as my long shots were unusually good. I fell down in my approaching and putting.

Am enjoying reading Winston Churchill[‘]s Reminiscences. If England had only listened to him they would have been far better prepared than she was when Hitler struck.

Thursday, April 22, 1948.

Fine day. A short shower of big drops of rain about 1 p.m., but it soon cleared up. Quite warm in late afternoon.

I went up to see Charley & Jon Ausley this morning. Leroy Collins was not there. They said from all the reports they could get Dan McCarty was gaining ground in all this section of the state, & that reports from other sections were good. I have felt all along that Dan was the best qualified man in the race for governor.

This afternoon I took a good long walk on golf course.

Friday, April 23, 1948.

Cloudy most of the day, but no rain. Sunshine part of the time.

Wrote some letters this morning, drove to town & got some medicine, and brought Annie home.

This afternoon, I rested for awhile. Then drove to up see John Ausley as to how Dan McCarty’s campaign is progressing.

This afternoon I played golf with Judge Chapman, Paul Barns, & Reeves Bowen & his 17yr. old son, whom he calls Bud. We had a lot of fun.

Saturday, April 24, 1948.

Mostly clear and pleasant—a fine day. Lots of golfers on the course this afternoon.

Got my recharged auto batteries back this aft.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened at home today.

Didn[‘]t feel at all well tonight. Why, I don’t know.

Sunday, April 25, 1948.

A beautiful day.

I went to church this morning and heard a fine sermon by Bro. Cotton.

Annie had us take dinner with her & Elizabeth & little Jim at Lake Talquin Inn.

This afternoon, after reading & resting till 5 p.m., I went to see my old friend Bro. B. M. Cates, 85 or 86, and blind, but much better, and good company. I stayed for about an hour. When I got back I joined the family at Mary Maud’s.

Much to my delight, the Miami Herald came out for Dan McCarty for Governor today in a fine & strong editorial.

Monday, April 26, 1948.

Partly cloudy, but no rain. The Weather Bureau predicted rain for this aft., but it did not materialize.

At Mrs. Saunders request by phone, I went to the Governor[‘]s office to see him about some matters pertaining to the Stephen Foster Memorial Commission, but Gov. Caldwell was out in the country.

This afternoon I called to see my good friend Ted Semple, who, with several other lawyers from Miami—Bob Anderson, Park Campbell, Tom Anderson, & Ty Norwood—argued a case involving the validity of an amendment to the Const., to practically consolidate Miami & Dade County & all the municipalities in the County except Coral Gables & two others. I took Ted out to the airport.

The Jews attacked Arab Jaffa yesterday & having better weapons the Arabs retired. Then the British Army moved in and the Jews had to retire.

Tuesday, April 27, 1948.

Mostly clear.

Nice day for golf, but I did not fell well enough to play.

Called to see Gov’r Caldwell this morning. Had a very pleasant chat. I called Mrs. Saunders up tonight & found she had left White Springs for Texas. Her husband notified her & she called me from Texas about 1-1/2 hours later, about the Stephen Foster Memorial business.

Early today the Jewish extremists held up the main bank in Jerusalem & robbed it of a million dollars.

King Abdullah of Trans Jordan says his Arab Legion will invade Palestine as soon as the British move out. They are due to move out on May 15.

We have had 12 days of fine, clear and comfortable weather. I’ve enjoyed it.

Wednesday, April 28, 1948.

Mostly clear. Longest dry spell we’ve had for many months. About two weeks of it.

It looks like Dan McCarty is going to be the high man now. I’ve been thinking all along that Fuller Warren would be high man in the first primary with Dan next, but most of the important newspapers have come out for Dan and the reports now indicate that Dan may lead in the first primary. I may be all wrong, but I think now that Dan will be high man with Warren second, then Shands, English & Tom Watson pushing each other closely for 3rd place. Any way, I feel sure Dan will be one of the two highest in the 1st primary and will win handily in the second primary.

Thursday, April 29, 1948.

Clear & cool morning. Strong N.W. winds last night, and during the day.

Played golf this aft. at 4:30 to 6, with Judges Chapman & Barns. None of us played very well. Our total scores pretty much the same. I managed to win the last two holes, 17 & 18.

The fighting between Jews and Arabs in Palestine goes on apace. The Arabs in Trans Jordan are preparing to move in as soon as the British move out on May 15th. They claim that they have occupied Jericho, only 20 miles from Jerusalem, but the Jews deny this. The U.N. Assembly is discussing what to do, but have not been able to get together.

Friday, April 30, 1948.

Still clear and pleasant, in spite of the low barometer for past few days.

Was one of the guests at the luncheon given by the P. A. D. Law fraternity of State University at Cherokee Hotel. Quite a fine crowd of young men. Ch. Justice Thomas acted as toast master, and I was one of several who were called upon for a speech. All the speeches were short. Very enjoyable occasion.

But I felt badly this afternoon and stayed in bed till about 5:30.

Tonight Annie had us all to dinner at the Silver Slipper. And after we got home we heard speeches from all the County Candidates; was a good 5 min. talk by Dan McCarty.

Saturday, May 1, 1948.

Still clear, but the wind has changed to East & S. Ea.

I went to the Bank this morning to deposit my check. There was a long string of people at every window. Had to park my car about 3 blocks away. We need to put in parking meters.

I felt pretty bad this afternoon & stayed in bed till 3:30. Then Judge Barns phoned and wanted to play golf. I accepted, but played a poor game. However, I felt better afterwards, though a bit tired.

Lizzie is suffering pain in her arms and feels quite miserable.

Sunday, May 2, 1948.

Still clear. S. E. winds.

Slept late this morning, and instead of going to church I made a call on Judge Whitefield from 11:30 to 12:30. He doesn[‘]t hear well, but likes to talk and I let him do most of the talking.

The campaign for Governor has been so strenuous that one could detect from the radio talks of the candidates last night that they were tired men. Dan McCarty’s voice didn[‘]t show it very much though. A statewide campaign these days—with 8 to 12 talks a day—is really an exhausting job.

I took a long walk on golf course this aft.

Monday, May 3, 1948. (Thomasville trip.)

Cloudy until 10:30. Looked like rain was coming, but no rain.

I went up to Thomasville to fill an engagement for a check-up by Dr. Ernest Wall which Lizzie made about 4 wks. ago. I had to take various tests and was on the jump most of the day except 2 hrs. for lunch. I made a short visit to the Country Club about 12:30 and at 1 pm. I went to the “Three Toms Hotel”, a large old fashioned Winter Tourist Hotel which stays open the year round. Had a very nice lunch. At 5 pm Dr. Wall told me I had nothing to worry about and I left for home, arriving in 50 minutes. All the candidates made last minute appeals by radio tonight. Tomorrow’s voting will tell the tale.

Tuesday, May 4, 1948. Election Day.

Mostly cloudy, with S.W. winds.

We had very little trouble voting today, thought the voting was heavy. We voted about noon.

I am very happy over the election returns, tonight. They indicate that Dan McCarty and Fuller Warren will be the two top men and will [be] in the run-off in the 2nd primary. I feel sure that Dan will be nominated for Governor in the 2nd primary. I hope so. On this election day Dan’s wife brought into the world a baby daughter.

Wednesday, May 5, 1948.

Mostly cloudy and warm and humid during day, but cool after nightfall. Looked like it was going to rain.

About 3/4 of the precincts in the State show that Warren & Dan McCarty are way out ahead of the other candidates, English, Shands & Watson coming next in the order named. The last figures now available show Warren several hundred votes ahead of Dan, but I believe most of the English & Shands votes will now switch to McCarty, and enable Dan to win the run-off handily.

Had a busy morning, & a long walk on golf course this aft. Elizabeth had a pleasant evening at a party given by Mr. & Mrs Lawrence Salley.

Thursday, May 6, 1948. Light shower at midnight.

Cloudy most of the day. Heavy about noon. Looked like a heavy rain was coming, but not so. No rain except a short shower at midnight.

I was kept quite busy today helping Mrs. Saunders with regard to Stephen Foster Memorial matters.

This afternoon I rec’d a wire from Anna Watromen Pritchett from Macon telling of her brother Frank’s death last night, funeral services at Mulberry, St. Meth. Ch. at Macon tomorrow with funeral at Hawkinsville, Ga. Not knowing her Macon address, I sent her a night letter to Hawkinsville & Lizzie ordered flowers through Elinor Doyle to be sent to Hawkinsville.

Lizzie, Annie & Elizabeth went to a College play tonight.

Friday, May 7, 1948.

Quite cool, & clear. A fine day.

The later returns show that Fuller Warren had about 18,000 more votes than Dan McCarty. Full election returns not in yet. I guess we will have to await the official returns. But I feel sure that most of the Colin English and Shands voters will go for Dan in the 2nd primary on May 25th, and I have great confidence that Dan will be elected.

I wish I could have driven up to Frank Coalman’s funeral in Hawkinsville today, but Lizzie though it would have been too much for me.

Saturday, May 8, 1948. (3rd V. E. Day.)

Very cool early morning, but bright & clear, and very pleasant afternoon.

Very little attention was paid to V. E. Day through this country. I think it was due to the fact that the peace we thought would begin on that day has been very different from what we had hoped for, due to the subsequent tactics of Russia and their efforts to undermine and destroy our system of free enterprise and free government.

Have not felt at all well today.

Took a short walk on golf course this morning. Drove over to the Country Club House about 5 p.m. & chatted with friends and brought Judge Paul Barns home with me for a short visit with the family.

Lizzie is not at all well. Suffers intensely, but keeps going.

Sunday, May 9, 1948.

Bright and clear.

This is Mother’s day. So I gave Lizzie, Annie & Elizabeth a large box of chocolate covered candies, & Lizzie had selected for herself some metal photo frames which I paid for.

I went to Church this morning. Big congregation & a good sermon by Bro. Cotton.

This afternoon I went to the funeral of Grace Burwell Williams, sister of Sarah Burwell. She left two girls—twins—about 16 or 17 years old. When we moved to Tallahassee, we took our meals at Mrs. Chittenden’s for some months--& good meals they were, too. It was there we met Sarah & Grace Burwell and Lois Stuckey--& Mrs. Burwell—all fine and we liked them very much. We haven’t seen much of them since. Grace was a widow for some years before her death.

Monday, May 10, 1948.

Clear morning, but quite cloudy most of the day. Looked like we would have a rain—but we didn’t.

This morning the President made an order for the operation of the Railroads by the Government. This was done for the purpose of preventing the Strike of the Engineers and firemen’s Unions set for 6 AM. tomorrow. But the heads of those unions evidently were not impressed. The army couldn[‘]t operate the locomotives. But tonight the Atty-Gen’l secured a federal court injunction, under which the union officials could have been jailed if the strike went into effect. After the injunction was granted tonight, the Union officials, about 10:30 p.m., ordered the men to go to work as usual tomorrow.

So—the threatened crippling strike has been averted.

The situation in Palestine is still threatening, but there seems to be some chance of a truce before the British surrender their mandate this coming Saturday (Have not felt well today.)

Tuesday, May 11, 1948.

The Governments’ action yesterday successfully blocked the rail strike.

Today was mostly clear. It clouded up about noon, but no rain. This afternoon was clear & pleasant.

I could not play golf this afternoon, as my golf shoes were out of fix, but I walked around with Judges Chapman & Barns while they played the last 5 holes, & felt better afterwards.

Heard Henry Wallace make one of his crazy speeches over the radio tonight.

Our State Dept., through Ambassador Bedell Smith, delivered a strong but calm note to the Russian Government yesterday, recounting briefly what has happened since the war, and suggested a conference—so it was reported. Molotov blamed us, but agreed to a conference.

Wednesday, May 12, 1948.

Mostly clear & warm. Cloudy at times, but still no rain—which is badly needed.

I spent a busy morning up town. Went to the bank, & several other places; then called [to] see City Manager, Yancey, who was not in: then drove out to Miller Walston’s home, 406 E Georgia St., who has been at home for two weeks due to a heart attack, but is getting well. Then I called to see our preacher, Bro. Cotton, of whom I am very fond. Then by Sup. Ct. & brought Annie home.

It developed that Gen’l Bedell Smith & our State Dept. were astounded by the report put out by Molotov in Moscow that the note Gen Smith handed him asked for a conference. Gen. Marshall said today that we have found by bitter experience the conferences with Molotov & Stalin are fruitless and get us nowhere. What we want is to get a written note in answer to our plainly stated note.

I have not yet see in the papers a copy of our note.

Thursday, May 13, 1948. McCarty 2nd speech here.

Cloudy & overcast early morning, strong N.W. breeze; clearing up by 9:30. Quite warm in middle of day. We need rain but none in sight.

Meeting of local Dan McCarty club in court room at 4 p.m., good talk by Mr. Rich’d Simpson of Monticello. Quite a good crowd.

Then most of them formed a big motorcade and met Dan at Capps and drove with him to a meeting at Monticello, & then to Tallahassee.

Dan spoke here in the big meeting place back of Court House. He spoke from the band stand which had been beautifully decorated by the ladies. Lizzie & Elizabeth & I attended. Dan made a fine talk and then most of the crowd, including us, filed by to shake hands with him. He is in good physical shape in spite of his strenuous campaigning, & his speech was different from that he made here on April 15th. He was introduced this time by John Gurgan[?], who did it well. The meeting was largely attended and was a success.

Friday May 14, 1948. Jews proclaim a new State in Palestine.

This is May 15th in Palestine. The British, in accordance with their announcement, have surrendered their mandate and the Jews have proclaimed a new Nation, Israel being the name selected, in that part of Palestine occupied by them, after over 1900 years in accordance with the recommendation of the General Assembly of the United Nations to the Security Council which the latter has never accepted. The General Assembly of the U.N. now & for some weeks past, in session at Lake Success, refused to change its position. So the Jews have acted. But it means war. The Arabs claim that Palestine has been a part of their country for a long time before the Jews began to return in response to the Zionist Movement, started by U.S. Jews. I fear much blood will be shed in Palestine.

Bob called up Elizabeth & said he had obtained a comptrollership with a steamship line & would be here Sunday to take Elizabeth & little Jim to New York. I hate to see them leave.

Saturday, May 15, 1948.

Clear, dry & pleasant. Pretty warm from 2 to 5 p.m.

This morning I went to see young John Gwynn and congratulated him upon his fine introduction of Dan McCarty when he spoke here Thursday night, and the good work he has been doing as President of the McCarty for Governor Club. The young fellows have been very active & have done a good job.

Tonight Henry & Elmira Palmer had Annie & Elizabeth out to dinner with them and got back to our house about 9, and we all talked till 11 p.m.

The Arabs are moving in on the Jews in Palestine and hard fighting is in the offing. The Arabs are using some planes from Egypt.

Sunday, May 16, 1948.

Clear, fine day. N. W. breeze

Heard a good sermon by our pastor.

This afternoon I put in a good deal of reading of a fine book by Charles Wallace Collins, an Alabamian, “Whither, Solid South.”—a book written last year, a study in race relations and the threat to the South of the “F. E. P. C.,” [Fair Employment Practices Commission] which, unfortunately, Pres. Truman has endorsed. It is a vicious bill, and has caused nearly all the Southern States to go against Truman. May be we Southern Democrats will have to bolt the next Nat’l Dem Convention & form a So. Dem. Party.

Monday, May 17, 1948.

Rather hazy early morning but bright sunshine most of the day. Some humidity; a pretty warm day, and tonight it is still warm.

This morning I had very pleasant short visits with Gov. Caldwell, and Comptroller Gay & Treasurer Larson—all fine men.

The fighting is getting pretty hot in Palestine.

Bob & Elizabeth have been busy today getting ready to leave tomorrow morning.

Tuesday, May 18, 1948. Elizabeth & family leave for Stamford.

Mostly clear & warm.

Bob & Elizabeth & little Jim, and their big Boxer dog, got off in a well packed car, this morning about 9:30. They plan to spend tonight at Sumter, S.C. & to get to Stamford Thursday afternoon.

I have enjoyed having Elizabeth and little Jim with us since early in January, & Bob a part of the time. Elizabeth has always been very dear to me. She is such a fine girl. And little Jim is one of the livest[sic] and most interesting youngsters I have ever known.

The war in Palestine is getting worse. The Jews are outnumbered but are putting up a brave fight. The U. N. Security Council should do something to stop it. Now that we have recognized the new State of Israel, we should lift the arms embargo so the Jews can get arms to fight with and put them on an equal basis in that respect with the Arabs.

Wednesday, May 19, 1948.

A bit hazy most of the day, [ ? ] some clouds, but no sign of rain. Much cooler tonight, so I will not sleep on the glider on the So. porch as I did last night.

There was a golf match this afternoon between some players from Thomasville and some of our players. I don’t know how it ended, but I walked around for an hour or more watching them. When I got home I found the Cowles & Mary Maud Jefferds having cocktails—good Scotch & Sodas—on our porch. I joined them. After supper Lizzie & Annie went to see a good picture—“Great Expectations”—made in England. They returned at 11:30 very tired.

Tonight Robert Pleus made a radio talk in behalf of Fuller Warren. Later at 10 P.m. Dan McCarty made a good talk in his own behalf, but his voice, while clear, showed that he was tired. He had had a very hard day. Dan spoke in number of places in Pinellas County today. Then to a large crowd in St. Petersburg at night, and then made a radio talk.

Thursday, May 20, 1948.

Clear, dry and pleasant.

This afternoon Walter Cowles went with me down to the Taylor County line, then on the way back stopped at a café in Lamont for a Coca Cola. The lady who ran the place said she was for Dan McCarty because he was a family man—had a wife and three children. One of the men residents who dropped in, a typical cracker, said he was for Dan, & that lots of folks in that section were for him.

On our way back we stopped at a political rally & barbecue about 6 miles So. of Tallahassee. The dinner was very poor. There was a big crowd there. All the candidates for County offices came there, and I was told Mr. Richard Simpson of Monticello was going to make a speech for Dan but he, Simpson was not there. After chatting with various friends and acquaintances, we left after an hour and before the speaking began.

After reaching home & having supper I heard a good strong radio talk by Mr. Simpson in behalf of Dan, but I don’t know where he was speaking from. At the rally I had chats with Howard Bailley and Reeves Bowen, who were to speak for Watson.

Friday, May 21, 1948. Full moon

Falling barometer, but dry and clear, and pretty warm.

Fuller Warren spoke here tonight for a little over an hour. I heard his speech over the radio. It was very good, but he confessed that he was very tired. He was escorted into town by a big noisy motorcade. This State wide speaking campaign is terribly hard on the candidates.

The House passed the Mundt anti communist bill a day or so ago by a big majority. This bill does not directly out-law the Communist party, but it does make a great many of the activities of the Communist party and some of its aims, such as the overthrow of our government at the instigation of a foreign power, criminal offenses.

I have felt very much “under the weather” today—No energy, no pep.

Saturday, May 22, 1948.

Dry and bright & warm during the day; quite pleasant after supper tonight.

Low barometer but no sign of rain.

This afternoon I went over to the Country Club about 5 p.m., and sat on the porch talking with quite a bunch of my friends—Charley Ashenhard among them. He had played 9 holes of golf. I am glad to see him playing again. He was very much saddened by his wife’s death a few months ago. I did not feel like playing, tho I have felt a bit better today.

The fighting between the Jews and Arabs goes grimly on in Palestine, including the small part of the City of Jerusalem still held by the Jews.

Have not yet been able to hear over the radio whether Dewey or Stassen carried Oregon. The Cowles called about 9 pm & stayed till 11:30.

Called Dow up tonight. Hilda is getting over her operation fairly well.

Sunday, May 23, 1948.

Clear and warm. A few light clouds.

Lizzie went to church with me for the first time in months. We heard a good sermon by our pastor, Mr. Cotton.

This afternoon I took a good walk on the golf course watching some of our best players.

We, Lizzie, Annie & I, took dinner at the Seven Seas Restaurant. The restaurant is quite attractive, the service excellent and the food very good indeed. A lot of our best people were there. The prices quite reasonable for these times.

The situation in Palestine is getting very bad. Something should be done to stop the useless slaughter & destruction.

Monday, May 24, 1948.

Somewhat foggy early morning: then clear and warm, followed by clouds & threat of rain, but it cleared up again about 5 p.m.

Our big radio has been on the blink for some days. So I got Mr. Ramm to send out a man to examine it. He took the interior machinery out and to the shop, and I got Mr. Ramm to let us have a small radio to use until he fixed the large one.

So we heard broadcasts of the speeches of McCarty from Miami & Warren from Jacksonville. Also, Mrs J. M. Lee & Dr. Paul Raymond spoke for Warren. Also Rob[‘]t Pleus. Judge Bird spoke for Judge Hudson for Supreme Ct. & Judge Hobson also spoke. Leroy Collins spoke at 6 pm. for Dan, & Dan himself is due to speak at 11:15.

