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NEWS CONFERENCE
GOVERNOR FARRIS BRYANT
TALLAHASSEE
OCTOBER 31, 1953
NEWSMEN PARTICIPATING: Vernon Bradford, TAMPA TRIBUNE; Hebert W.
Delaney, ORLANDO SBNTINED; Barbers Frye, UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL;
David Oretsch, PREELAHCB; Jim Hagan, FLORIDA BROADCAST NEWS; Jerry
Mock, JOHN E. PERRY PAPERS; Allen Morris, CRACKER POLITICS; Frank Noel,
ASSOCIATED PRESS; Steve Prentice, FLORIDA BROADCAST NEWS; Doug Starr,
ASSOCIATED PRESS; Ray Starr, ABC RADIO; George Thurston, WJXT, emu;
John Turner, WPGA, WTVJ; Martin Waldron, ST. PETERSBURG TIMES-MIAMI
HERALD SERVICE.
GOVERNOR: Good afternoon.
SEVERAL: Good afternoon, Governor.
GOVERNOR: I am glad to be back and I am glad to be here now. I would
like to start this news conference by making an introduction to you,
which has a particular meaning for me. Sometime after nomination for
Governor and before election, I spoke to a group of businessmen in
Florida about the necessity for supporting higher education to a
greater degree than we had ever done before. The plans were not
formulated then as they have been since that time, but one or those
businessmen present moved by those remarks and those ideas wanted to
try to do something about this problem. It was Mr. Friedland of the
Food Fair Chain. He established therefore a fund, which he is paying
on an annual basis to the Education and Research Foundation and through
that to the University of Florida for the establishment or the Food
Pair Professor of Harketing at the College of Business Administration
at the University or Florida. That professor has now been selected
and is at work. He is Dr. M. S. Heidingsfield. Prior to his current
affiliation, he was the Associate Dean and Professor of Marketing at
the College of Commerce and Finance of Villanova University. He has
been a Manager of Market Research for RCA Sales Corportion. I have
some biographical data on him here that I would like to give to you
because I think you will be impressed by it, too. But with this
preliminary, I would like to present to you Dr. Heidingsfield at this
time. Dr. Heidingsfield, would you mind stepping up here a moment.
I wanted to say to you publicly, and through you to Food
Fair, and really through you to every one of the business people that
are doing so much to advance the cause of Florida out of a true civic
interest how grateful we are for your presence and for the prestige
and the learning that you are going to bring to the University of
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fishermen along Florida's West Coast? If yen are, sir, do you have
any comment on it?
GOVERNOR: No, I am not. What are they demonstrating?
n.5rnnn: They claim that they want more money for what they are doing
and the packagers don't feel that way. Thought we might have another
Florida East Coast situation on the West Coast?
GOVERNOR: This is the shrimp fishermen? There desire is certsinly
normal. Most of my staff does the same thing. (laughter)
DELANEY: Speaking of your start, last weekend while you were away your
executive side who was sort or acting governor allowed not only the
University or Florida, but Florida State and A. and H. to get beaten.
Do you think he was living up to his responsibility?
GOVERNOR: That was one reason I rushed home. (laughter)
FRIE: has he discussed his resignation plans with you?
GOVERNOR: Not lately, no.
R.8TARR: Governor, have you been brought up to date on the probe by
your office's! gambling in the State or Florida?
GOVBRHOR: Oh, yes.
H.3TARR: Can you give us any more on it, sir, than we already have?
GOVERNOR: Let me put this in proper perspective. Sometime before I
left I was asked about these federal activities. They are continuing.
Every now and then some arrests are made in a particular field and to
the public eye it looks as though there was a sudden flurry of activity,
but these are continuing. Regularly there is laid on my desk by Mr.
Enrich a summary or the activities by all law enforcement agencies or
which he has knowledge in Florida. And most or the time they are
working up this case or that one or the other and after months of work
it culminates in some arrests, but the incidence of arrests or the
statement by somebody in Washington doesn't create a cycle of criminal
activity in this state nor of investigative activity. So when I said
that there was nothing unusual going on, that was completely accurate.
These efforts by all the law enforcement agencies, including the F.B.I.,
to work in the Central Florida area, and the Tampa groups and the
Miami groups, activities