The Election is tomorrow. Both these young men have made able and vigorous campaigns; they are both fine young men, but I think Dan McCarty is the abler of the two and has conducted his campaign on a higher plane.

Tuesday, May 25, 1948. Election Day.

Still no rain.

Lizzie, Annie & I all voted in Precinct #6 before dinner.

This afternoon late we had the Cowles & Mary Maud over to hear the first of the election returns, and later in the evening they went up to see what was going on in front of the Democrat office. When they returned about 10:30 I had heard all and more then they knew. Now, at 12 p.m., the vote in the Governor’s race, with over 1200 precincts out of 1500 reporting, stands about 206,700 for McCarty and about 194,000 for Warren. I hope & believe that Dan’s lead of about 12,000 will carry him safely through. I have felt for several days that the race would be close but that Dan would win. He deserves to win.

The big surprise was Tom Watson’s big vote for Supreme Court Justice—Much bigger than that of Hobson or Walker.

Wednesday, May 26, 1948. Returns show Warren wins over McCarty.

Fair early morning, but some light clouds floating around by 9:30. But most of the day dry and warm.

Early this morning I heard over the radio that the returns from Northwest Florida, which were slow in coming in, show that Warren had won over McCarty by a majority of nearly 14,000 thousand votes—much to my regret. This afternoons paper shows:

Fuller Warren, 284,358

Dan McCarty, 270,860

Warrens majority 13,498

While I like both these young men personally, I have thought all along that Dan would be the best man to serve our State as Governor.

I also regret to hear today that my old friend Ross Williams has been defeated for re-election as Circuit Judge down in Miami by young Wm. A. Herin.

But Dade County did one good thing. Down there they gave Dan McCarty 53,956 votes to 30,796 for Warren—a majority of 23,160. Leon County gave Warren a majority of about 446. (McCarty 4,204, Warren 4,648)

Tonight Walter & Elizabeth Cowles and I went to the baseball game. Tallahassee beat Waycross 9 to 7.

Thursday, May 27, 1948.

Bright, clear morning. We need rain badly. No rain now for six weeks.

Today’s papers report the totals on votes for Governor as shown by later returns as[?]: Warren 296,967}

McCarty 275,838} 572,805

21,129

This was the closest governorship contest since 1932 when the two-primary system was established.

The vote in Leon County was 4204 for McCarty, 4,648 for Warren. While in Escambia it was McCarty 7,882, and for Warren 15,244. But most of the N. W. Fla. counties went heavily for Warren—Escambia, McCarty 7,892, Warren 15,244.

Tonight the Cowles took Annie & Elizabeth to a new open air picture show place about 3 miles out on the St. Marks road. Lizzie came back very tired and all bitten up by Mosquitoes.

Friday, May 28, 1948. Rain. first in 43 days.

Cloudy early morning, with Southerly winds by 12:30, and heavy rain from about 2:30 till about 5 p.m. Then the rain slowed down, and it was almost clear by 6:30.

This was the first rain we have had since the night of April 14th. We had 5.03 inches of rain that night, and none since that time until this afternoon—

A total of 43 days without rain.

I hope this rain has come in time to save the crops.

The Arabs have taken that portion of the old walled City of Jerusalem occupied by the Jews after a week of fighting. But most of the Jews lived in the new part of the City which they still hold, but they get their supplies through the port of Haifa, and the Arabs are trying to cut that life line.

The U. N. has sent Bernadotte of Sweden to mediate if he can & stop the fighting until some solution can be worked out.

Saturday, May 29, 1948. Rain.

Light rain in afternoon. Cloudy most of the day. Lots of thunder to the South. Rain very light.

Nothing out of the ordinary today except that Mr. Buchen finished fixing our entrance to driveway today. The cement laid Monday had become hard & firm. So we were able to put our cars in our garage again.

I took a walk on golf course and over to the Country Club house and back.

Did some reading this afternoon and tonight. Finished Mrs. Marjory Stoneman Douglas’s fine book-“The Everglades.” Among other things this book shows the tragic mistake of the system of draining the Everglades which was adopted and carried out in Florida. I hope we have learned our lesson, but it was very costly.

Frank Stranahan of Toledo won the British Amateur Championship today.

Sunday, May 30, 1948.

Clear Early morning, and clear all day.

Didn[‘] feel very well, and didn’t go to church.

This afternoon Lizzie & I called on Mrs. Walter Richardson & her children Susanne & “Buddy.” I gave Buddy, for a graduation present, Mark Twain’s “Life on the Mississippi.”

Later I took a walk on the golf course and watched some of the players—a match between Albany, Ga. & Tallahassee was on.

Tonight Lizzie & I both had a stomach upset. We both felt mighty bad. I didn’t get to sleep till 2:30. We blamed it on some “Creamed Turkey” we had for supper.

Monday, May 31, 1948.

Mostly clear and warm.

Elmira Palmer, who has been ill for three weeks, is some better. Lizzie cooked a nice dinner and she & Annie took it over to Elmira & Henry.

We heard a pretty hot radio debate tonight between Congressman Karl Mundt of So. Dakota and Wm. Z. Foster, President of the Communist party in the U.S. Foster viciously attacked the Mundt bill, which has passed the House and is now before the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill would require Communist party members to register and makes unlawful certain acts which the Communists have been doing, but does not expressly outlaw the Communist party. Foster said if the bill is passed, he will not register.

Tuesday, June 1, 1948.

Clear, with pleasant breezes. Quite warm up town. June has started off well. A grand day[.]

Took the clothes to the laundry about 11 a.m. and then went to the bank and then to Supreme Court Bldg & brought Annie to dinner.

This afternoon Judges Barns and Chapman & I played golf from about 4:40 to 6:15. The sun was bright but the fine breezes made playing very pleasant.

I made the 2nd nine in 50, which is the best I’ve done in several months. I felt better after the game.

Tonight was the dead line for the acceptance by the Jews & Arabs of the truce, pending discussions of peace terms suggested by the U. S. and Britain. Both sides agreed accepted provided certain conditions were accepted by the opposing Side. So—we don[‘]t know yet, what will happen.

Wednesday, June 2, 1948.

Dry—Nice breezes—Quite pleasant. And yet I have not felt as well as I should.

Louise Suggs of Lithia Springs, Ga. has won all her matches, so far, in the British Women’s Golf Tournament. I think she had to meet Dorothy Kirby of Atlanta today, in the quarter finals and I think I heard over the radio that Louise had won. If so, it is quite a coincidence. Louise defeated Dorothy in the three biggest Women’s tournaments in this country last year.

I have been putting in some work for Judge Hobson today. There is no telling at this time which will be the winner in the Supreme Court race on June 4th—Watson or Hobson, but Hobson is the best qualified for the Justiceship which he now holds by appointment.

Thursday, June 3, 1948. Louise Suggs wins the British Women’s Golf Title.

A bit haz[sic] in early morning, but mostly clear day.

Louise Suggs, of Atlanta & Lithia Springs At St. Anne’s on the Sea, England, defeated Dorothy Kirby of Atlanta yesterday morning on the 20th hole and defeated Miss Kielty of Los Angeles in the afternoon, 4 up & 3 to play. The scoring was good in spite of constant rain. So today Louise was in the finals with Miss Jean Donald, the Scottish champion. I heard over the radio at noon today that Louise won the morning round 3 up tho she suffered from the cold. But I have not hear over the radio tonight how this afternoon’s round came out.

Later, Louise won by a close margin—1 up. The rain and cold wind was terrible. Louise won the 36 hole match, and the title, on the last hole.

I put in some work for Judge Hobson this morning. Watched the Tallahassee-Thomasville Golf Match this afternoon. Our boys won.

Friday, June 4, 1948. Justice Hobson defeats Tom Watson.

Weather the same as yesterday.

This afternoon Judges Chapman and Barns and Reeves Bowen and myself played golf. Judge Ch. & Reeves Bowen played Judge Barns & myself. We wound up all even. I played pretty poorly, but wound up with a par on the 18th hole. Just missed a birdie by 4 inches. Made the par 4 by tapping in the ball.

Tonight’s returns from 1203 out of 1500 precincts gave Hobson 93,000 and Watson 56,000. That is a safe lead. Fine!

Saturday, June 5, 1948. Rain at night.

Weather the Same. until 8 P.M. when a rain came up and lasted for some time.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened here today. A hot sunshiny day. With a thunderstorm about dark, with lightning & strong N.W. wind, and fairly hard rain for 30 minutes, followed by slow light rain till now—11:30.

(The lines scratched out were written here by mistake on June 19th)

Sunday, June 6, 1948. My 73rd birthday.

No change in weather.

This morning about 10.40 A.m. Lizzie & I drove up to Pisgah Church and heard our old friend Bro. W. F. Dunkle preach his last sermon as pastor. The fine old church has a very small membership; only about 20 people were there & 5 of them were from Tallahassee. But we had a good service and a fine sermon by Bro. D. on the 23rd Psalm.

I received some mighty nice birthday presents on this, my 73rd birthday: slippers from Annie, hat from Lizzie, Memoirs of Cordell Hull from Jimmy & Teddy, a telegram from Bob & Elizabeth & Jimmie, and two packages of fine mangoes one pkg. each from Mabel and Ted Semple.

Monday, June 7, 1948. Trip to Jacksonville

Weather about the same as yesterday.

Lizzie & I left in her car at 10 a.m. and got to Jacksonville at about 1:30—just about 3-1/2 hrs. We went to the Mayflower and generous Arthur Driver had us put in the best room, 9--, air-conditioned corner room. Liz ate lunch in her room. I went to the Coffee shop about 2:15 and the waitress was slow in getting to me & when she finally did she spilled the whole meal on the floor. It was about 3 p.m. when I got lunch, and a very poor one at that. I went back to my room & lay down awhile and then went to the meeting of the Stephen Foster Memorial Board. I had had practically nothing to eat & felt mighty bad the balance of the day. After dinner Lizzie & I went to see Clark Gable and Lana Turner in “Home-coming,” a new picture at the Florida theatre. It was good. I got to sleep about 12:30 and slept till 7 am the next morning.

Tuesday, June 8, 1948. Back home.

A warm, humid morning.

Lizzie went with me to Levy’s and bought a nice blue gabardine suit.

Felt mighty bad last night and this morning, but after going to Levy’s I went to see Mr. Frank Fleming. He was not in, but I talked to two of his partners; and then went to see Scott Loftin. He was out of town. Had very pleasant chat with his partners, Wall and Kassiwitz. It was then about 12:15. So I went back to the Mayflower & a very nice gentleman, who I did not recognize, but who turned out to be Frank Lipscomb went with me to our room door, and as I was opening the door, Lizzie recognized him and asked him in. We had a good time talking for nearly an hour. Then he left, & we shortly went to lunch. It was not much.

We left for home at 3 p.m., in a light shower, and arrived home at 7:15. No rain here yet. But it is humid & some wind & thunder.

Annie was not at home. We found that she had turned her ankle badly in the Cowles front yard and was confined to bed there.

Lizzie fixed us up a grand supper. Best I’ve had for two days.

Wednesday, June 9, 1948. Light Shower.

Thought sure it would rain last night, but it did not. Warm & somewhat windy early morning.

About 11 A.M. big clouds rolled up from the South, and we had lots of thunder. Looked like we were going to have a real rain. I had driven up town but hurried back to avoid the rain. However we were fooled. We had a shower of big drops of rain for about 20 minutes. Then it gradually stopped. And by afternoon it was clear and hot.

We have not had a real rain / except on May 28th / since the night of April 14th, 56 days. Early corn has been ruined.

This afternoon I played golf with Judge Chapman & Lewis Thompson. Played poorly and was very tired afterwards.

Annie is still in bed with her sprained ankle.

Dowdell Brown, Jr., called me up tonight. Says he understands there is a vacancy in the teaching staff of the Un. of Fla. Law college. I’ll do all I can to get it for him.

Thursday, June 10, 1948. Shower.

Partly cloudy all day, with a pretty good shower in early afternoon.

I have been suffering with corns for several days. This morning I went to chiropodist Davis, and got great relief.

Annie is sitting up some today & can walk with a little help.

I attended to a good many matters up town this morning. Left home at 9:15 and returned about 1 p.m. This afternoon I watched Mrs. Gallatin [Sallie Gallatin, an award-winning amateur golfer from Tampa who had moved to Tallahassee with her husband Tom in 1945; long-time member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, and an avid golfer her whole life long; I believe she lived to age 101—Erik Robinson, archivist and personal friend of Sallie Gallatin/10-25-2011] and Bessie Merlin play, along with Mrs. Georgia Miller of Miami; the last 4 holes, & then stayed at the Club House for sometime chatting with friends.

The Women’s Invitation Golf Tournament starts tomorrow.

Sec’y of Labor Swellenbach, 53, died in Washington today. He was a good man.

President Truman spoke tonight in Seattle, Wash’n. He is reported to have said during this Western trip that the present Congress is the worst we have had since Gen. Washington’s Presidency.

Friday, June 11, 1948.

Hazy & cloudy, but on rain. Almost clear at times.

U. N. representative, Count Bernadotte of Sweden, after some days of effort, arranged a truce for four weeks between the Jews & the Arabs which went into effect last night. Tho they fought on right up to the appointed hour, the truce appears to have been respected so far.

Liz & cook Julia took Annie up to have her foot X-rayed this morning.

Then to Dr. Rhodes office where she had to stay for hours before he could see her and examine her foot and the X-ray. He said that one bone was broken in two places. It was after 6 p.m. when Lizzie & Julia brought her home.

Tonight the Cowles came over & spent the evening.

Saturday, June 12, 1948.

A bit hazy this morning, but quite clear this afternoon.

The Semi-finals in the ladies golf tournament are played today. The finals will be played tomorrow—36 holes. In the championship flight, the two contenders will be Mrs. Sallie Gallatin of Tallahassee and the young Georgia champion Miss Mary Lena Faulk of Thomasville.

I wrote a letter tonight to Acting Dean of the College of Law at the U. of Fla., Acting Dean Clifford W. Crandall, recommending the appointment of Dowdell Bryan, Jr., as one of the teachers on the Law Faculty.

Annie suffered a lot of pain with her foot today. After so long a time, Lizzie was able to get Dr. Rhodes over phone & he suggested cutting off some of the bandages & that was done and the pain relieved.

I spent a part of the day watching the golfers.

Sunday, June 13, 1948.

Hazy early morning, but mostly Clear & hot the balance of the day & hot.

Went to Church this morning, had a good sermon, and a good talk by Frank D. Moor as to plans for our new Educational Bldg., which will cost about $243,000. We have raised in cash in past two years about $130,000. The Bldg. Committee advised that we go ahead with the building this year and borrow $100,000, and raise the balance from our membership. The congregation voted to do this.

The finals in the Women’s Golf Tournament were played today. In the championship flight contest between Mrs. Gallatin and Miss Mary Lena Faulk, Mrs. Gallatin won the morning round of 18 holes, 1 up. But in the afternoon Miss Faulk won the championship 3 up & 1 to play—on the 17th. At the end of the 17th Miss F. was 2 up, and Mrs. G. had to win the 17th & 18th to tie the match, but she lost the 17th by missing a 4 ft. put[t], thus putting Miss Faulk 3 up.

I saw them play the 13th to 17th holes this afternoon. Quite a large gallery.

Monday, June 14, 1948.

Weather just about the same as yesterday.

Nothing unusual happened here today.

This afternoon about 5:30 Mrs. Sibley, Miss Herbert & Miss Winnie called to see Annie & stayed about an hour. Lizzie turned on the ceiling fan & cooled them off and also served them each a “Tom Collins.”

Pres. Truman’s reception, on his tour of the West, has not been very flattering in Washington & Oregon, but he has had a cordial reception in California, especially today in Los Angeles where nearly a million people turned out. He is reported to have made a good speech.

Tuesday, June 15, 1948.

Weather about the same; cool early morning, but pretty hot from 10 to 6. Very nice breezes until about 10 p.m. when the breeze died down. Drouth getting serious.

President Truman is game. He is putting up such a good fight and the Republicans are so split up among themselves, unless they nominate Vandenberg Truman may have a chance. Then, too, the Republican Congress has made some bad mistakes. Today they cut the draft down about 1/3. We should remain reasonably strong militarily. Russia respects nothing but force.

Had a lot of things to attend to up town. This aft. I took a good long walk on golf course. Watched Mrs. Paul Brock and Mrs. Blair Stone play golf from in front of our house to the Club House, & then sat on porch for quite awhile watching the golfers & talking to quite a bunch of the men.

Wednesday, June 16, 1948. Rain, at last.

Clear early morning but soon clouds began to gather. Lizzie & I drove down to the County line of Taylor County and got some liquid refreshments. Just after we started back it began to rain and all the way back home we were running into one hard shower after another, and it just had stopped raining when we got home. The shower at home had been good too. With the exception of the shower we had on May 28—this is the first good rain since Apl. 14th.

This aft at 5 p.m. the coffin containing the body-or the bones and ashes of dear fine Francis Lowry, was buried in the Cemetery here with military honors. Mrs. Lowry & family and a large crowd of friends were present. Francis was a Marine and was killed by the Japs in the desperate battle on Iwo Jima in the Pacific in Feb’y 1945.

We sent Elizabeth a birthday telegram tonight.

Thursday, June 17, 1948. Showers. Elizabeth R.’s birthday.

We had a hard shower here at home about 4:15 to 4.35 p.m., with considerable wind. About 5 p.m. or a little before, I drove up town to mail some letters, then to the Country Club to tell Judges Chapman and Barns I couldn’t play, as it looked like more rain was coming. Then I drove home and another shower started just after I got my car in the garage. Later, about 6:10, Judges C. & B. played by, & said they had been caught in the rain soon after they started & went under one of the shelter houses for awhile.

A big plane, with 43 aboard, going from San Diego to N.Y., crashed in Penn., and all on board were killed. Cause of crash not known.

The Republican Congress has passed three bills over Presidential vetoes so far this week.

Friday, June 18, 1948.

Partly cloudy morning, with two tiny showers during the day which did not amount to much.

This morning at 10, Lizzie took Annie up to Dr. Rhodes office to have a cast put on her ankle—with the help of Ben and Julia, our yard man & cook, who carried her to the car, & from the car back to the car about 1:45 and from the car to her bed about 2 p.m. The servants stayed in the car while Annie was in the doctor’s office—in bed most of the time, & poor Liz sitting in a chair in the outer office. Lizzie was worn out when they got home. Julia cooked dinner by about 3 p.m. & then Lizzie drove her home about 4 p.m., though I offered to do it. So we’ve had a day of it. I drove Ben home about 6:15.

Tonight we rested and listened to the radio programs.

Senator Glen Taylor is staging a one man filibuster against the modified draft bill. He had been speaking about 7 or 8 hours. The Senate members are going to stay in session & try & wear him out.

Saturday, June 19, 1948. Rain after sundown.

We have had a very warm and mostly clear day, followed by a thunderstorm, with lightning and hard rain for an hour—from about 7:45 to 8:45, and then a slow light rain till now—11:30 p.m. The rain has cooled things off. It was accompanied by a strong wind from the West, which died down considerably in an hour or so.

Congress passed the draft bill today. Senator Taylor of Idaho finally gave out—just when I don’t know—so his filibuster failed. Senator Lange helped him last night by speaking for 4-1/2 hours—when Taylor started again.

Annie is getting better, now that her ankle is in a cast, and came up front on her crutches about 7 pm. when the Salleys & Jane King arrived.

Congress finally adopted today the appropriation of something over six billion dollars for European aid. Vandenberg won out.

Sunday, June 20, 1948. Slow rain in evening.

Clear, hot morning, but cloudy with thunder showers nearby, but none of them got to us. However, it cooled off the atmosphere and we had a very pleasant afternoon after 3 p.m. Then a slow rain from 7 to 9.

Sermon by Bro Cotton today was excellent. I drove by and got the mail and then called on Judge Whitfield, but, as has happened several times recently, no one answered the bell.

I received a good letter from Mr. Bernard M. Baruch today. I wrote him last week thanking him for his very firm article in a recent issue of the Saturday Evening Post, and he wrote me a very gracious reply.

We heard over the Mutual net work from quite a number of their commentators from 10:30 to 11 p.m. & from 11 to 11.15 from Wm Hillman, all speaking from Philadelphia, but we didn’t know much that we did not already know. The consensus is that Dewey will get the largest vote on the first ballot next Thursday, Taft next & Stassen third. None will get a majority on the 1st ballot. And on that first ballot Gov. Earl Warren & several other favorite sons will get the votes of their states.

Monday, June 21, 1948. Republican Nat’l Conv. begins

Longest day in the year. Sun rises at 5.35 and sets at 7.42.

And a hot one. No rain.

Lizzie has had a hard day. She has been under too great a strain for the past two weeks.

Annie’s crutches are too long for her, and she has had two pretty bad falls today but no bones broken.

The Repub. Nat’l Convention got under way today—or rather, tonight. Senator Vandenberg got a big ovation when he was escorted to the rostrum before the meeting began. After some preliminaries, Gov. Dwight Green of Ill. made the Key note address. It was not very good and was read, or sounded like it. A lot of platitudes.

Clare Booth Luce stole the show. She followed Green with a sarcastic and witty attack on the Democratic administrations since Hoover’s time—the past 16 years—but she never mentioned Hoover or Harding or their administrations. To her the Roosevelt administration was wicked & Truman’s nitwitted.

But when she referred in a complimentary way to Senator Vandenberg, the crowd yelled & cheered for 5 or 10 minutes.

Tuesday, June 22, 1948. Herbert Hoover speaks.

Mostly clear and warm.

We listened tonight to the proceedings of the Repub. Conv. Speaker Martin was made Permanent Chairman and delivered a rather long and mediocre speech. The biggest Demonstration of the Convention so far occurred when former President Herbert Hoover was escorted to the platform, 15 minutes or more of cheers and [ ? ]. When he was introduced, he made by far the finest speech of the Convention so far, and the best I have ever heard him make. It was not a very partisan speech, indeed it was not a partisan speech, it was a great American patriotic speech. He was cheered for quite awhile.

Wednesday, June 23, 1948. Nominating speeches.

Pretty hot day. More humid and oppressive than yesterday.

Finally got our big radio fixed this afternoon by Mr. Tom Brown’s men.

Tonight the Republican convention had a riproaring[sic] time in spite of the heat. This was the time for nominations & speeches. Sen. Martin of Penn. nominated Dewey, & there was a 32 minute demonstration for Dewey. Former Gov. Brickes of Ohio nominated Robt. Taft, & the demonstration lasted for 36 mins. It being well after 12 o’clock I went to bed. I imagine the Stassen delegates also will stage a demonstration. All these staged demonstrations and marching of delegates around the big hall strikes me as silly and puerile[?] and should be stopped.

Thursday, June 24, 1948. Balloting begins—and ends—today, at the Republican Convention. Dewey nominated.

Probably our hottest day, so far.

The nominating speeches lasted until 4:10 A.M. last night at the Republican Convention. They adjourned then till this afternoon at two. Dewey led on the first ballot over Taft and Stassen by a wide margin, but still far short of the 548 votes necessary to nomination. So many states voted for favorite sons.

Vandenberg got Michigan’s vote and a few others. California voted all of its 53 votes for Gov. Warren and he also got a few votes from other states. Dewey got about 434, Taft 224, and Stassen 257.

On the 2nd ballot Dewey got 518 votes, just 34 votes short of the needed majority. It was about 5 p.m. then, and a motion was made to adjourn till 7:30 for the third ballot. On a close voice vote, chairman Martin held that the motion was carried.

When the Convention started again Taft & Stassen, and all the favorite sons withdrew, and on the third and last ballot, Dewey made it by a unanimous vote of all the State Delegations. Then he was notified & came over from his hotel and addressed the Convention. He made a fine address of acceptance, & the Convention adjourned until tomorrow.

The Joe Louis-Joe Walcott fight had to be postponed tonight on account of rain—the 2nd time. They will fight tomorrow night if weather permits.

Friday, June 25, 1948. Joe Louis wins bout with Joe Walcott. (Rain) Gov. Earl Warren nominated for Vice Pres.

Clear & hot morning and afternoon up to about 3:30 when it began to clear up, and it rained here—a light, slow rain—till about 10 p.m.

Mrs. R. C. Davis of Madison, Fla., wife of my good friend R. C. Davis, 75, able attorney and fine man, died in Savannah, Ga., on Wednesday, while visiting her sister. The funeral services were at the home. I have never seen such a big crowd at a funeral. Big house & wide porches—all filled. Mrs. Davis was a wonderfully fine woman.

This morning the Republican Convention nominated Gov. Earl Warren of Cal. for Vice-President. That gives them a good strong ticket. They will probably win.

Lizzie not well at all.

Tonight Joe Louis knocked out Joe Walcott in the 11th round. Afterwards he announced his retirement from the ring. Joe Walcott put up a good fight.

Saturday, June 26, 1948.

Another warm day. Last night was very pleasant on account of the evening rain, but this aft. and tonight we’ve had to keep the attic fan going until bed time.

I took a long walk on the golf course late this afternoon following some good players, among[?] them Sonny Hay who made a 67, and then called on Dr. Dodd for quite awhile.

Sunday, June 27, 1948. Shower.

Mostly clear, hot & humid until about 12, when clouds began to gather and it began to thunder and flashes of lightning were frequent. Then we had a light rain for a couple of hours, and the temperature dropped to 76°. By 5 o[‘]clock it was clear again and fairly warm until late afternoon when a good breeze sprang up and it was fairly pleasant, and by bed time the temp was down to 76 again.

The Russians continue to refuse to let American & British trains loaded with supplies cross the strip of territory in Berlin which they occupy; nor will they permit any of the new marks, which we & the British & French have printed to take the place of the old marks on a 1 to 10 basis, to be honored in the Russian zone of Berlin nor in that part of Germany occupied by the Russians. We & the British are supplying milk & other perishable foods by airplanes but the main food supply cannot be thus made up & will last only a month. Something is going to happen soon.

Monday, June 28, 1948. Rain

Clear & hot morning. Slow rain with lots of thunder most of the time from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Marshall Tito / it is reported, / has been deposed as head of the Communist government of Yugoslavia / or harshly condemned by the Communist / but just what has been or will be done with him is not yet made clear except that he has not been killed or imprisoned as yet, it seems, but he is not in Belgrade.

Annie went back to work today. Some trouble in getting back & forth & in & out of cars.

Mr. Frank P. Fleming of Jacksonville died yesterday morning and was buried this afternoon at 4 p.m. I thought very highly of him. He has had a distinguished career as a lawyer and public spirited citizen. I wish I could have attended his funeral. I imagine that Dan & his wife Judie, Mr. Fleming’s daughter, were there. Mr. F. was 74 years of age. Left four daughters but no sons.

Tuesday, June 29, 1948. Rain

I went up to the Supreme Court Bldg., this morning and brought Annie home at 12, as Judge Terrell was on the bench. While I was up there I heard one case argued, and met some of my lawyer friends, Ted Semple, & Mr. Hull of DeLand, among them.

It was very clear early this morning but it began to cloud up about 11 a.m. and by noon it was thundering and raining some. It got worse, and from 1 to 5 we had lots of rain. Then it cleared up and at 4 45 I drove over to the Club and joined Justices Chapman & Barns & Reeves Bowen in a golf round. Judge Barns made a 42, Judge Chapman a 45, and I a 50. It was terribly hot and steamy, and when I got home I was hot and tired. Even a hot & cold shower didn’t rest me. After supper I had to lie down for an hour or more. We heard the “Town Meeting of the Air” program over my little radio and it was very good indeed. Young Will Rogers acquitted himself well, except he is ignorant on the Negro question in the South—like most Yankees.

Wednesday, June 30, 1948. Rain. (Rain on 11 days in June)

We had another rain this afternoon, not as hard or as long as yesterday’s.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened today, here at home.

The Yugoslav government having denied the charges of the Cominform against Tito and declaring that it was an independent Nation, Tito reappeared in Belgrade today and was received with great acclaim. We cannot tell what is back of all this. Tito was trained in Moscow. May be these recent happenings are designed to get the U.S. to return the 50 millions of Yugo Slav assets which we froze in this Country and reduce our own claims against Yugo Slavia which amount to 20 or 30 millions.

The Russians still refuse to allow trains to carry supplies to the U.S., British, & French zones of Berlin. We are flying in food at the rate of 200 planes a day, but that is not enough. We will have to have a show down.

Thursday, July 1, 1948.

A clear, hot & humid morning, but mostly cloudy in afternoon.

No rain here, but it looked like it was raining to the S. E. of us.

We are flying in food to Berlin in such quantities that famine there is unlikely in the near future. The British planes help a lot. We flew in 200 planes yesterday.

Tito seems to be in complete command in Yugoslavia & has his army with him--& he has a pretty big one. Moscow has made no move. May be it is all a trick.

Poor Elmira Palmer, back in her own home is a very sick woman. Liz went to see her today. Henry is much wrought up.

Friday, July 2, 1948. (Little Armstead Brown’s 4th birthday. I sent Lauren a check for 5.00 for his b-day present)

Clear this morning, but cloudy and fairly cool this afternoon, ending up with a pretty good shower from about 7:15 to 8:30, cooling off the atmosphere for the whole evening.

This aft. I felt pretty well and I got Judges Chapman & Barns to play golf with me. I felt sure I was going to play better than usual but I didn’t. Had a good time.

Tonight Dow & Hilda called us up; said Hilda was much better & that they were moving to littlie Hilda’s new home up near the River. They thanked me for my efforts to get Dowdell, Jr. appointed on the faculty of the College of Law at University of Fla. I have worked hard on it, but Pres. Miller evidently wants a man with a Ph.D. etc. Dowdell has an L. L. B. but he wanted a man with lots of degrees.

Senator John Sparkman of Alabama was the guest on the “Meet the Press” radio program tonight. He showed up well. An able young man.

Saturday, July 3, 1948.

Rather warm, humid day, but no rain. Cool early morning.

Nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Annie not so well today. She should quit work. Lizzie, in spite of her suffering, keeps going and bears the [ ? ].

It begins to look like Tito has made an independent stand and the people of Yougo-Slavia[sic] are behind him. It remains to be seen what Stalin will do.

A great many prominent Democrats—mostly Southern—have come out for Eisenhower as the Dem. nominee for President, among them James Roosevelt, of Cal., and Claude Pepper of Fla.

Sunday, July 4, 1948.

Clear and beautiful morning. But I did not feel like going to Church. Should have done so anyway.

Did quite a lot of reading today.

Drove up to get the mail, but there was none.

This afternoon I took quite a walk on golf course and then visited for an hour with my friend Dr. Wm. F. Dodd, a very fine, cultivated and interesting gentleman.

It has been pretty warm tonight, and we’ve kept the ceiling fan going.

Quite a number of prominent Democrats, who are not satisfied with Pres. Truman, are coming out for Eisenhower—who has already stated some months ago that he would not be a candidate. But if he should be nominated he has not said he would refuse to run.

Personally, I don’t think a life long army officer should be made President—and Gen. Eisenhower said that months ago.

Monday, July 5, 1948. Rain

Clear and quite warm most of the day, but we had a good rain for about 30 mins. around 7:45 p.m. which cooled things off.

The strange movement to have the Democratic National Convention, which meets next Monday, nominate Gen. Eisenhower for President is gaining considerable momentum. It is understandable that Southern Democrats would want some one other than Truman, on account of his civil rights message, which program would upset, as far as it could be enforced, the South’s position on racial segregation & invade the constitutional rights of the States, but no one knows where Eisenhower stands on that, or any other issue.

Tuesday, July 6, 1948.

Last night, late, Gen. Eisenhower said positively that he would not enter the political field, that he had tried to make that plain by his letter of last January. But, strange to say, our Democratic leaders, many of them, say that they intend to nominate him anyway; that if he is drafted they believe he will accept the nomination / in spite of what he has said to the contrary. / but those prominent democrats, including Senator Pepper and, to my surprise, Gov. Caldwell, & several other Southern Governors, and Frank Hogan of New Jersey, & James Roosevelt, insist on drafting Eisenhower against his will. They think that’s the only chance the Democrats have to win. Well, I think we had better lose than to admit that this is the only reason for nominating a man—great soldier that he is—without knowing what policies he stands for, or will stand for.

We took Annie to Dr. Rhodes office this morning, but he did very little.

Fairly pleasant day.

Wednesday, July 7, 1948.

Mostly clear and warm, but with a good breeze this afternoon.

I went to Tom Brown’s radio service this aft. & Mr. Blalock said it would cost $50.00 to repair our radio from the damage done when it short circuited and burned a large part of the inside equipment. This morning I showed agent Frank D. Moor my policy and he admitted liability for the cost of the repairs.

Judge Chapman invited me to join him and Judge Barns and Reeves Bowen in a game of golf. I thought it was too hot, and declined. But late this aft. I caught up with them on the golf course and watched them play for a few minutes. Judge Barns was very tired.

I think most of our Democratic leaders are convinced now that Gen’l Eisenhower is a man of his word and meant what he said when he stated that he would not involve himself in partisan politics, and would not become a candidate for political office.

Thursday, July 8, 1948. Showers.

Partly cloudy today, with rain from 2 to 3:30—a slow rain.

Tito still holds control in Yugoslavia. He still claims to be a communist, but not a slave of Moscow.

We are trying out a new radio sent out at our request by Collins Furniture Co. Lizzie & I went there this morning. It is a “Zenith”, and it is fine. But we hate to give up our handsome cabinet, which we could not use with the Zenith.

Most of our Democratic leaders seem to realize by now that Gen[‘]l Eisenhower meant what he said. It looks now like President Truman will be nominated next week in spite of Southern opposition to his very drastic “civil right” message, which is I think an unconstitutional position, and one the South should oppose, & Truman with it.

Friday, July 9, 1948. Heavy Rain.

It began to rain very early this morning—not hard, but steady, and from 10:30 on till 2:30 it rained hard—then slacked up a bit, then hard again until 4:30, and then we had a light drizzle until about 6 p.m., when it practically stopped. I think we must have had 4 or 5 inches today.

When I drove up to get Annie this afternoon I went to Mr. Tom Brown’s service station and told Mr Blalock that in order to retain the use of our radio cabinet to go ahead and repair the fire-damaged radio & put it in our uninjured cabinet. He said the repairs would cost $50.00. The new Zenith radio would cost us $79.50, and has no cabinet.

Gen. Eisenhower sent Claude Pepper a telegram today, in reply to Claude’s statement in the papers that if the convention should nominate and draft Eisenhower next week, he was sure the General would accept the nomination. But the General said plainly that he would not accept the nomination.

Saturday, July 10, 1948. Rain

Continued rains today—not so hard or so continuous as yesterday—but quite a lot of it. But it quit entirely by 5:30, and tonight it is quite clear. Some stars can be seen. The rain clouds seem to have moved Northward into S. Georgia & So. Ala. from reports.

The Russians may be preparing to reopen railroad service into Berlin. They say the repairs to the rails & road bed are nearly completed and they have discharged the men who have been responsible for the defective condition. On the other hand they have warned our air forces that blind flying of Russian planes in the air corridor by student flyers can be expected. They think they can worry us so that we will get out of Berlin. But they have another think[sic] coming.

Sunday, July, 11, 1948. Cloudy

Clear early morning, cloudy by 10 A. M. Liz & I went to church. Heard a good sermon by our preacher. Just before services were over, it began to thunder, and we felt sure it would rain before we got to our car, but it did not. There must have been local showers nearby, but it didn’t hit us. By 4 p.m. it was fairly clear. Quite cool this evening.

We listened to radio previews by newspaper men and delegates as to what the Dem. Convention in Philadelphia will do, for some time tonight. Also some of the prominent Democratic leaders said a few words over the radio. They all were of the opinion that Truman would be nominated, but there is no certainty as to who will be chosen as candidate for Vice-Pres. Senator O’Mahoney of Wyoming, Barkley of Kentucky, and several others, were prominently mentioned.

To our surprise, Sen. Claude Pepper announced tonight his candidacy for nomination for President against Mr. Truman. I don’t think he has a chance. If the Convention adopts a plank embodying the 10 point socalled[sic] “Civil Rights Message” of Pres. Truman, I believe at least some Southern States will walk out.

Monday, July 12, 1948. Rain National Democratic Convention opens.

Fair early morning, but soon clouding up. Hard rain from 11 to 12, and Considerable rain from 12 to 1.30. Cloudy and damp afternoon—& some rain.

Lizzie drove Annie up to the Supreme Ct. Bldg at 9, and Annie fell as she was going up the steps, but fortunately no serious consequences.

Tonight Senator Barkley delivered the Key note address at the Dem. National Conv., and it was a very fine speech. Lasted 1 hr & 9 minutes. But it was eloquent, informative and moving. For a man of 71 it was remarkably vigorous. He had a tremendous ovation for some minutes, much greater than Gov. Dwight Green’s Key note speech at the recent Republican convention.

He was followed by a Miss Edwards—who made a practical speech on high prices, which the Republicans in Congress did nothing about. Then Miss Francis Perkins made a fine speech and the convention adjourned.

Tuesday, July 13, 1948. Rain. Dem Convention.

Cloudy morning—Showers off and on from 11:30 to 4:30 pm.

Liz & I drove down to the County line this morning, returning at noon, and then we had a hard shower. Real hard, and another in the afternoon.

The Democratic Convention in Phila. in spite of the terrible heat, listened a lot of oratory, winding up about 12 pm. with a fine speech by Helen Gahagen Douglas. Miss Mary Martin presented the report of the credentials committee, which selected[?] among others the Miss. delegation. The leading speech in behalf of the dissenting minority report was made by 2 negro delegates, whose speech was ill advised and inflammatory. The majority report was adopted on a close voice vote.

Hon. Sam Rayburn of Texas made a fine, strong speech tonight, praising the record of the Dem part and strongly condemning the Repub. record of the 80th Congress.

Claude Pepper retired from his run for the Presidential nomination tonight in a rather lengthy statement. He made a mistake in ever announcing.

Wednesday, July 14, 1948. Rain. (Dem. Conv.)

Warm, with some rain showers. Pretty hot and humid, but not as bad as the heat in Phila. where, however, they had a break with a rain about 9:30 tonight.

Well, the South has about been kicked out of the Dem. party. The platform committee reported this morning to the Convention an excellent platform with a plank on Civil Rights the South could agree to. But before it could be voted on two members, Mayor Humphries of Minneapolis & Bienmiller of Wisconsin offered an amendment which included all of Pres. Truman’s Civil Rights message, and more, too, which after some hot debate, was adopted by the votes of delegates / 651-1/2 to 382-1/2 /. And an attempt by Southern delegates to have a States’ Rights plank put in the platform was voted down 925 to 305. Even Kentucky & Oklahoma voted against us. So Gov. Ben Lang of Ark. declined to permit his name in nomination for the Presidency. Said he could not consider running on such a platform. The Mississippi delegation and half of the Alabama delegation walked out. The Civil Rights amendment was adopted by the Convention by a vote of 651 to 582-1/2. The So. attempt to get in a Moderate States’ Rights’ Plank was voted down 925 to 309. The Convention was still going strong when I went to bed about 1 p.m.

Thursday, July 15, 1948. Rain. Dem. Convention closes.

About 2 o’clock this morning President Truman was nominated for Pres. and Alban W. Barkley for Vice-Pres., by the Convention in Phila. Both made speeches of acceptance. The Pres., so the papers say, made “a fighting speech.” He said he was going to call Congress back in session at an early date, so they could act on several important measures which they had failed to act on before adjournment, and he issued the call when he go back to Wash’n this morning.

Fine old General John J. Pershing died this morning in Washington, age 87.

We had another rain today about 2 to 4 p.m.

James Roosevelt made what is reported to have been an excellent speech at the Convention last night after I had turned off the radio and gone to bed.

This has been a warm, humid and depressing afternoon and evening.

Some of the leading Southern Democrats, deeply stirred by the way the Southern delegates were treated at the Philadelphia Convention will meet to discuss further plans in Birmingham, Ala. in the next few days.

Friday, July 16, 1948. Clear & hot.

Dark, cloudy early morning; damp and humid and by 9 A. M. it was brilliantly clear and much less humidity.

Yesterday afternoon late I discovered that I had a large blister on the under left side of my left foot. Lizzie put some zinc ointment on it, and then an adhesive band, but this morning it was about the same. So I, at Lizzie’s suggestion, went to Dr. Rhodes office at 10 A. M. and had to wait till 2 p.m. before my time came. He fixed me up in 5 minutes & suggested I keep up the same treatment. I got home about 2:20. I hope I don’t have to go to Dr. Rhodes’ office any more.

We were saddened to hear that Mr. W. E. Benson died at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville last night. He was a fine man. Leaves a wife and daughter & 1 sister. Mr. B. has been in bad health for some weeks.

We have flown 60 superfortress bombers to England. The Russians continue their blockade of Berlin. They are trying to force us out.

Saturday, July 17, 1948. Clear & Hotter. Thurmond & Wright nominated at Birmingham / States’ Rights Dem party formed.

Clear & very warm and oppressive. I don’t know what we would have done without our ceiling fan.

The anti-civil rights plank, and pro States’ Rights, & anti-Truman delegates to the recent Dem. Nat’l Convention, met at Birmingham today. 700 reported present, and nominated Gov. Strom Thurmond of S.C. for President, and Gov. Fielding Wright of Miss. for Vice Pres. They hope to carry enough So. States to give their Presidential electors the power to prevent the election by the electoral College of either Dewey or Truman and thus throw the election of Pres. & Vice-Pres. into the House of Representatives where each state has but one vote. Hope they succeed. The South has been ignored long enough.

I went to the funeral of Mr. W. E. Benson this afternoon.

The Russian situation looks very serious. Anything may happen. I am very much troubled about it. But our hands are clean.

Sunday, July 18, 1948. Clear & Hot.

Very warm morning; cloudy in middle of day, but hot and humid. Late aft. clearer and cooler. But tonight the breeze died down and it was pretty warm.

I went to Church this morning and really suffered from the heat. Wish I could have taken my coat off.

Our officials are watching Russia’s movements very closely. May be they are seeing just how far they can go short of war, in their efforts to get us out of Berlin.

I visited Judge Whitfield this afternoon late. We had an interesting conversation for an hour or more.

Monday, July 19, 1948. Showers.

Clear & hot day but good showers from 6:15 to 7:30. Cooled off the atmosphere.

I went to Mr. Tom Brown’s place about 10 A. M., paid his bill for repairs to our radio, $51.50, which was returned two days ago in good shape; then filed his receipted bill with Frank D. Moor, who said he would send me a check for that amount in today’s mail.

Lizzie spent a large part of the morning taking Annie up to Dr. Rhodes office where the Dr. removed the cast from her foot. They got back a little late for dinner. Now at 10 p.m. Lizzie has bathed her foot in a dish pan filled with warm water.

The Berlin-Russian situation is ominous. We are still feeding 2,400,000 Germans by airplanes: those in our zone.

Tuesday, July 20, 1948. Afternoon Showers

Warm and humid all day & tonight. With two light showers during afternoon.

This morning while up town I made a very pleasant call on Hugh Taylor, our able Circuit Judge. Also called on the other Judge, May[?] Walker, but he was not in. Nor was Judge Gwynn.

The humidity is so great that my desk drawers have swollen so that I cannot open any but the top two.

Russia has offered to let the Germans in our zone have all the grain they need if they will pay for it in the marks used in the Russian zone.

Gen. Clay has been summoned to fly from Berlin to Wash’n for a conference.

Wednesday, July 21, 1948. Lizzie cuts her finger badly. (showers nearby)

Local showers nearby, but none reached us.

Cloudy, warm & humid all day.

This afternoon we had Elmira & Henry Palmer over for cocktails and supper. Along about nightfall, while Lizzie was trying to cut some ham for sandwiches the carving knife slipped and made a bad, deep cut in the upper part of her left forefinger, and it bled a whole lot, in spite of turpentine and bandages. After a time, Henry succeeded in getting Dr. Geo. Palmer here and he called several surgical doctors who could not be located. He finally got Dr. Holland out at the Dale Mabry hospital & he said come out there. So Henry took Lizzie & myself and George out there, and Dr. Holland inserted novacaine[sic], then cleaned out the deep [ ? ] cut, and sewed it up. It took four stitches.

Thursday, July 22, 1948. Rain

A very sultry and oppressive morning, but a long hard rain this afternoon which brought the temp down to 72° for awhile then up to 75° or 76° the bal. of the afternoon. At bedtime it is 74°.

Lizzie has been as busy as ever today in spite of her sore finger.

This afternoon about 6 I took a walk on golf course following some good golfers as far as the 18th driving tee. Then I walked over to Dr. Dodd’s and had a pleasant chat with him. He was sitting on his front lawn.

Gen. Clay was in conference with our top Wash’n officials today about the Berlin situation. We are Keeping up our big job of feeding the Germans in our Zone in Berlin by air planes. Clay thinks we can & are avoiding war with Russia.

Friday, July 23, 1948. Henry Wallace’s followers convene in Philadelphia.

Mostly clear and warm, but not so humid as yesterday. But tonight about 11 to 11:30 we had a lot of thunder, without any rain.

Gen’l Clay told Congressional Committees today that he thought the Berlin situation could be handled without war with Russia. However he said we could not yield to pressure—we would remain in Berlin regardless. He started on his return flight tonight. He made a good impression on the Congressional Committees. I knew his father, a resident of Marietta, Ga., and a very fine man. Speaker of the House in the Ga. Legislature-back in the ‘90s. Henry Wallaces’ Convention got under way in Phila., tonight.

Saturday, July 24, 1948. Rain

Clear and warm morning. Clouds, thunder & rain practically all afternoon. Over cast & misty from 6 to 7.15, when it began to clear up. Tem. dropped to 72° when the rain came, & it is still 72° at bedtime.

The followers of Henry Wallace yesterday adopted the name of the “Progressive Party” in their Philadelphia Convention, which was mostly made up of young people. They closed their Convention with speeches by Wallace & Taylor, their nominations for Pres. & Vice-Pres tonight. Both speeches were demagogic and pro-Russian. Charged our government with deliberately following a course which leads to bringing on a war with Russia for the benefit of big business. These men are muddle headed, but good rabble rousers, & will fool a lot of folks.

Sunday, July 25, 1948.

Clear and warm.

I did not go to church this morning but went to the hospital to find out how Gene Ellis was getting on, and to my pleasant surprise he had improved enough to see me in his room for a few minutes. He has lost a lot of weight but looks pretty well for one who has been so desperately ill. I enjoyed my little visit very much. The doctors were a long time diagnosing his case as rheumatic fever.

We had a very pleasant visit late this aft. from Mr. Stickney & Catherine Cowles.

And tonight we had a good long visit from my first cousin, Alligone[?] Driver Wilson & husband Bill, and niece Pattie, 16 yr old daughter of George E. Driver, Jr. They were spending the night at the Floridan on their return to their home in Gadsden after 2 wks. in Daytona Beach.

Monday, July 26, 1948. Shower.

Clear & warm morning. Cloudy afternoon with light, slow rain in late afternoon.

Attended to a number of little matters up town this morning. Rested in bed, and reading, until the misty rain stopped about 6 pm. when I took a walk on golf course and visited with Judge & Mrs. Terrell on their front porch.

Tonight we listened to the radio programs and read quite a bit.

No significant change in the Berlin situation. We are still flying food & other essential Supplies to Berlin at great expense to us. The British are doing the same for their zone. One of their flyers crashed & was killed today.

Tuesday, July 27, 1948. Light Shower

Clear and warm morning and early afternoon, with light drizzling rain in afternoon. Clear by 5 p.m.

President Truman’s message to congress today was largely a summary of his former messages and veto comments. He called for limited price controls, tax on excess profits, re-iterated his former “Civil rights” message and anti-poll tax, called for passage of the Taft-Ellender-Wagner housing bill, and a federal law against lynching. Last night he unwisely issued an order forbidding racial or religious discrimination in the army and navy: and also on F. E. P. C. as to all Federal employees. Some of his recommendations were good but his so called “Civil Rights” program and anti poll tax was aimed at the South, will, if pressed, be filibustered by the Southern members of the Senate, and cause Truman to lose most of the electoral votes of the Southern States.

I think I will vote for Thurmond and Wright electors.

This afternoon Mr. Russell H. Clark of Valdosta and I gave him an order for head stones for Papa’s and Ma’s graves in the Talbotton Cemetery.

Wednesday, July 28, 1948. Showers.

Clear & warm morning, but cloudy in afternoon with light showers. Quite cool in late afternoon and tonight.

We had a 255 gallon fuel oil tank installed this morning, along side our old tank of about 265 gals. We will have these tanks filled now, as we fear a shortage of oil this coming winter.

The Republicans in Congress seem inclined to do as little as possible and adjourn as soon as they can. There are some measures the President recommended, especially those dealing with mounting high prices, which they should do something about.

Just as we were going to have supper tonight, Lawrence Sally came in and stayed about an hour. But I enjoyed his visit. He wanted to discuss with me the unjust policies of the Equitable Life in its dealings with their agents.

Thursday, July 29, 1948. Rain

Mostly clear morning. Rain in afternoon. Cloudy & cool late afternoon & evening.

A motion was made today by Senator Wherry (R.) to bring before the Senate the anti poll-tax bill. Senator Stennis of Miss. spoke against the adoption of the motion for some two hours and the Senate adjourned. There are 19 or 20 other Southern Senators who are ready to keep up the filibuster, which is being managed by Senator Russell of Georgia. All but 7 or 8 States have abolished the poll tax. The Southerners say they have no objection to Congress submitting a constitutional amendment abolishing the poll tax, but that Congress has no present power to thus invade the rights of the States. I’m inclined to think they are right.

Friday, July 30, 1948. Rain.

Lots of rain last night. Weather man says there was 2.65 inches of rain in past 24 hours. We had hard rain during the night and up to 9:30 this morning, and another rain this afternoon.

The representatives of the State Dept. of the U. S., France & England went to Moscow to confer with Molotoff about the Berlin blockade and were told that he was off on a vacation trip. This was premeditated—almost an insult.

Senator George of Georgia was on the “Meet the Press” program tonight and was more than a match for his Yankee questioners. They thought they would beat him down on his opposition to the anti-poll tax bill & Socalled “Civil Rights” as proposed by Pres. Truman, but he got the best of them. I was proud of him.

Saturday, July 31, 1948. Rain. (19 Rainy days in July, at our house.) Total Rainfall for July 17.8 inches—average 7.43 inches

Intermittent showers. Held up for awhile late this afternoon and there were quite a lot of golfers out, but most of them got pretty wet.

Miss Elizabeth Bentley of New York, a former Communist, who, in 1942-1945, was engaged in gathering information for the Communist party on what this government was doing with reference to Army & Navy equipment, was a voluntary witness before the House and Senate Committee yesterday & today, and gave the names of various government employees from whom information was obtained. This has caused quite a sensation. However Russia & the U.S. were allies at the time most of this information was obtained.

New Idlewild Airport in N.Y. opened today—probably our largest. Pres. Truman and Gov. Dewey both spoke.

Molotov returned to Moscow today & had talks with our Ambassador Bedell Smith & the representative of France & England. Nothing given out.

Sunday, August 1, 1948. Rain.

July 1948 was the wettest since weather reports commenced here in Tallahassee 61 years ago. Total rainfall for this just past July, a little more than 17.8 inches. The average for July is 7.43 inches. Total so far this year 56.67 inches. The wettest previous July was in 1916—15.02 inches. The Weather bureau says there were only 4 clear days in July, 1948, and only 8 days without rain.

And today we have had a light drizzling rain all day except for a brief period this afternoon. But no sunshine.

The American athletes have taken most of the honors in the Olympic Games in London the past few days.

I went to Forsyth hospital this aft. to see Jean Ellis. They said he was making some progress, but his doctors did not want him to see callers. But I did get to see him for a few minutes last Sunday. His nurse took me in—said he wanted to see me.

Monday, August, 2, 1948. Rain.

Dark, dismal morning: Rain from 9:30 a.m. on to afternoon. Held up a bit and then rained on, a slow drizzling rain till night fall.

Congress is apparently getting aroused over the question of rooting out of government positions all Communists and “fellow travelers,” which mood was touched off by the testimony of Miss Elizabeth Bentley. Efforts have been made by Congressional Committees, such as the “Un-American Activities Committee,” and much has already been accomplished, but I hope more thorough work will be done from now on.

Tonight we heard over the radio the address before the Communist Party Convention in N.Y. by its President W. Z. Foster, whose speech was along the same lines as those of Henry Wallace & Glen Taylor. Indeed, he endorsed Henry Wallace’s candidacy.

This afternoon Lizzie, with our cook’s help took Annie to Dr. Rhodes’ office. He did not get to examine her foot until after 5 oclock. We drove up & brought her home about 5:30[.] He says it will be two week yet before she can use her foot.

Tuesday, August 3, 1948. Rain. (1.43 inches.)

Cool. Steady, slow, rain all day, hard at times but slacking up in late afternoon and the[n] stopping entirely. Not a ray of Sunshine. Indeed, we’ve had no sunshine for past four days.

At 10 A. M. I joined Mr. Earl Brown, Mrs. Saunders & Joe Cawthon, members along with me of the Stephen Foster Memorial Commission in a hearing before the Budget Commission—the Governor’s cabinet, in an effort to get an allotment of funds for the building of a Carillon Tower at White Springs to cost about $460,000. Mr. Earl Brown made a able presentation of the desirability of this building on the Commission’s property on the banks of the Suwannee River, and on Road No. 41, but the Governor, speaking for himself, said that this money was badly needed for building living quarters for students at the University of Fla and Fla. St. University. We have already secured an allotment of funds for building at gate house, a diorama, and a picture of Foster by Christy. I think that is all we will get this year.

Wednesday, August 4, 1948. Rain

Another rainy day, but not so bad as heretofore. There was a break in the clouds for awhile this morning and some sunshine for about 30 minutes.

The Southerners won out in this fight to keep Congress from taking up the anti-poll tax bill. The motion to take it up was withdrawn. The Republicans want to pass a housing bill of some sort and one or two other bills and adjourn not later than Tuesday.

Stalin & Molotov conferred with Ambassador Bedell Smith & the ambassadors of England & France for 3 hours last night. Nothing was given out. Probably they are having another meeting tonight or tomorrow.

Thursday, August 55, 1948. Rain

Dark & Cloudy early morning with rain from 8 to 10 A.M. Everything in the house is damp. The drawers to my desk are so swollen I have to leave them open. Indeed, now, I could not close them if I tried. Some light showers, but less rain today than for some time. We even had a short period of sunshine this aft. Tonight there is less humidity and the temperature has been pleasantly cool. Good shower about 7 to the N.W. of us.

I think the long rain spell is on the eve of breaking.

It looks now like the Republican Congress is going to pass some sort of housing bill and adjourn Saturday.

Friday, August 6, 1948. Mostly clear. No rain.

Sunshine once more.

Slightly misty morning, but by 8 A.M. the sun was shining and we had our first clear day—the first in 12 days.

I went up town this morning, and got some money from the bank for Annie, then bought her ticket to NY at National Air Lines office, had some work done on my car, got the mail, and reached home about 12:30. Lizzie & I took Annie to the Air Port and put her on the 3.40 plane for New Your, a big 62 passenger plane. Annie had a pretty bad fall going up the steps to the Airport offices, though Lizzie was helping her.

This aft. I took a walk on the golf course about 6:15 & called on Dr. Dodd for a few minutes. Got back home about 7 p.m. Lizzie is worn to a frazzle. We had a quiet but pleasant evening.

Saturday, August 7, 1948. Mostly Clear.

Over cast early morning, clearing up except for a few clouds by 11, and brilliantly clear from then on, with pleasant breeze. A fine afternoon for golf and many played. I did not feel very well, but I did walk over to the Club house and back, watching the golf players, late this afternoon.

Lizzie hasn’t felt at all well today. She has been under such a strain since Annie broke her ankle.

Congress adjourned tonight. The Republican leaders are mad with Pres. Truman for ordering the departments to refuse access to the loyalty files which the Congressional Committees wanted to use in their search for suspected Communist officers & employees.

No definite news from our representatives in Moscow.

Mackenzie King resigned as Premier in Canada today, after thirty years of able and faithful public service.

Sunday, August 8, 1948. Clear.

A fine clear day, except for a slightly foggy early morning, and a few white clouds.

Lizzie not feeling at all well, but we went to Church and hear a good sermon by Dr. J. W. Blake, our presiding elder, or as it is now called, District Supt.

This afternoon Judge Paul Barns phoned me about 4:15 to play golf. I told him I didn[‘]t feel equal to playing but would walk around with him a part of the way, which I did.

I am enjoying reading “Where I was born and raised,” an excellent book by David L Cohn. It deals very sanely with the Negro question. I wish all Yankees would read it.

Monday, August 9, 1948. Rain

Overcast early morning, beginning to clear up by 10 A.M., but light, misty clouds hanging pretty low.

I had several matters up town this morning. It is remarkable how many little things I find to do—which take time. After dinner I took a nap, and about 4 p.m., Lizzie & I drove down to the County line of Taylor County and bought some Scotch & Bourbon.

On our way back home, it began to rain about 10 miles from town and after we got home at 6 pm it continued to rain for an hour. A slow rain without wind.

Tuesday, August 10, 1948. Rain

Overcast morning. Occasional showers from 11:30 on. Pretty hard in afternoon.

The Conferences in Berlin are still going on. About four 4 hr. conferences, two or three days apart are still going on. Molotov has been in all of them, Stalin in the 2nd one. Not a word has been given out. We are still supplying our section of Berlin by air. So are the British. It is costing us a lot of money. The Russians are hell-bent on getting us out, but if we should we would lose prestige in Europe unless we got some quid pro quo. We now have 90 big bombers in England and a lot of fighters. We ought to have more troops in Germany. There’s no telling what the Russians will do, if they can’t get what they want in conferences.

Wednesday, August, 11, 1948. Showers (4.30 inches of rain in August so far.) Houston Texas Convention

Mostly clear, warm and humid day, with some light showers this afternoon: 4.30 inches so far in August.

Tonight was a historic occasion in Houston, Texas, when delegates from So. Carolina, Alabama and Miss. and Arkansas met and formed the States Right Democratic Party. There were also a number who attended from other So. States which, like Florida, have not yet organized, but which will organize.

Gov. Strom Thurmond of S.C. was nominated for President and Gov’r Fielding Wright of Mississippi for Vice-Pres. The latter’s acceptance speech came first and was very good. But governor Thurmond really made a great speech and received a great ovation. And I fully agreed with all he had to say. The Dem Convention at Philadelphia departed from true and well founded Democratic principles, and from Constitutional principles as well.

Thursday, August, 12, 1948. Cloudy and humid.

Overcast early morning—almost clear by 11 A. M. but very warm and very humid most of the day and tonight. Most oppressive. Rain nearby.

Two Russian school teachers who had been teaching the children of the Russian attaches at Lake Success wanted to stay in this country—One, a man, Samarin, and the other a young widow, a Mrs. Kosenkina. Samarin went to the F. B. I. in New York and placed himself in their hands. The young woman accepted an invitation to visit Tolstoy’s daughter at the Tolstoy foundation in New York State. The Russian Consul at N. Y. is one Lomakin, drove up there and compelled her to return with him to the Consulate. Yesterday a writ of habeas corpus was issued for her by a N. Y. Judge, but Lomakin refused to produce her. The poor young woman held a prisoner with the purpose of sending her back to Russia against her will, this afternoon at 4, jumped from the 3rd floor of the Consulate and broke her leg, and was taken by police men to the Roosevelt hospital. Her condition is serious.

Friday, August 13, 1948. Clear.

Foggy early morning, followed by our first bright, clear day in some time. The sun was hot, but there was much less humidity.

Lizzie had a good negro painter, Richard Moore, who with two Negro helpers, painted the woodwork in Lizzie’s, and my rooms, and in the Kitchen & dining room, and the walls in my room and the bathroom—a pretty good day’s work for a total of $46.00. Richard & his two men, got 11.00 each, 33.00, and the cost of the materials was $12.00 and 1.00 for drayage.

I had an interesting conversation with Sec’y of State Gray, which grew out of the Governor’s announcement last night that he would call an extra session of the Members of the legislature, or a majority of them could agree on a bill to permit the election of Presidential electors in November for the Dewey, Truman, & Thurmond tickets. As is, no provision is made for the

Thurmond or State’s Rights Democratic ticket.

Saturday, August 14, 1948. Showers.

Foggy & overcast early morning, with hot sunshine till about 2:30, when we had clouds & thunder and then a slow drizzle till late afternoon. Took a short walk on golf course about 6:30 to 7.

Had an interesting talk with my good friend Secy of State Gray regarding the validity of the bill proposed by Charles Andrews, Jr. of Orlando regarding the ballots to be printed for use of the voters in the Nov. election, such bill to show the names of the electors for each of the Presidential Candidates, Truman, Dewey, Thurmond & Wallace. Those for the Dem. nominee for Pres were nominated in the Dem. primary of last May. Am inclined to think we State’s Rights Democrats should hold a convention and nominate 8 electors to vote for Thurmond & Wright.

Sunday, August 15, 1948. Showers.

Another foggy morning. There was a little sunshine when Lizzie & I left about 11 oclock for a visit with the Fain family at Saint Theresa 50 miles to the S.W. of us on the Gulf.

When we got back we found that Tallahassee had a pretty hard shower just before our return home at 7 p.m. We drove through two rains on our way back home.

Llewellen Fain had to run his drug store today, but when we arrived at his cottage on the Gulf Mrs. Fain & Bill & John & “Jimmie”(Mrs.) & her little son “Mike” were there, also young Frank Shaw, and in the afternoon Grace Fain came over from Mrs. John Fain’s cottage with the baby daughter of her preacher-brother. We had a good time, and a good dinner, and returned about 5:15, coming by Alligator Point and saw many of the new homes built there in the past 7 years. A very pleasant day.

Monday, August 16, 1948. Rainstorm

Clear most of the morning. The partly cloudy. From 4 to 5 p.m., a hard rain with very strong wind.

Am not feeling very well.

Babe Ruth, the great baseball player, died today. He broke all records for home run hits, and was the ideal of the “kids”, popular with all ages. I saw him knock two home runs in one game in the Yankee Stadium some fifteen or more years ago. He retired some years ago--& has been in bad health for the past several years. However, he was only 51 or 52 when he died.

Tuesday, August 17, 1948. Rain

Mostly cloudy but very warm and humid morning, and until the rain came—a hard one—this afternoon from about 3 to 5 p.m., but no wind this time.

Took a long walk late this aft., watching 6 good players: Dr. Van Brunt, Harold Cummings, Frank Pepper, a Mr. Olds, Tom Green and Ronald Brugh. I followed them all the way to the club house.

Have not felt at all well today—nor has Lizzie. I have had neuralgia and my left eye has been very weak.

Wish we could have some bright dry weather.

I called at the hospital this morning & visited with Jean Ellis. I am glad to see him getting well.

Wednesday, August 18, 1948. Clear!

The morning was dark and cloudy, but by noon it became brilliantly clear, with nice breeze. The afternoon was fine for golf and many played.

I have felt some better today, and would have played a little golf had circumstances permitted. Late this afternoon I took a long walk on the Course, watching my friends play. Mrs. Kosenkina, the Russian school teacher, in Roosevelt hospital, today had to be put under an oxygen tent. The / offensive / Russian consul requested the hospital for him to have one of his staff stay with Mrs. Kosenkina or have access to her room, to see that she was properly treated. The Doctor in charge of course denied this, but told him he could secure the services of any good New York doctor to examine her & see if she was receiving proper treatment.

Thursday, August 19, 1948. Clear.

Another clear day—somewhat warmer & more humid than yesterday. Full moon tonight.

I took Lizzie up town at 10 and drove up to the hairdressers for her at 12:30. We drove home for a few minutes; up town again at 1 p.m., parked car and went to the Seven Seas for dinner, but it was full, so we went to the M. & N. Café. Not bad.

I wrote a good many letters today. This afternoon I walked out on the golf course & struck up with Judges Chapman & Barns, Reeves Bowen, & Jep Marchant of Miami, & followed them to the club house.

We heard today that Mrs. Strum was operated on in a Jacksonville hospital, & they found she had cancer.

Friday, August 20, 1948. Mostly Cloudy.

Dear old Judge Whitfield died in his sleep last night. In his 39 years on our Supreme Court he contributed much to Fla. jurisprudence and was beloved and respected by the members of the bench and bar. I have called to see him frequently since his retirement. Had very pleasant visit with him just two days ago.

This afternoon was very cloudy and during the latter part there was a big rain near by, but it did not reach our neighborhood.

We had Mary Maud J. and her sister in law, Mrs. Jeffords, and Allene Jones in for cocktails and Alene stayed to supper with us & we drove her home about 10 p.m.

Saturday, August 21, 1948. Rain.

Clear morning. Lots of thunder and showers during the late afternoon and early evening.

We had Henry & Elmira Palmer over for cocktails at 7:30 p.m. Then they took us to dinner about 9 p.m. at the Sliver Slipper and then for a ride around town. We reached home about 10:30 p.m.

Police from the Russian zone of Berlin have been going over the line in the American & British zones to arrest what they called black marketers. It got so bad that today American & British troops, well armed, stood guard and put a stop to it.

Still no signs of agreement in Berlin. The conferences appear to be nearing a fruitless end.

Sunday, August 22, 1948. Clear.

Clear early morning, and clear & fine all day. Very pleasant. Not much humidity.

This afternoon at 3 p.m. was the hour set for Judge Whitefield’s funeral. As one of the honorary pall bearers, I was asked to be at the Episcopal Church at 2:40 p.m. So Lizzie & I were there. Ch. J. Thomas & Judge Chapman of the Court were there. The others were out of town. Judge Buford and I, as honorary pall bearers were there. A number of other judges, Circuit Judges, & U.S. Judges and prominent lawyers were there. After services at the old Cemetery, as well as at the Church conducted well by Rev. Jeffrey Alfriend, we returned home. Fuller Warren & Senators Pepper & Holland and Gov. Caldwell were there as honorary pall bearers.

Monday, August 23, 1948.

Clear morning. Cloudy afternoon. Looked like it would rain but no rain came. Quite humid, tho.

There was a 4 hour talk tonight between our Ambassador, to Moscow, Gen’l Bedell Smith, and the representatives of England & France, with Molotov and Stalin, but the results, if any, are not known.

An American officer, Major Hadons was outrageously arrested by Russian soldiers day before yesterday because he, they claimed, had stepped over the line in Berlin. He was thrown into a dirty cell in jail, and treated with great indignity. But today he was released. If he crossed the line, it was inadvertent. What a shame!

Tuesday, August 24, 1948.

Mostly clear and warm. No rain.

This aft. I walked around the last four holes—15 to 18—with Judges Chapman & Barns & young Mr. Walker, watching them play. Both the Judges made the 2nd nine in 44.

Wednesday, August 25, 1948.

Bright sunshine, with big clouds floating around, but no rain. Pretty humid.

The Russian foreign office rejected our State Dept’s statements of fact about the Russian consul’s part (Lomakin) in the affair of the two Russian teachers who did not want to return to Russia and one of them, Mrs. Kosenkina, jumping from the Consulate window in an effort to escape, and put forth a false story of the affair. They proceeded to order all Russian consulates but one in the U.S. closed and ordered them to return to Russia. They have no regard for the truth.

Thursday, August 26, 1948.

Mostly clear. Some big white clouds.

The talks are not closed in Moscow—just temporarily suspended, but evidently no agreement has been reached.

The hearings before the Committee on Un-American activities have been temporarily suspended. Evidence so far indicates that Alger Hiss, while heading important affairs under the Roosevelt administration, was a Communist & working with the Communist underground. Whittaker Chambers’ testimony against him is very damaging.

The Russians have been doing all they could to annoy us and make us withdraw from Berlin.

Friday, August 27, 1948.

Clear. Clouds here and there, but no rain. Hurricane reported in the E. Caribbean area.

Russian’s broke up the Municipal Council meeting in Berlin yesterday & today the Council has been meeting in the Russian zone. They will have to meet in future in the American, British or French zones, I presume. Those d--n Russians are trying to make us withdraw from Berlin, of course. The[y] closed down the railroad 2 or 3 months ago. Then we countered with the “air-lift.” Now they are trying other tactics.

Saturday, August 28, 1948. Shower.

Brilliant moon light night. Clear & bright morning. Not a cloud in sight. As usual during warm nights I slept on our side porch. Didn’t wake up this morning until about 8:20. Clear and warm today, but somewhat relieved by a pretty good shower about 6:30 p.m.

The hurricane tonight is reported about 400 miles East of Daytona Beach, one report said it was headed west, but a later report said it was headed toward the Georgia or S.C. coast.

The Russians, in spite of the Conferences in Moscow, seem determined to break up the City government of all four zones in Berlin by one council and one Mayor. They have stormed the City Hall and prevented meetings of the City governing body, which has been meeting in a building of the Russian zone. Damn the Russians.

Chief Justice Hughes died last night. Age 86. A fine man.

Sunday, August 29, 1948.

Mostly clear and quite warm.

An uneventful day here at home. Still no news of the results of the many conferences in Moscow. Meanwhile the Russians are resorting to various means to get us to move out of Berlin.

Monday. August 30, 1948.

Pretty cloudy and warm. Tonight the hurricane is approaching towards Cape Hatteras, N.C. going Northward at about 10 to 13 miles per hour. Its winds near the center are about 115 miles per hour, but there are gales outside the main hurricane. So says the Weather bureau. It may reach Hatteras, or pass it by, tomorrow morning. It is not a major hurricane.

Talks continue at Berlin—Molotov now has firey Vichinsky to help him.

Henry Wallace, campaigning in N.C., had some rotten eggs and over ripe tomatoes thrown at him in Burlington, N.C., when he attempted to make a street speech. He returned to his auto in which two negro women sat. He also tried to speak on Court house steps in Greensboro but was howled down. The Gov. of N. C. strongly rebuked such tactics.

Tuesday, August 31, 1948. Rain

I slept out on the side porch last night, as I have been doing for some time now, but it got quite cool during the night. The tem. fell to 72° and I slept on till 8:15 this morning.

The hurricane did not strike Cape Hatteras, but passed on Northward some distance to the East of the Cape. It may not strike the coast to the North at all. There is no telling where a hurricane will go.

There was a terrible plane disaster on the hilly banks of the upper Miss. River. A Transcontinental airliner crashed in a storm. All persons on board, 37, were killed. Terrible!

Wednesday, September 1, 1948.

Partly cloudy & warm. Cool tonight.

The man who, with Molotov is next to Stalin, Zhakanov, or some such unpronounceable name, died yesterday in Moscow of heart trouble. He was 52.

The struggle over the Berlin situation has not produced any tangible results yet.

Thursday, September 2, 1948. V—J. Day.

Mostly cloudy but no rain.

Lizzie received today from Judge Louie Strum, in reply to her letter to him a few days ago, saying that an exploratory operation has shown that Mrs. Strum had malignant cancer in various parts of the abdomen, including the liver, and that to remove all this by surgery would cause death. So they could do nothing but sew up the opening without operating. And yet Mrs. Strum is recovering nicely from the wound and is very bright and cheerful. But the doctors say that her days are numbered. I wrote Judge Strum the best letter of Sympathy I could and mailed it by air mail. It is a sad, sad case. Mrs. S. is a lovely woman & the good mother of 3 fine children.

Friday, September 3, 1948. Rain

Cloudy, muggy and warm. Very oppressive. It has taken all of the energy out of me. Practically no breeze. There was a slow misty drizzle in the late afternoon which developed into a slow rain which lasted from nightfall till 11 p.m.

During the early afternoon Claude Pepper called up and invited us to his house at 8:30 p.m. We went and stayed till 11 p.m. There were about a dozen or 15 of his personal friends. Some Woman among them. It was just a social affair. While I have always liked Claude personally I have not always agreed with his position on political questions.

The rain was over when we drove home. Eduard Benes, co-founder and twice Pres. of the Check. Republic died today. He resigned June 7/48 after the Russians took over.

Saturday, September 4, 1948. Rain. Tornado hits Havana, Fla.

Rather dark, overcast morning, with intermittent showers, wind blowing S. W. towards the hurricane due to strike the Gulf Coast West of New Orleans—so the forecasters say. The hurricane is a rather mild one—only 75 m.p.hr. in center. Tonight it is reported from Gulfport that it soon played out, and was not strong enough to do any serious damage.

The Intermittent rains have continued here all day and tonight with fairly strong winds.

It is reported that a tornado struck the town of Havana, 17 miles N.W. of here, about noon today, and that a little / dog and / girl were killed and some property damage done. We learned later that it struck the tobacco growing community of “West Havana,” destroying practically all of the home of Mr. E. H. Routon & one of his tobacco barns, and some 15 to 17 of the small homes of Negro tobacco laborers, and 12 of the occupants were injured & brought to the hospital here. The tornado looked like a big inverted dark ice-cream cone about 1/2 mile high.

Hurricane struck New Orleans at 7:30 A.M.

Sunday, September 5, 1948. Rain

Rain last night and hard rain early this morning, followed by stiff, gusty winds blowing from s. and S.E. toward the N.W. Clearing up in late afternoon.

That Gulf hurricane did hit New Orleans yesterday morning at 7:15. Some damage was done, not very much, but no lives lost. Storm accompanied by heavy rains,—7 inches. Grand Isle, on the coast 60 miles So. of N.O. was hit first, but no lives lost.

Monday, September 6, 1948. Rain

Hard rain from early morning till about 10 o’clock, then getting lighter, but rain kept on till this afternoon about 3 p.m. It continued to be cloudy most of the afternoon. Just a bit of sunshine broke through the clouds now and then.

Good Queen Wilhelmina of Holland relinquished her crown today after a long reign, and an able one, of about 50 years. Her well trained daughter, Juliana, aged 39, was enthroned today. She and her 37 yr. old husband, Bernard, have 4 daughters, the oldest 10 yrs. old. Juliana comes on when the Dutch are having a hard time. Their trade with Germany is very small and the Natives of the Dutch East Indies are in rebellion.

Pres. Truman began his campaign today. In spite of his labor Union endorsements—the C.I.O. & A.F. of L. top men, I believe Dewey will win. If the States Rights Democrats carry as many states as I hope they will, the choice of President will go to the House of Representatives.

Tuesday, September 7, 1948.

Clear, bright morning. Clouding up by 11 A. M., to some extent, but no rain at all today.

This morning Lizzie and I drove down to Taylor County and bought some good Bourbon and other liquors. Then I drove up & got the mail. This afternoon we both got some rest. A lady came in to see Liz & when she was gone Lizzie went to see Mary Maud. I took a long walk on golf course.

Tonight we heard Harold Stassen make the first speech of the Campaign for the Republicans. It was a good one.

Yesterday Gov’r Strom Thurmond made a speech at Wildwood Fla. An excellent speech. I expect to vote for him & Gov. Fielding Wright.

No development yet in the long drawn out talks in Moscow. We are going to have trouble with those Russians.

Wednesday, September 8, 1948.

Mostly clear and warm.

Last night Harold Stassen began the Republican campaign by a speech in Duluth, Minn., which was a pretty strong and well delivered reply to Pres. Truman’s opening speech a few days ago.

The Russians have stopped the use of the City Hall in Berlin for the meetings of the City Council of all four zones. They have to meet now in the American zone. And now they threaten to conduct fighter plane maneuvers in the air corridor which we are using to fly supplies to our sector of Berlin. The have resorted to other low down tactics to get us out of Berlin.

Thursday, September 8, 1948.

Partly cloudy and warm.

We went out to the airport at 9:45 to meet Annie’s plane which was due at 10.15. It was late and did not arrive until 10.45 p.m. We got home about 11:30, as we had to wait some time to get the baggage. She had a pretty hat [hard?] and uncomfortable trip. Left Newark at 2 p.m. She can walk now without crutches but cannot stand long on her injured foot without the support of one crutch.

Today Russians fired into a crowd of 200,000 Germans in the British sector of Berlin who were streaming home from a mass meeting protesting the seizure by the Russians of the City Hall. One man seriously wounded.

Friday, September 10, 1948. Rain.

Mostly clear. A slow rain for awhile this afternoon.

Yesterday a Committee of 21 legislators finished two days of work on a bill to enable the voters to vote intelligently for electors for Truman & Barkley or Dewey & Warren, or Thurmond and Wright, i.e. the nominees for Pres. and Vice Pres. of the Democratic Party or the Repub. Party or the States’ Rights Democratic Party. A good bill. The Governor has called a special Session for next Tuesday to take action on the question. I am glad all this was done, and I hope the States’ Rights ticket of Thurmond & Wright will win out.

I have had a fairly active day—but not much exercise. Some neuralgia head ache this aft.

Ma died one year ago today.

Saturday, September 11, 1948. Shower.

Mostly clear. One light shower.

The situation in Berlin is as bad as ever. The Russians have demanded that we give them the name, number & type, and name of each pilot, of every plane used by us in the airlift, at least one hour before the flight of each plane; also the markings on each plane. This was refused. They were told that they could look at the Bulletin of each days scheduled flights which was kept our Central office—but that was all. They are doing everything they can to bedevil us—and put the blame on us if any collisions occur in the announced flying of their fighter planes in our corridor.

Sunday, September 12, 1948.

Mostly clear. Cloudy in middle part of day.

The 140 m.pr.hr. Hurricane is reported heading toward or close to Bermuda, and may hit there early tomorrow. (Later. The hurricane passed by & then curved back & hit Bermuda for 6 hours on Sept 14th)

This afternoon Lizzie and I called at Judge Whitfield’s place to see Mrs. W., but there was no response to the ringing of the door bell. Then we called to see Mrs. Curtis, whose son told Lizzie that his mother was born and raised in Talbot County, Ga. She is 71, and a very pleasant lady. She was a Miss Renfroe. Then we called to see Mrs. Wehunt, a very fine woman. She has recovered from her recent illness, but her son, about 24, is in the hospital with what appears to be a mild attack of polio. Her husband came while we were there. He has been quite sick too, but is about well. They’ve had a time of it.

Monday, September 13, 1948.

Overcast morning, with some sunshine in middle of day. The conferences in Moscow, and among the Military “governors of the four powers in Berlin, have gotten nowhere. We are still compelled to carry food and supplies to the 2,000,000 Germans in the U.S. sector of Berlin by the expensive airlift. The effort of the Russians to stage a popular demonstration in their zone yesterday was a flop. By compulsion they got up a crowd of listless people, around 120,000 to listen to a speech by a Russian General, about half as many as the voluntary crowd who gathered together on the British zone a few days ago.

The meeting of foreign ministers to discuss, in Paris, the disposition of the Italian Colonies, began today, & got nowhere.

Tuesday, September 14, 1948. Legislature meets.

Overcast morning, clearing up a bit by 10 A.M., but mostly cloudy and misty all day.

Tonight it is cooler than any night for a long time.

The special session of the State Legislature met today and considered a bill giving the voters of Florida a full opportunity to vote for candidates for Presidential electors, a place being provided on the ballot for 8 electors for each of the following parties: The Dem. Party, Truman and Warren, for the States’ Rights Dem. Party, Thurmond and Wright, and for the Progressive Party, Wallace & _____. The names of the candidates for electors to appear in a column headed by the names of the candidates of each party for Pres. & Vice Pres.

The bill passed the Senate 33 to 1, and was sent to the House.

Hurricane passed Bermuda yesterday, then later on curved around and hit Bermuda hard this morning. No life lost.

The four power conference of foreign Ministers did not get anywhere & referred the matter of the Italian Colonies to the U. N.

Wednesday, September 15, 1948. Special Session adjourns.

Rather cold and overcast morning and mostly cloudy & humid all day.

The bill providing a new method of voting for Presidential electors which passed the Senate here yesterday was amended by the House to a slight extent today and was passed by a vote of 72 to 14 and sent back to the Senate, and I am sure the Senate passed it as amended this afternoon. There was considerable debate in both branches. This is a good bill. It became necessary because the candidates for electors nominated by the Democrats in the May primary—8 of them—after the Dem. Convention in July, some four of them, stated that they would vote for Thurmond & Wright, while the remaining four said they would vote for Truman. Now, those voters who, / like myself / favor Thurmond & Wright can vote for the 8 Candidates for electors who favor them, & the same applies to the Truman and Wallace tickets. Each voter can make a clear choice.

Thursday, September 16, 1948.

Fairly clear morning, and, except for a few white clouds, clear and pleasant, with some breezes, all day. There was a touch of fall in the air.

And yet I have not been feeling well yesterday or today. May be it is a reaction from a rather trying Summer. Too much rain at times and too hot and humid between rains.

Gov. Earl Warren, Repub. candidate for Vice-Pres, opened the campaign for the Republicans with a fine vote-getting speech at Salt Lake City. He is a good man, and a more attractive speaker than Dewey or Truman.

Incidents—Russian inspired—Continue to bedevil us in Berlin. But ours and the British air lift are making better records, and we will never be forced out of Berlin, in my opinion, though the air lift will be difficult in Winter. It has already cost us around $25,000,000. This Russian blockade is a low down piece of business.

Friday, September 17, 1948. Constitution Day. The Constitution was signed Sept. 17, 1787.

Cool & clear morning. No humidity. Clear all day.

And yet I haven’t felt at all well. Don’t know why.

Count Bernadotte, agent of the United Nations to secure a cessation of fighting between the Jews and Arabs and who has twice secured a truce between them, was shot and Killed in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem last night as he returned from a conference with the Arabs in Trans Jordan. Some two or three men shot without warning, in the darkness, Killing the Count and wounding his American companion. It is believed that these devils who did the shooting were members of the Jewish Stern gang. Too bad! Bernadotte was a thoroughly good and able man.

The Israeli government has expressed its regret, and say they will try and find and punish the murderers.

Saturday, September 18, 1948.

Another bright, clear and very pleasant day. Full moon tonight[.]

I feel a bit better than I did yesterday. Took a long walk on golf course this aft.)

Lizzie is a wonder—far from well, but was up town all morning, and our after dinner rest was broken by a very pleasant visit from Gunter Stephenson of Winter Haven. He is a fine young man, and we are all very fond of him. He has 3 children, all girls, the oldest daughter, 12 yrs. of age. Gunter, like us, is for the S. States Rights party ticket. He thinks that Truman will not carry over a half dozen States.

Walter & Elfrida Cowles got back about 5 p.m. this afternoon. We had them to dinner tonight. They stayed till 10:30, although they drove from Lumberton, N.C., 531 miles, today.

Sunday, September 19, 1948.

Still fine. This is our 4th clear day, & pleasantly cool. A perfect day[.]

Lizzie & I went to church this morning. Bro. Clare Cotton, back from his European trip, made a most interesting statement about conditions in Europe. It’s good to have him back. Bro. Cates was in church and we had to take him home.

Today our Country Club had a Club tournament. Tommy Thomason won, with M. R. Proctor runner up. Last year M. R. Proctor won and Tommy T. was the runner up. I spent about 2 hours walking around late this aft. watching the players.

Late this afternoon Liz & Annie had the Cowles & Mary Maud Jeffords to cocktails, and the[n] Annie had us all to dinner about 7:30 at “the Chicken house” out about 3 miles on the Quincy Road.

Monday, September 20, 1948.

Clear and pleasant.

The direction of that hurricane, which was south of Cuba yesterday, is uncertain. But Miami and Key West are getting ready for it if it comes.

I went to Dr. Rhodes office, about 3:45, and waited until about 5:45 before my time came. He took the mole out that has been growing recently on my upper left cheek. He pulled it out by the roots, but it didn’t hurt much. It hurt more thirty minutes later after the novacaine had lost its effect.

We heard over the radio tonight that France was opposed to Sec’y of State Marshall’s plan to present the Berlin situation to the General Assembly of the United Nations at it Session in Paris tomorrow. And Bevin, representing England was inclined to agree. What ingratitude!

Tuesday, September 21, 1948. Hurricane strikes Key West this morning, and passes 60 miles W. of Miami.

Clear and a bit warmer. Light winds blowing Southward.

The barometer has been gradually falling all day and tonight it stands at 29.90.

The hurricane that started in the Carribean[sic] So. of Cuba, two days ago, passed over Cuba and hit Key West hard early this morning, with winds of 120 to 140 m.p.hr., and did considerable damage there. This afternoon it passed Northward about 60 miles West of Miami, but the winds at Miami were pretty severe, from 60 to 75 miles pr. hr. Some damage was done by the wind and the big tidal waves, but not any considerable amount. It will probably hit the Lake Okeechobee section and the orange belt tonight. It is reported as going in the direction of N.E. Florida. But we may have some wind & rain here tomorrow.

At the Paris Conference of the U.N., General Marshall will call for the approval of Count Bernadotte[‘]s written plan for the settlement of the Jewish—Arab question which he wrote shortly before his death.

Wednesday, September 22, 1948. Hurricane.

Mostly clear, but with a kind of haze, with light breezes blowing toward the S. E.

Barometer gradually falling all day. There was no life in the air. Rather depressing.

The hurricane passed Northward to the Lake Okeechobee section, at about 10 or 12 miles per hour, but in the swirling winds of the hurricane itself the rate was 125 miles pr. hour. The general course of the storm was N.E. and it was predicted that it would pass out to sea somewhere between Jenson and Vero beach, inflicting great damage on vegetable crops and citrus trees now loaded with oranges & grapefruit.

General Marshall is reported to have made a very fine speech before the U. N. Assembly today.

Later: Hurricane hit Jenson and went out to sea about 11 p.m.

Thursday, September 23, 1948.

Mostly clear and warm, with a few drips of rain about 3:30.

The hurricane went out to sea last night in the Jenson, Vero Beach area. Ft. Pierce was probably hit pretty hard, and a large part of the Indian River fruit country. Key West suffered more damage than any other town. The total damage done by this hurricane is said to be $25,000,000. It was a slow moving hurricane. It took 30 hours to travel from Key West to Jensen, 260 miles. It was going East Northeast when it left Florida and the weather men say it began to gain momentum when it got out to sea and may go far enough to hit the Bermuda islands.

Gen. Marshall made a calm but forceful address before the General Assembly of the U. N. in Paris today. The Russians better take warning.

Took my usual walk on golf course this aft. Watched Judges Chapman & Barns, and Reeves Bowen and his son play.

Friday, September 24, 1948.

Foggy early morning. Clear and warm during the day.

Both Truman & Barkley, and Dewey & Warren have been campaigning. Dewey in the West, Barkley & Warren in the East. Judge Strom Thurmond made an excellent speech for the State’s Rights Dem. Party at Augusta, Ga. and a speech in his own State, during the past week. His Augusta speech was broadcast. He is going to make speeches in Virginia, W. Va., and Maryland during the coming week. He is a good speaker. The States Rights party hasn’t enough money to put up a thorough campaign but I believe Thurmond & Wright will carry Miss., La., Ga., S.C., and may be Florida, N.C., & Texas. I hope so.

Nothing out of the ordinary here at home, except Lizzie has been feeling worse than usual.

The hurricane passed by Bermuda and is somewhere in the North Atlantic.

Those damn Russians started artillery target practice in our air corridor, over our protest, today. If they shoot down any of our planes, there will be trouble.

Saturday, September 25, 1948.

Mostly clear.

Strong N.E. breezes this afternoon making it cooler. The barometer has gone up from 29.74 three days ago to 30.08 tonight.

This morning I drove out to see Jean Ellis, who has been at his home 6 miles out on the Thomasville road. Had a pleasant time. Met his father, who looks 65 but is nearly 80.

Took a long walk on golf course this aft.

Dow called me up tonight. Thought I might be sick, as he had not heard from me in sometime. I wrote him two weeks ago, but he never received the letter. I wonder why.

Sunday, September 26, 1948.

Cool & clear morning. A bit warm this afternoon.

By invitation given several days ago, Lizzie and I had lunch with my good friend, now nearing 88 yrs. old, Bro. B. M[.] Cates, one of the best men I’ve ever Know. In spite of his age, and blindness, he was a cordial and interesting host. He has a white cook and house keeper, a Mrs. Maywall, herself about 65. His granddaughter was with him, a fine young matron. We had an interesting visit. Returned home about 3:15.

I rested awhile, and later in the afternoon took a long walk on golf course.

Negotiations with Moscow have broken down and our representatives have been recalled. A written report will be made tomorrow by the State Dept. Then we will present the dispute to the U. N.

Monday, September 27, 1948. Rain.

Rain all day. A slow drizzling rain. Pretty cool this afternoon. A bit warmer tonight.

Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin made a truly great speech before the United Nations meeting in Paris, this morning. He went for Russia’s tactics since the war, hammer and tongs. Was loudly cheered by all the delegates except the Russians. He also directed some of his statements at Russia’s Vichinsky, who took notes while Bevin was speaking, and when Bevin finished Vichinsky walked out with a very grave face. The Russians have today demanded that our “air lift” planes must not fly over any part of the Russian zone in Berlin—an impossible requirement. We will disregard it.

Tuesday, September 28, 1948.

Cloudy & overcast early morning, but clear from 9 A.M. on. A fine fall day.

I felt very badly this morning. Didn’t go up town until noon. Dictated two letters to Annie & wrote one before I left home, but with great difficulty.

This afternoon I felt much better and enjoyed my late afternoon walk on golf course.

Had an hour and a half visit from [text ends]

Wednesday, September 29, 1948.

Overcast morning. Clear from 12 o’clock on.

I did not feel well this morning but some better this aft., and after I had brought Annie home about 5:20 I drove to the Club house and got my clubs and played 5 holes of golf—first time in three months or more. My game was terrible at first, but got some better after the first two holes. I had a good caddy, named “Brannie,” a very nice 14 year old Mullato boy who used to caddy for me several years ago.

In identical notes, the U. S., British and French governments, gravely worded, placed the issue of the Russian Blockade of Berlin before the U. N., charging that it was a threat to peace.

Paul Henry Spaak, Belgium’s foreign minister, attacked Russia’s tactics in a strong speech, almost as good as Bevin’s was 2 days ago, and was loudly cheered by all except the Russians.

Thursday, September 30, 1948. Light rains

Dark, foggy morning and over cast sky all day, with light rains at intervals.

Robert Shumann, Foreign Minister of France, has made a plain, but unemotional speech in the U. N. Assembly in Paris lining up France with the U. S. and England in resisting the blockade of Berlin and the preservation of the freedom of all the European countries who have not already been absorbed by Russia.

Tonight I went to a meeting at our Church to hear a fine address by Dr. ____ Johnson, Pres of Wesleyan Female College located at Macon, Ga. Without soliciting any subscriptions he presented the needs of Wesleyan for financial help.

Friday, October 1, 1948. Rain

Dark & cloudy, with slow steady rain from midday on to 12 o’clock.

Vichinsky[sic] made a 2-hour vehement and vicious and untruthful attack on the United States before the United Nations assembly today, and boasted that the atom bomb was “no secret” any longer.

We have been very careless—Russian spies have undoubtedly stolen a mass of information on the atomic bomb from our own plants and spies who have been employed in them, and I think it is possible the Russians have made a few bombs, but probably not very well made. However, they have been very cocky and provocative for some months.

Saturday, October 2, 1948.

Mostly clear. Looked like rain for awhile about noon, but soon the clouds rolled away and this afternoon was clear and fine.

Lizzie was suffering badly this morning but had to go to town. She rested in bed this afternoon and is about as usual tonight—which does not mean that she is free from pain.

After a nap, I did some work this aft., and about 5 p.m I took a long walk on the golf course. When I got back Walter & Elfrieda Cowles and Mary Maud Jefferds were here, & Lizzie served drinks and they stayed till 8 o’clock.

Sunday, October 3, 1948. Rain

Misty, overcast morning, with slow light rain from 10 A.M. until about 6:30.

Not feeling well today. Nor is Lizzie. We did not go to church.

Received from Mrs. Frank Smathers a letter today enclosing a remarkably fine article by Frank on his terrific experience with arthritis, which has had him confined to his bed for some time, & badly crippled for years. It will appear in the Argosy soon & then in the Reader’s Digest. Frank is a fine, brave, and able man, mentally & [ ? ]—and also physically in his younger years.

Monday, October 4, 1948. Rain

Rained practically all day---not very hard, but steady. In late afternoon it was a light, misty drizzle.

Low barometer and winds blowing toward the South east.

Another hurricane is in the making. Starting in the Western Carribean, at 10:45 A.M. it was 160 miles So. of the West tip of Cuba, with winds of 95 m.pr.hr. and moving Northward. The shower area covered all of So. Florida. I have not heard anything tonight. This data I got from the afternoon paper.

Tuesday, October 5, 1948. 2nd Hurricane.

Cloudy morning—Mostly clear afternoon.

From what we can hear, the hurricane which has been forming in the Carribian sea struck Havana hard last night and, somewhat weakened, reached the Florida Keys late this afternoon, and swept over Miami and Coral Gables from 7 p.m. on for some little time, with winds of only about 80 m. pr. hr., and thence on Northward. Miami reports no great amount of damage was done. What happened at Key West is not yet reported. It has been just two weeks since the last hurricane.

John Foster Dulles has flown from Paris to talk with Dewey and Secretary Marshall has been ordered to fly to Wash’n for a talk with Pres. Truman.

Wednesday, October 6, 1948.

Quite cool early morning, then very pleasant from 10:30 on.

Yesterdays hurricane by passed Key West almost entirely. Very little damage there. It crossed Cuba and struck Havana hard, with winds of 132 m. p. hr. and killing about 20 persons and doing much property damage. But when it reached Miami it was only about 70 or 72 m. pr. hr, but was accompanied by nearly 10 inches of rain. It also sprouted 2 or 3 tornadoes which damaged homes in villages N. and N.W. of Miami. But its general movement was North Eastward and moved out into the Atlantic about 20 miles N.E. of Miami. What damage, if any, was done in Ft. Lauderdale & Hollywood is not reported.

The Security Council decided that the Berlin Blockade could be considered, and then took an adjournment to give the Russians an opportunity to lift the Blockade. Russia considered that only the four Foreign Ministers could deal with it, but the U. S. would not agree to that until the blockade was first lifted.

Thursday, October 7, 1948.

Mostly clear and cool except in middle part of day.

Tonight Walter & Elfrida Cowles came over and we heard about 40 minutes of a local Town Meeting program held in Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Ala., subject what Party should the people of Alabama Support? The speakers for Thurmond & Wright were Marion Rushton, Sen. Claude Pepper for Truman & Barkley, and a man from California for Dewey & Warren, and a young fellow from Alabama for Henry Wallace. Claude made a brave effort, but the crowd was against him. Marion Rushton made the ablest speech of them all. He is a real States Rights Democrat. Marion is the able son of an able father, my old friend Ray Rushton. Our station was cut off before the meeting was entirely over.

Friday, October 8, 1948.

Cloudy early morning. Mostly clear from 10 A. M. on.

The Russians are sending up fighter planes “on practice flights” in the air lift corridor. They came within 100 ft. of a British freight carrying plane today—twice. And also one of our planes a day or so ago. This is contemptible.

The Cleveland Indians won over the Boston Braves 2 to nothing. So Cleveland now has 2 to 1 in the World Series.

Pres. Truman was on the stump again yesterday and today. He is making a hard fight, but the professional vote Samplers report Dewey in the lead by a good big margin.

Gov Strom Thurmond is also making a vigorous campaign.

Lizzie had a phone call from Mabel tonight. She reports that her home and Adelaide’s are both in bad shape from the recent hurricane, and that Joe, Jr., has not been at his home for some time & has been drinking heavily. Terrible!

Saturday, October 9, 1948.

Clear, and cool most of day.

Had to do a good deal of running around town for various things this morning.

Played a few holes of golf this aft. with Judge Reeves Bowen & his 17 yr. old son Tom. Was off my game and left them in the 15th fairway and walked to the club house, got my car and came home. But felt better.

Sec’y of State Marshall, who left Paris last night by plane, had a conference with Pres. Truman and convinced him that it would be unwise to send Sec’y of State [he means U.S. Chief Justice] Vinson to Moscow for a talk with Stalin. Marshall was right.

Tonight we attended a party given by the Jeffords in honor of Charles and “Skippy” his wife. It was a nice affair.

Sunday, October 10, 1948.

“Clear as a bell”—a beautiful, cool, clear morning, and a fine comfortable afternoon. Perfect for golf and many played.

Among the players was young Mr. Byrd, son of Mr. F. G. Byrd. Mr. F. G. Byrd was evidently walking round the course with his son while the latter was playing and coaching and advising his son.

Mr. F. G. Byrd was the Southern golf champion for several years, I think about 1898 to 1903. I think he won the championship some 5 yrs in succession. He was also a tennis champion, and a champion rifle shot. An all around athlete. He laid out the East Lake course in Atlanta, and several others. He also laid out our golf course here. He must be 75 to 80 now, but still hale and hearty—and a very fine man.

Monday, October 11, 1948. Rain.

Cloudy morning. Hard rain from 11 oclock to 3 p.m. Must have rained 3 to 5 inches.

When I brought Annie home to lunch, the water was about 12 to 15 inches deep.

Heard Senator Taft speaking tonight in Tennessee for the Republican ticket. He made a good speech, but he has a flat voice with a nasal twang, but he puts up a good argument.

Gen. Marshall returned to Paris today. After his conference with the President, the latter came out yesterday with a statement that his plan to send Ch. J. Vinson to Moscow for a talk with Stalin was all off—It was an unwise plan.

Tuesday, October 12, 1948.

Mostly clear.

Warren Austin, our representative on U. N. Security Council, made a strong presentation of America’s views in the Conference in Paris today on the Russian question.

Visited the Tag Department this afternoon and started them on a investigation to find if they could a record of the 1947 license tag secured by Ma Brown, so they could issue a certificate of title, so that we could sell the car. All I had was the serial number and engine number of the car and the fact that Ma had secured a tag in 1947.

Wednesday, October 13, 1948.

Clear & cold early morning. Cool and pleasant and clear from 11 Am. till 6 p.m., but quite cool after nightfall.

Had a visit from Judge Geo. W. Whitehurst of Wauchula today. He came out in a taxi about 11 Am. and sought my aid in getting the Constitutional amendment adopted in the November election, protecting retired Supreme Court and Circuit Court Judges in their retirement allowance. I drove him to town about noon. I will cooperate.

This afternoon I went to the Tag Dept and had a talk with Mrs Ruby Yates, and she had a time of it, but finally found the record of Ma’s purchase of a 1947 Florida Tag. What made it hard was I told her Ma usually signed her name Mildred B. Brown, but when she located it by the engine numbers, the application was signed “Mrs. Harry Brown.” Said come back later & get the certificate of title.

Thursday, October 14, 1948.

Clear & quite cool morning & pleasant from 10 A. m. on. Another beautiful and delightful fall day.

Perfect for golf, but I do not yet feel quite equal to 9 holes.

Pres. Truman is putting up a brave fight, but he has a very slim chance of winning. If he had not gone back on the South by coming out, in his message to Congress, for a socalled “Civil Rights program” which invaded the rights of the States and would cause untold trouble in the South, he might have a chance. But now he has none, in my opinion.

Friday, October 15, 1948.

A delightful fall day, clear, but quite cold in early morning.

Called on Henry Wrenn this morning to secure the editorial support of the News-Democrat for the Constitutional Amendment with regard to resigned or retired Judges and Justices, which will be voted on in the Nov. election.

This afternoon I played my first game of golf for some months, and found I could stand it and felt better afterward. I played with Judges Chapman, Barns, Hobson, & Asst. Atty Genel Reeves Bowen; a fivesom. But my game was “off”, but I got some (few) good shots. To my surprise I did not feel very tired afterwards.

Saturday, October 16, 1948.

Another perfect fall day. And I am beginning to feel better.

Went to see Henry Wrenn, Editor of our local daily, this morning, to get him to give editorial support to the constitutional amendment making retired Circuit Judges, and Supreme Court Judges who had resigned, subject to call for service on the Circuit and Supreme Courts respectively when necessary. I think I was the first to suggest this and helped get it through the 1947 legislature. I also wrote Mr. Jno. D. Pennekamp, Editor of the Miami Herald, asking his to support it.

Took a long walk on the golf course this afternoon.

Sunday, October 17, 1948.

Fine day, but I did not feel at all well this morning. Didn’t go to church. Dizzy on my feet. But this afternoon I rested until 4 p.m. and then felt better. Took a long walk on golf course, watching the players in the local tournament, and came home feeling much better.

No agreement on anything in Paris as yet. War is on again between the Jews and Arabs.

Monday, October 18, 1948.

Clear day. Cold this morning and late this afternoon.

N. W. Wind.

The Am Legion is meeting in Miami. Pres. Truman addressed them today and tried to defend his recent idea of sending Ch. J. Vinson to Moscow to talk with Stalin.

Gov. Strom Thurmond is attending the Convention.

Took my usual walk on golf course this aft. Watched Justices Chapman, Barns and Hobson play golf. My old friend Sam Bucklew of Tampa played with them. He’s a good player.

Tuesday, October 19, 1948.

Clear, and cool—uncomfortably so in the early morning.

In his speech before the American Legion yesterday, Pres. Truman said his idea of sending Ch. J. Vinson to Moscow was his own idea; that Pres. Roosevelt had sent Harry Hopkins to see Stalin and got good results. (but the circumstances were different.) But the President was given a warm welcome by Miami & the American Legion. The latter had their grand march in Miami today, 300,000 strong, with bands & floats, etc. Lasted 4 or 6 hours.

The Jews have marched into Nagreb, in spite of Arab resistance. Nagrab was not allotted to the Jews by the U.N. plan for partition.

Thursday, October 21, 1948.

Another fine day. A bit warmer than yesterday.

Gen. Lucius Clay flew to Washington from Berlin yesterday and returned, or left on his return trip, today. He made arrangements for an additional 36 freight carrying planes for the “air lift.” He told reporters that the Russians did not have two or three hundred thousand soldiers in their zone. East of Berlin, but did have that many armed military police. He said we should not, by any means, move out of Berlin under the Russian pressure of the blockade. I think he is right.

Talks are still going on in the U. N. & Security Council.

In spite of the U. N. cease fire order, the Jews & Arabs are still fighting.

Friday, October 22, 1948.

A bit hazy most of the morning, but mostly clear the balance of the day.

This afternoon about 4 p.m. I went by Dr. Dodd’s home to inquire how he was getting on, but no one was there. I learned later that he had been operated on at Thomasville a week ago for prostatic trouble but is getting on allright & hopes to be home in a few days. Mrs. Dodd was up there when I called. I did not know of this until tonight.

I went then to the Capital to see if anything could be done for the Foster Memorial. On my way to Mr. Larson’s office I ran into Mrs. W. A. Sanders, & we called to see several of the State officers, but none were in.

Tonight we heard Senator Joe Ball of Minn. on Meet the press program, & he answered all questions ably & well. I hope he wins.

Saturday, October 23, 1948.

A little bit hazy early morning. Clear by 10 AM. Very pleasant afternoon and evening.

Poor France has been in the throes of Communist inspired strikes in the coal fields especially. In some instances they are damaging the mines so that it will be hard to reopen them.

Six Neutral nations representatives in the U. N. Meeting in Paris, lead by the delegate from Argentina, have proposed a plan of settlement of the Berlin issue. It is briefly, that we agree to the use of the Russian currency in all the zones in Berlin and the Russians lift their blockade. Vichinski said he would give his reply Monday after getting instructions from Moscow.

I woke up sick this morning—stomach and bowel trouble. I had a good night’s sleep and do not understand what has upset my insides.

The Jews have kept up their attacks on the Arabs in disregard of the U. N. cease fire order.

This afternoon Lizzie and Annie gave a late afternoon party to Mary Maud and her visitors, Col. and Mrs. Jeffords and daughter. I like Col. Jeffords very much.

Sunday, October 24, 1948.

Clear. Pretty cool morning and late afternoon.

Heard a fine, patriotic sermon by our pastor, appropriate to the day—United Nations Day.

Still not feeling very well, but I watched Jimmy Lee and Sid Andrews play the next to the last match in our local tournament. Jimmy won 3 up and one to play. So he will play Al Hayes in the finals.

Fighting still going on in Palestine in spite of the Ceasefire order by the U. N.

Dr. Dodd will probably have to stay in the Thomasville hospital several days yet. He is doing very well, but very much bored, Mrs. Dodd reports. She will drive up again tomorrow. She spent the night there last night in a very cold room in some house nearby.

Monday, October 25, 1948.

Mostly clear and fine. A few light clouds this afternoon.

So far this October we have had rain on Oct. 34d & 4th and 11th; only 3 rainy days in 25 days.

In Sept. we had rain for 4 days in succession—Sept. 3, 4, 5 and 6; also on the 10th, 11, 27th & 30th,--in all, rain on 8 days.

Pres. Truman’s speech in Chicago tonight was on a demagogic plan: an attack on “big business” and its alleged alliance with Gov. Dewey.

Henry Wallace’s speech was also demagogic and disgusting.

While I expect to vote for Thurmond & Wright, I must say that Governor Dewey’s speeches are on a much higher plane than Pres. Trumans.

As I expected, Moscow has turned down the plan of the six small neutral nations for the settlement of the Berlin crisis. It looks now like the blockade will go on indefinitely.

Tuesday, October 26, 1948.

A very fine day.

This morning, Mrs. Saunders and Joe Cawthon and I were on hand when the Cabinet met about 9 a. m. and when an opportunity came, I addressed them for about 6 or 8 minutes in behalf of the release of $200,000 for the use of the Stephen Foster Memorial Ass’n. in building a museum near the gate house, which is about complete, and I was followed by Joe Cawthon for about 4 or 5 minutes This time (the 3rd effort) we were successful. They voted practically unanimously for granting our request.

This afternoon was perfect for golf, and Judge Chapman & I had a very pleasant game, but we both were badly “off.” I took a 56 & Judge C about 50. But I felt better afterward.

Lizzie is suffering terribly with her back today and yesterday—Don[‘]t see how she stands it.

Wednesday, October 27, 1948.

Mostly clear, but some clouds.

Had a visit this afternoon from Mr. Barns. He has finally come around to Thurmond & Wright.

Dr. Dodd had recovered sufficiently to return home from the Thomasville hospital. I called on him late this afternoon.

Pres. Truman delivered a pretty good rabble-rousing speech in Boston tonight & was much applauded. I think his vigorous, hard hitting campaign has gained him a lot of votes during the past 10 days but not enough to stop Dewey.

Thursday, October 28, 1948.

Partly cloudy and warmer.

Called to see Mr. Lewis Lively this morning, but he and Mrs. L. were away from home. Then I called on Velma Keene at his office & had a pleasant chat with him. Congratulated him on the success of the Rural Development program for Leon County which he started 3 or 4 years ago. It was a fine move, and he had excellent results.

This aft. Mr. & Mrs. Lively called to see us. Mr. Lively, who is just about my age, is nearly blind. He is a fine man and has contributed much to this community.

Stalin had the effrontery to issue a statement in Moscow today that the foreign Ministers had reached an agreement in Moscow several weeks ago for the lifting of the blockade of Berlin and the settlement of the currency question, and that the American, British & French had violated that agreement, & were bent on war. What a lie! It was the Russians who refused to carry out that agreement.

Friday, October 29, 1948.

Clear and mild. Partly cloudy in the afternoon. Quite warm in middle part of the day.

Lizzie not feeling well at all. And neither have I.

Tonight we heard over the radio a speech by Pres. Truman. He has developed into a good campaigner. Was speaking in Brooklyn. Dewey was speaking in Boston & other points in New England. Truman’s voice was a bit husky tonight.

Gov. Strom Thurmond was the attraction on the “Meet the Press” program tonight. Cedric Foster was among the questioners. Gov. Thurmond was in Austin, Texas, where he had just addressed the legislature. He gave a good account of himself and really got the best of his questioners. He had a crushing answer to all questions, and really dominated the whole affair. I was proud of him.

Saturday, October 30, 1948.

Clear. Cool morning. Warm from 11 o’clock till late afternoon.

I felt better this morning than I have for a long time, until I went uptown about 11 A.M. and walked around to various places & got pretty warm. Then I got a bit dizzy and had to walk slowly and with some difficulty. After I got Annie & brought her home, I ate dinner and went to bed & lay down till 5 o’clock. Then I felt better, and walked to the club house & back. Tonight the Cowles came over & stayed till 11:20. At 9 oclock we heard over the radio Dewey’s last speech of the campaign delivered at Madison Square Garden. It was very good and on a much higher plane than Truman has been making, but not as attractive as those slashing attacks of Truman, to the average crowd. I’m glad its over.

Sunday, October 31, 1948.

Fine, clear day.

Liz & I went to Church. We had unusually good singing by the choir and an excellent sermon by Bro. Cotton, in which, among other things he explained the differences between the Methodist beliefs and practices and those of the Roman Catholic church, but without any bitterness. The Catholics refused to send any delegation to the recent World Council of Churches in Amsterdam—only two observers.

This afternoon about 4 to 5:30 I put in the time visiting Dr. Cotton and Dr. Dodd, very pleasantly. Dr. Dodd is very much better.

Nice letter from Jimmy Washington today, telling of his having a nice dinner with Dow at the Yale club. Hilda was busy shopping.

Monday, November 1, 1948.

Foggy up to about 10 A.M. Pretty heavy fog. Clear and warm balance of day—with gradually falling barometer. Indicating rain for election day.

Dewey, Truman & Wallace each made final talks tonight around[?] 10 oclock over a nationwide hook up. No talk from Gov. Thurmond. The State Rights Party hasn’t the money. Gov. Thurmond has been paying his own expenses in his campaign tour throughout the South. Only three small papers in the State have supported him. The pollsters predict Wallace 3% of the total vote. Thurmond only 1 percent. But I think Thurmond will get a lot more than they think.

Received an astounding letter from Roscoe Gorman today.

I talked to quite a number of friends up town this morning and found they were all for Thurmond & Wright. I believe Thurmond’s vote tomorrow will astonish a lot of folks. I hope so.

Tuesday, November 2, 1948. General Election.

Cloudy. Wind, S.E. Some sunshine, but mostly overcast. A few drops of rain tonight.

Lizzie felt so bad this morning she did not believe she could sign her name. Annie & I voted at 12.40, and Lizzie this afternoon about 5. We all voted the Dem. ticket for County & State officers, and the States’ Rights Dem. ticket for Pres. & Vice-Pres., Thurmond and Wright.

Tonight we listened to the election returns. Up to 12:00 pm the returns were inconclusive. Truman & Dewey running a close race. Thurmond’s hope that he would get enough votes to cause the election to be thrown into the House of Representative where each State has one vote may be realized.

Constitutional Amendment No. 6, for which I have put in some work, appears to have been adopted.

Wednesday, November 3, 1948. (Rain.) Truman wins.

Dark, misty morning, with light rain by midday, and heavy rain at intervals during the afternoon.

First Rain today since Oct. 11th.

President Truman surprised everybody. By early this morning it was plain that he had won the election and by 11:15 all doubt was removed, and Gov. Dewey sent him a message of congratulations. Truman’s vote about 20,000,000 and Dewey’s about 18,000,000. Trumans electoral vote 279 to Dewey’s 214. An amazing upset. The polsters were all wrong.

Thurmond carried So. Carolina, Alabama, Miss., and Louisiana and got a good vote in all the Southern States, a total of about 750,000 to 800,000. I’m glad he ran, tho I knew he could not win unless the election was thrown into the House of Representatives (The above figures will be larger when all the returns are in.)

Thursday, November 4, 1948.

Mostly cloudy and warm.

The election returns indicate that 20 Democratic governors are elected, as against 24 now. There were contests for Governor in 33 States, 20 of those elected were Democrats.

As later reports come in from the voting precincts, the total vote of the candidates grows larger. We will probably hear the final report tomorrow—or next day. Then I will jot it down in my diary.

Yesterday I received a book from Carl Hiaasen mailed from Chicago. It is “The Roosevelt Court[“], a very interesting book. Carl has spent a month in his native Montana and evidently stopped over in Chicago on his way back to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Friday, November 5, 1948.

Cloudy. Looked like it would rain. But it didn’t.

Suffering from sore-throat today. First time in years. Don’t know what caused it.

The final returns on Tuesday’s election not all in yet, but the score now is:

Truman 22,590,046

Dewey 20,738,731

Wallace 1,060,578

Thurmond 910,857

Dewey carried 16 states—189 Elec. Votes.

Thurmond……. 4 “ 38 “ “

Pres Truman 28 “ 304 “ “

Wallace did not carry a single state. In Florida the vote was Truman 243,762; Dewey 176,983, and Thurmond 37,002, Wallace 11,289.

Saturday, November 6, 1948. Rain

Dark morning, followed by hard rain from 8:30 on till 12:30. Cloudy till late afternoon. I stayed in the house with a sore throat all day until about 5 p.m. when I walked around the golf course for an hour, watching the golfers. It was clearing up and getting cooler. Lizzie got me a fine bottle of a gargle of some sort and my throat is nearly well.

Dothan, Ala., hit by a storm of some sort last night & considerable damage done. Details not known yet.

The Cowles came over this afternoon at 6 and stayed till 8 p.m

Sunday, November 7, 1948.

Clear and quite cold early this morning. An ideal afternoon. Sore throat about well again.

This afternoon I called to see Dr. Dodd and found him in pretty bad shape. He thinks it is the penicillin and sulfa drugs that makes him feel so bad. He was put back on them a few days ago. I stayed only 5 minutes as I saw he was in no condition to talk.

Took a good walk on the golf course.

The Communists have taken Mukden and are now moving toward the capital of China, Mukden [he may means Peking]. The Communists are better armed and better fed. Our country is beginning at last to realize the danger of Communist control of China. We should have acted a year ago.

Monday, November 8, 1948. (Bad head cold begins)

Fine day. Cool early morning, but comfortably warm from 11 oclock on.

Chaing Kai-Chek announces that China will fight on—for eight years more if necessary—to regain her territory which has been taken by the Communists. I think our Country should do all it can to help China. The situation looks desperate at this time. The Chinese have been largely to blame. They have never united behind this only real leader, Chang-Kai-chek.

Had a good many little things to do up town this morning. This afternoon I rested in be[d] awhile and then took a long walk on the golf course. Ran into Judge Chapman playing alone on the 13th fairway and walked along with him all the remaining holes—8—to the club house. I played the 15th with him, with some of his clubs, and made it in 5, one over par. Judge C. took a 6. But tonight I’ve had a head cold, in spite of my feeling better after my long walk.

Tuesday, November 9, 1948. (Sick with a Cold.)

A very pleasant day.

But I was sick in bed all day with a cold. Took some medicine that Dr. Rhodes prescribed on phone call from Lizzie, but my main reliance was on Philips Milk of Magnesia which Lizzie brought back from town on the suggestion of Mae Johnson. I took a table spoon of it every 3 hrs., and it certainly gave me a thorough cleaning out by bedtime, promptly stopped my bad head cold, and I felt quite normal by bedtime. My first day in bed for a long time.

Clouding up later this afternoon. Did some reading in bed.

Wednesday, November 10, 1948. Rain.

Dark morning, with rain by 10:30. Mild temperatures up to noon.

I seemed to be over my cold, but Liz fixed me a grand breakfast which I ate in bed. I got up and bathed and had a shave about 10 A.M. Am a bit weak, but apparently well. Sat by the fire in my room while poor Lizzie had to drive to town to do a lot of things. Had to drive my car, as hers had a flat tire. So sorry she is uptown in this pretty hard rain, as I write in comfort by the fire. And she has been suffering intensely the past few days. She is the burden bearer of the family. Dear, sweet, brave Lizzie.

This aft., Lizzie drove up in her car to get Annie. Found that the tire which had been inflated and put on by a negro from the filling station (Palmers) was out of fix. Drove up to Johnson’s and they found that the bolts had not all been tightened. Henry’s negro didn’t know what he was doing. Johnson’s man fixed it.

The news from China is very bad. It looks like the Communists will conquer the Chinese before we could get effective aid to them.

Thursday, November 11, 1948. Armistice Day.

Rather cool morning. Very fine, clear & pleasant afternoon.

This was Armistice Day and there was quite a parade, and services in the rear of the court house with a speech by Sen. Pepper. Also a holiday for all capital & Sup. Ct. employees.

I stayed at home. My cold is over but I am not yet up to par.

There is a crucial battle raging in China. Chiang is reported to have about half million men with which to meet the communist drive Southward. The communists have an equal number of men, with better fighting equipment. The reports so far are not encouraging to China’s friends in this country. The Chinese are also weak in food supplies.

I took a short walk on golf course this aft., but not with my usual vigor.

Friday November 12, 1948.

Hazy & warm. Quite clear part of the time. No rain.

Tokyo. Tojo and 6 other Jap. leaders ordered to be hung, sixteen others given life terms, and several others given terms of years, by the War Crimes Court today—subject however to review by Gen Douglas MacArthur.

Chinese report that they routed 9 Communist columns seeking to cross the Grand Canal in the battle of Suchow.

This afternoon late I took a walk on golf course and then visited Dr. Dodd, who is much better.

Tonight Dana Brown, who drove over here in his car, came to see us about 7:30 and stayed till about 9:30 He left Judie and their little boy in Marshallville. He goes on to Jacksonville tomorrow. Enjoyed his visit immensely.

Later Reports show the following:

Elect. votes

Truman, 23,671,479—304

Dewey, 21,544,105—189

Thurmond 1,006,363— 38

Wallace, 1,116,390— 0

Lizzie has had a very hard day and I have felt badly myself.

Saturday, November 13, 1948.

Clear and mild. An uneventful day.

Not feeling very well. Numbness this morning in my left leg and foot. But this afternoon I took a long walk on golf course; spent part of the time watching some good golfers play.

Tonight the Cowles came in & spent the evening with us. Lizzie still suffering very much.

Sunday, November 14, 1948.

Fine, clear & pleasant.

After a good night’s sleep, I woke up with numbness in my left leg & foot, but it got better and I went to church with Lizzie & Mary Maud. Bishop Roy H. Short preached the sermon, a very good one, too. I felt much better this afternoon and called on Bro. Cates—now 88 yrs. old. His daughter, Mrs. Daffin, was there, a fine, attractive and quite pretty widow. I had a very pleasant visit with them for a hour.

After I got home I took a walk on golf course. Am feeling pretty well tonight.

Well—the long expected heir to the British throne, Princess Elizabeth’s baby, a boy, born today.

Monday, November 15, 1948.

Cool, clear & fine.

The British are making a big to-do over the birth of the baby boy who is heir to the English crown. Well, they need something that all classes over there can be happy over, and they deserve it.

Lizzie and I decided today to drive to Atlanta. But I had my car examined and found it was in no shape for a trip. So we decided to use Lizzie’s car, when, as we were almost home a peculiar noise developed in the car. Altho it was nearly sundown, we took it to Maner’s garage. They thought they had remedied the trouble, but when we were nearly home the terrible noise developed again. If we can’t get it fixed quickly in the morning we will have to postpone our trip.

Tuesday, November 16, 1948. Light Rain

Partly cloudy morning. Somewhat cloudy most of the day. A light, slow rain after nightfall.

The Chinese government claims a victory over the Communists advancing toward Nankin.

Lizzie’s car was fixed today. The noise was in the worn brake lining in one of the wheels.

My car is still at Maner’s Garage but they say they will have it fixed by tomorrow, at 9 A.M. I have an engagement with Dr. Wahl in Thomasville at 11 Am tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 17, 1948. We leave for Atlanta.

Left home at 10 A.M. Arrived in Thomasville, at Dr. Wahl’s office 11 Am. After a partial check up he gave me a good report, and we left at noon for Atlanta. At fine lunch at Radium Springs and arrived at Thomaston about dusk. Spent the night at the Upon hotel. After dinner called on Bertha McGehee and her daughter Louise. I was so glad to see Bertha Martin McGehee who I have knows since we were kids. She is a bit older than I. A fine woman.

Thursday, November 18, 1948.

Called on John McGehee, Jr., 46, Bertha’s son / a good lawyer, / at his office, right after breakfast. We left for Atlanta about 9:30 and arrived at the Atlanta Biltmore about noon.

Dow came down and had lunch with us. So glad to see him.

After dinner Lizzie and I went to see Lawrence D’Olivier in Hamlet—a splendid picture.

Still raining.

Friday, November 19, 1948.

In spite of a hard, pouring rain I kept an appointment with Dr. Carter Davis for a physical check up. Lizzie and Laura going with me. After about two hours in Dr. Davis’ office, I went across the street and had my eyes examined by Dr Forrest Avery[?] and Laura had lunch with us at the hotel. After which Lizzie and I took a rest. About 5 p.m. Hilda and Dow came for us and drove us out to little Hilda’s new home for dinner—a fine big place, where we had a delicious dinner, and enjoyed seeing her 5 children, ranging from 20 months to 5 yrs. of age. Later in the evening Hilda & Dow drove us back to the Biltmore.

Saturday, November 20, 1948.

Another trip to Dr. Davis’ office where I was given a good physical report.

Lizzie & I had lunch with Dow & Hilda at the Capital City Club—a delightful time. Only bright, cool & clear day we had.

In the evening Lizzie and I went to see Greer Garson and Walter Pigeon in a good humorous movie “Julia _____” [Julia Misbehaves. also with Elizabeth Taylor and Peter Lawford] but it was overly warm, a big crowd in the theatre and I had eaten something at dinner which disagreed with me, and so I was pretty sick that night & felt bad the next morning.

Sunday, November 21, 1948.

In bed practically all day. Dowdell came down to see me in spite of the bad rainy weather.

Lizzie Spencer came about 1 o’clock and spent two or three hours. She was handsomely dressed. Has made a lot of money out of stock in the Biltmore which Geo Spence acquired for attorney fees when the stock was of doubtful value.

Monday, November 22, 1948.

I was up and about. It was another bad day and I stayed closely in the hotel to recuperate.

During the morning Laura brought down bright and handsome little Armstead to see us & stayed sometime.

Weather still very bad.

Dow & Hilda called to see us in the afternoon.

Tuesday, November 23, 1948. Home again.

We left Atlanta at 11 A. M. It was raining all the way until just before we got to Albany.

Before leaving we had a flat tire & had it fixed at the Amoco Station near the hotel on corner of Fifth St. & W. Peachtree. We had a new inner tube put in the tire, and left Atlanta at 11 o’clock. On account of the pouring rain, we could only make 30 miles an hour. Seven miles No. of Griffin the tire fixed in Atlanta blew out. I got a young man to put on our spare tire and drove to Griffin & went to a garage in Griffin[.] We found that two tools had been left in the casing of the tire, necessitating buying a new tire & inner tube. After a sketchy lunch nearby about 12:15 we resumed our trip in the pouring rain which lasted all the way to Albany. It—the rain—soon started again and rained all the way to Tallahassee.

Arrived Tallahassee at 7:45 (coming via Cairo) and had supper before going out to the house (at Seven Seas)[.] Lizzie was a complete wreck.

The hardest rain was the last few miles before getting to Tallahassee. We were lucky to make it safely. Good to be home again.

Wednesday, November 24, 1948.

Cloudy and quite cool early morning. Clear and cool the balance of the day.

This morning I went over my mail which accumulated during my absence and wrote several letters. Drove up to the Sup. Ct. Bldg about noon and brought Annie to dinner at 1 p.m.

Have felt pretty well today. It was cool enough to light a fire by 5 p.m.

The Berlin problem is about as bad as ever. The Russian blockade was and is a contemptible thing.

The longshoremen’s strikes on the East & West Coasts are seriously interfering with the Marshall plan and also with aid to China. I believe these strikes were fomented by Communists.

It is good to be home again, but in spite of the rain in Atlanta and on our way back home, we had a very happy trip. It was good to see dear old Dow & his wife and their children and grand children.

Thursday, November 25, 1948.

Clear and cool.

This morning we had a visit from Judge Charley Davis of Madison and his son in law Bob McClure, which we enjoyed very much. Judge Davis is an able lawyer and an old and valued friend. Then we had a visit from Walter Cowles and son Chandler. The latter does not look very well. I think that is the reason he left N.Y. & came down here for a few days.

At about 12:30 we drove down to Wakulla springs hotel, Lizzie, Annie & I, and had a grand Thanksgiving dinner. But it cost $3.00 per plate. Got back home about 3 p.m. Then, after resting awhile, I took a long walk on golf course.

The longshoreman’s strike on both the East and West Coasts will be ended by Saturday. It has been a crippling blow to our country at a critical time.

Friday, November 26, 1948.

Cloudy morning. Turned warmer during the night. Southerly winds. Some light showers. Cloudy all day.

Went up town and to the Supreme Court Bldg. this morning. Wrote a few letters.

This aft. I took my usual walk on golf course. In spite of the dark clouds, some of my friends were playing golf & I followed them to the Club House.

Then I walked down to Dr. Dodd’s house & had a pleasant visit with him. Found him much better.

Tonight Annie gave a dinner party to Mr. & Mrs. Cowles and son Chandler, & Lizzie and I, at the White Kitchen—out on the old Quincy Road.

Saturday, November 27, 1948. Light rain.

A very warm day with some light rain at times.

Rather oppressive weather.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened.

The dock workers strike on both coasts seem to be settled.

Filed in Clerk’s office my Certificate of Willingness to accept the provisions of the Constitutional amendment, adopted Nov. 2/48, providing that resigned or retired Circuit / Judges / and Supreme Court Justices should be subject to call for service on the Supreme Court by the Ch. Justice. I think I was the first to suggest this amendment to the State Bar Assoc’n, & Robt J. Pleus, Pres., at my request, gave it vigorous support prior to the election.

Sunday, November 28, 1948. Wind & Rain.

A strange day. Cloudy, low barometer, the air seemed lifeless except for the strong, but warm, winds from the South which were almost a gale at times in the afternoon, with some rain. It was much like pre hurricane weather. But from 10 to 12 it was not so bad. The sun almost broke through the clouds. Since 9:30 tonight the barometer has begun to rise and the air became cooler.

We had cocktails with Mary Maud and Jeffs from 6 to 7: and then dinner with the Cowles. Got home about 9:35.

Monday, November 29, 1948. Cooler & clear.

Cold & clear.

I visited the Supreme Court building about 11:30 and brought Annie home at 1 p.m.

Cold N.W. wind. Our first real cold snap.

This afternoon Judge Thomas phoned me and asked that I serve in Judge Sebring’s place from Dec. 6th to Jan. 15th, as the latter was going to have an operation of some sort. I consented.

Montgomery, Ala., and several other Southern cities are suffering from overflowing rivers, due to a period of heavy rainfalls. Montgomery had 17 inches in one day shortly below[sic] the flood. The Alabama River was the highest on record.

Tuesday, November 30, 1948. Cold.

Cold and clear morning, indeed quite cool all day, but bright and bracing.

Had to have a new exhaust pipe extension on my old car put on today—cost 2.75. Repairs of various kinds made prior to Atlanta trip, $47.70. Old cars are expensive.

Visited Judge Sebring in his office today & had a pleasant time.

Took a walk on golf course late this aft. Met a fine young man of about 40, named Truman Lifsey, of Palm Beach—related to a Mr. Lifsey I knew in Miami.

Wednesday, December 1, 1948.

A fine, clear and pleasurably cool day.

Attended to a good many matters up town this morning.

Played golf with Judges Chapman & Barns & Reeves Bowen. I did not get tired but suffered from sore stomach. Something I ate for lunch I guess. When I got home about 6 p.m. I drank a lot of warm & hot water with soda in it, and lay down for awhile & got allright.

Ate a light supper about 8:30. It was fine to play golf again with my good friends and in spite of my stomach upset[,] I made some good shots and one hole in par.

The Communists are gaining in China. Capital threatened. Madam Chang Kai Chek arrived in Washington today.

Thursday, December 2, 1948. Rain.

Warmer. Light showers about 9:15 this morning, and at intervals throughout the day & evening.

Lizzie & I both went to Dr. Davis’s office this morning to have our feet attended to. Then I visited the bank and Dr. Brown to have the ingrowing eyelashes on my lower left eyelid pulled out. This has to be done every two weeks.

Madam Chang Kai Chek visited Gen’l Marshall, who is in Walter Reed hospital for a check up, today, and the President will have an interview with her probably tomorrow.

Mean while her husband is putting up a brave fight in China. I think we ought to give Chang all the help we can. If the Communists conquer China, they will soon have British Malaya and the Dutch E. Indies, and this will further weaken the Netherlands and England. Also, we would be deprived of great sources of raw materials. Gen. Chenault says he would be glad to re-establish his “Flying Tigers” in China to help the Nationalist Government. I hope our government will authorize this. I do not understand the blind indifference to China’s needs.

Friday, December 3, 1948. Clear.

A fine clear day.

Attended to a good many matters in town today. Wrote checks for monthly bills & some letters this morning.

Went to town this aft. then by Sup. Ct. Bldg. for Annie.

About 5:15 I walked to the Club House and back watching Sid Andrews, M. R. Proctor and Will Rogers play the 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th holes. All good players.

Tonight, before supper, Lizzie had the Cowles over for cocktails. Tonight after supper, we listened to the radio and I put in some study on one of the Motions coming up for hearing next Monday.

Saturday, December 4, 1948.

A fine, clear, & pleasantly cool day.

Today was uneventful here at home—much the same as yesterday, except that I played a few holes of golf—about 5, and enjoyed it, tho I played badly. I have only played about 3 times since June. However, I did get some good shots.

My left eye has given me lots of trouble today—and some for several days.

So. California had an earthquake today, but not any great damage was done & no lives lost.

Lizzie has suffered great pain today at the lower end of her spine.

Sunday, December 5, 1948.

Went to church this morning. Communion service. Lizzie not well enough to go.

Unexceptionable day otherwise.

Monday, December 6, 1948. Back on the Supreme Court again, after 2 yrs. and 6 days.

[the handwriting is distinctly harder to read today] Under the new constitutional amendment I was asked to sit upon the Supreme Court in the place of Judge Sebring, who has had an operation in Gainesville. I was warmly greeted by the attorneys. I rather enjoyed the recall to service. Stood it pretty well. I am the first and only retired Justice who has ever been recalled for service to work on the Court after resigning. I introduced the Const. amendment which provided for this. [ ? ] in [ ? ] in the right direction. (I tried to write the above on my lap in my bedroom about 11:45 p.m. when I was very tired.)

Tuesday, December 7, 1948.

Cloudy. Warm by noon, with strong Southerly winds most of the day. Partly clear in late afternoon.

We had a heavy oral argument docket this morning—6 cases, of which 5 were argued. We adjourned at 12:45 and had a conference till 1 p.m., discussing the cases, after which the cases were assigned by Ch. J. Thomas.

Among the lawyers who argued cases this morning were McHenry Jones and Wm. Fisher, Jr., both of Pensacola and young man about 38 to 40, able young lawyers who I knew very well. Also Judge R. C. Home of Madison—all of whom were my friends. A pretty young lady, an assistant Atty. General, argued one case & did so very well.

This aft. I had quite a long visit from Mr. Summerlin of Winter Haven. He argues a case tomorrow. A very likable man.

Wednesday, December 8, 1948. Rain

Overcast & warm, with heavy rain and windstorm / and lightning / from 5 to 8 p.m. Began just as I was leaving the Sup. Ct. Bldg. Was almost dark[.] The clouds & rain were so heavy. It was hard driving but I managed to make it safely—even the sharp turn into our driveway over a slippery road.

We had a heavy docket again this morning from 9:30 to 1 p.m.

Thursday, December 9, 1948. Rain—a record.

It rained hard last night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then again during the night and early morning.

4.45 inches of rain from 5 p.m. yesterday to 7 a.m. today.

This is equal to the general average for the whole month of December.

The wind changed around during the day to the N.W. and North, and it cleared up about 6 p.m. And it is getting colder.

We had 5 whole Court cases today. Four of them rehearings, and one new case involving Constitutional questions. In this one Judge Hobson was disqualified and Judge Geo. W. Tedder of Ft. Lauderdale sat in place of Judge Hobson. We were on the bench all day.

Friday, December 10, 1948.

Cold and clear.

My division was not supposed to hear oral arguments today—as Div. B was on the bench. But an emergency case was argued before Div. A in Judge Terrell’s office—to test a preliminary injunction against the staging of a bull fight “exhibition,” advertised to take place in Jacksonville tomorrow afternoon. It was argued pro & con for some time—on the constitutionality of the statute. The Circuit Judge had held it constitutionality of the statute—and correctly so. We refused to set aside the injunction. Some fraternal organization was behind this—to raise money for welfare purposes of some sort. But the statute made it a criminal offence.

I dictated an opinion in a criminal case this afternoon.

Saturday, December 11, 1948.

Clear and warmer—a fine day.

This morning I rewrote the opinion I dictated yesterday afternoon, cutting out some portions and adding others, which I think improved it very much.

This afternoon I felt pretty well, and played 9 holes of golf with Judge Paul Barns and Reeves Bowen, and felt better afterward. Didn’t get tired to amount to anything. But I couldn’t hit the ball right. My swing has gone all to pieces. Worst score I’ve made in many years. But I enjoyed the outing and the companionship of my friends.

Tonight we spent a quiet evening reading and listening to the radio. Lizzie has had a bad day. Suffered so much.

Sunday, December 12, 1948.

Warmer. Mostly cloudy—but no sign of rain.

The meeting of the U. Nations closed today. Not much accomplished, but it was worth while. Russia’s recalcitrant attitude was made plain to the world.

Lizzie not at all well, and a letter from Dow says he has been sick with a cold / and some fever / ever since we left, but he is much better and his cough has about disappeared.

Later this aft., I drove out to call on Gene Ellis, who is still in bed—has been about 6 or 7 months. Be he is much better.

Monday, December 13, 1948.

Over cast, damp & foggy early morning—clearing by 10:30.

On the whole, a fine day, but rather warm.

Haven’t felt very well today.

The other Division, B, had to handle the Motion docket today. I passed on one or two cases from other judges and studied a case referred to me which has two or three pretty points in it. I dictated a statement of facts this afternoon, and tonight brought home a law book which I thought might help, but after 1-1/2 hrs. perusal of it, I did not find what I wanted.

The Cowles came over about 9 and stayed till 11, tonight.

Madam Chang Kai Chek has received no favorable response to her pleas here for aid to China.

Tuesday, December 14, 1948.

Clear & quite warm.

We were on the bench from 9:30 to 1 p.m. today. I was too tired mentally to do any work.

This afternoon, Judge Paul Barns and I played golf. Altho I felt a bit dizzy and had a numbness in my left leg, I improved as I went along and made the outside 9 in 51. Paul, a 43.

Gov. Caldwell made a good speech at So. Gov’s Conf. at Savannah today—also, Cedric Foster, who was broadcasting from Savannah, had Gov. C. to make a talk as to his views on the efforts of Southern States to cooperate in building several fine regional educational buildings. It’s a fine idea, but Pres. Truman is fighting it.

Wednesday, December 15, 1948.

Foggy early morning, clearing up by 9 A.m. Mostly clear and quite warm today & tonight.

On bench all morning. Didn’t feel like work this afternoon and did not accomplish much. Brought a case home with me and worked on it some tonight—but did not accomplish much.

The Cowles are leaving tomorrow and Lizzie had them over to drinks late this afternoon: also Mary Maud.

It looks like our government is going to let the Communists take China. The word is—no help to Chiang. If Shanghai and Hong Kong go, we’ll regret it. That means that not only China but also Malaya & the Dutch East Indies and Indo China will eventually fall also into the hands of Russia.

Thursday, December 16, 1948.

Mostly clear. One shower.

Not feeling very well, but got some work done.

Lizzie has been suffering terribly today.

The French blew up two Russian radio towers located in the French zone today. The French commander had notified the Russians / last November / that these towers were a menace to the lives of their flyers, at night and in fog, in their air-lift work, and that if the Russians did not remove them, he would destroy them. The[y] paid no attention to him and he blew them up. Good!

Friday, December 17, 1948.

Partly cloudy. Still unseasonably warm.

I have not been feeling at all well today and accomplished very little in the office—tho I have plenty of work piled up.

Mr. Don Fernando, who has been / the excellent / news-broadcaster for our Sta. W. T. A. L. here for a year or so, said in his 1:45 broad cast today that it was his last here. He is a distinguished looking man, widely travelled, & very sociable. So I called on him and his wife this afternoon and expressed my regrets. Had a very pleasant visit and they appreciated it very much.

The Russians have not done anything about the blowing up of their radio towers in the French sector of Berlin.

Lizzie still suffering terribly.

Saturday, December 18, 1948. Rain showers.

Some rain & some sunshine. Mostly warm.

Gen. McArthur has an article in Life Magazine strongly urging aid to China and the strengthening of our military defenses in the Western Pacific. Says that if we neglect to do so, Japan & Okinawa and Formosa may fall into Russian hands.

I have put in a good bit of work today. But have not been able to write any opinions.

Sunday, December 19, 1948. Rain

Heavy rain early this morning and cloudy all day with some showers in afternoon.

Barometer rising tonight. Probably cold and clear tomorrow.

Felt the effects of my hard work during the past week. Slept until about 9 a.m.. this morning, and spent a large part of today in bed.

General McArthur has an article or interview in Life Magazine to the effect that we need to stop Russian advances in Asia if we intend to hold & protect Japan and Okinawa.

Monday, December 20, 1948.

Clear and cold early morning: fair and comfortable from 10 A.m. to 5:30 p.m., then getting colder.

We had an unusually heavy Motion docket from 9:30 to 1 p.m. I went to the office this afternoon, but was too tired to do much. Had a pleasant visit from Judge Sebring, who can walk now with a cane, but he doesn’t look at all well yet.

I came home about 5 p.m. and went for a walk on the golf course and ran into Paul Barns and walked around with him in the last few holes. That made me feel some better, but I don’t feel very well tonight[.]

The situation had become so chaotic in Indonesia that the Dutch have had to move in with troops. The Natives, incapable of self government, had broken up and returned to tribes which were fighting each other[.]

Tuesday, December 21, 1948.

Cold morning, but clear, and by afternoon quite comfortable.

A fine day.

Spent some time in office this morning, passed on some cases, but was not feeling well, and accomplished little. We had a short conference during the morning.

After lunch I rested until about 3:30 and then went to the Club House, & got into a game of 9 holes of golf with Paul Barns, Judge Chapman & Rev. Jeffery Alfriend. I played very badly. Paul B. was somewhat off his game. But Brother Alfriend played a fine game.

Hope I can get some work done tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 22, 1948. Rain

Cloudy, and slow rain, then misty.

Lizzie drove the cook & Annie up town after lunch, and on her return with Annie about 4 p.m. the roads or streets at the intersection of Palmer Ave. & Meridian were so slick with / wet / red mud, that she lost control of the car and got stuck in the ditch. Henry Palmer and his negro man came to help get the car out. Then the negro drove the car up to Golf Terrace and turned it around, and drove down to near our drive way to drive it in, but made too wide a turn to the right, and the right wheels slid into the ditch next to Fain’s. Then he drove with the right wheels in the ditch down to the Meridian corner before he could get out, but he finally did, turned around and drove up to and in the driveway, and put the car up.

I was up at the Court Bldg. most of the morning and did a little work, and then tonight I read & passed on a case.

Lizzie has suffered terribly again all day. I am worried about her.

Thursday, December 23, 1948.

Another rainy, misty day, but / almost / clearing up in afternoon. No rain after 1 p.m

Annie had a time of it getting off to New York by plane today. The trip via Atlanta was cancelled, but about 11:30 the Nat’l Air Lines phoned her that they would have a small plane leaving for Jacksonville at 12:30, which would connect with a big Miami to New York plane. So she hurried to get ready & I drove up and brought Lizzie home from town about 11:45. Annie had packed up, and ate a short lunch, and we left home at 12:20, and waited with her. The plane did not leave until about 1.40. We got back home about 2 p.m.

I have taken things easy this aft. About 5 pm I took quite a walk on golf course. Got home about 5:40. Mary Maud was here and we talked till 7:30. After dinner Liz & I spent a quiet restful evening.

Friday, December 24, 1948.

Foggy early morning, clearing by 9 A.M. Mostly clear and warm afternoon.

The reports in the papers and over the radio indicate that Annie had good flying weather on trip to New York; so I’m sure she made it safely.

The day was taken up with various small matters. Late this afternoon Lizzie & I drove by the florists and got a nice flower, potted plant, and took it to Miss Bessi Eppes, who had been & is quite ill. We did not get to see her, but we saw her sisters and Mr & Mrs Bradford & chatted with them awhile. We have had a quiet & restful evening.

Saturday, December 25, 1948. Rain.

We have had a very quiet but pleasant X-mas day.

Lots of rain at intervals. During the afternoon the wind changed from So., to W., & then to Northwest and it became rapidly cooler, and the barometer has been rising until I went to bed at 11.10.

Now we must begin writing “thank you” letters. Our friends and relatives have been very generous, as usual.

I wrote one tonight.

Sunday, December 26, 1948.

Clear & cold. Unusually high barometer this morning. Temp. Reported down to 12° in N. Y. City this morning at 8 A.m.

The wind N. & N.W. early this morning, changing to N. & N. E. by 10 A.M[.] Northerly winds all day.

We spent a quiet day at home. I did run up and get the mail this afternoon.

I regret that our newspapers and some of our National officials are & have been denouncing the Dutch for their police action in Indonesia. The Indonesians are not yet able to exercise self-government, and if the Dutch, who own the essential industries, had not walked in, Indonesia would have fallen into the hands of the Communists.

Monday, December 27, 1948.

Pretty cold and overcast this morning. Some ice in exposed places. Clear from 10:30 on. Cold all day.

I went up to the Court for awhile this morning, but the building was not heated up. So I got the mail and came home.

I drove up and mailed a letter for Lizzie to Jimmy.

Received a dozen golf balls from Al. Spalding Co., of N.Y. this afternoon. I’m sure Bob R. sent them.

Liz & I visited Mary Maud & Jeff late this afternoon.

This has been a cold & windy day.

Tuesday, December 28, 1948.

Clear & cold morning.

Have not felt very well today, and Lizzie of course is nearly always in pain and gets very little sleep at night.

In spite of protests by the U.N. Council, the Dutch are going right on / in Indonesia; / indeed they have nearly completed the / rather easy / job of getting control of the production centers—which they established in years gone by—thus defeating the efforts of the Communists. I think the Nations will be better off and have more liberty and self government under Dutch supervision and control.

Wednesday, December 29, 1948. Rain. Sup. Ct. Bldg. dedicated.

Mostly cloudy with some rain in the afternoon.

The Dedication Ceremonies of the New Supreme Court Bldg. was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. on platform and benches in front of the Building, the inside of which is far from complete. But while the preliminary band music was just starting, down came the rain, and it was announced to the crowd that the ceremonies would take place in the House chamber at the Capitol. So there the crowd, including Lizzie and myself went. But we had a fine meeting. Ch. J. Thomas presided. We had short speeches by Robt. J. Pleus, Bar Pres., Gov. Caldwell, Fuller Warren, and the main speech of the occasion by Justice Stanley Reed of the U.S. Supreme Court. All the speeches were good.

Thursday, December 30, 1948. Rain & Wind.

Cloudy all day, with scattered showers. The wind was from the N.W. all day.

Wrote a long letter to Susie Lovejoy Harris this morning. Did a little work last night and today on a puzzling [case] referred to me to write.

We had a nice visit from Mary Maud Jeffords early in the evening.

With the temperature at 42 this afternoon I drove up for the mail and when I got back I took a walk on golf course.

Friday, December 31, 1948. Cold. Total Rain fall here for 1948: 83-1/2 inches.

Cold, but clear.

Plenty of Ice. Bird bath frozen. I slept late. Had breakfast about 9.45. Took a walk about 10:30. The cold N.W. wind made me cut it short.

Went up town about noon and got the mail. In the mail was a letter from Judge Strum saying he intended to fly over next Tuesday to attend the gubernatorial inauguration. Said Mrs. Strum was in St. Vincents hospital, and had to have attention there she could not get at home. She is suffering a great deal. Cancer is a terrible thing. I wrote him we would expect him to take lunch with us.

This aft. we drove up to the P.O. and mailed the letter.

They have had terrible weather—heavy rains—in the New England States and in New York. Annie’s return may be delayed.

Good bye to 1948.

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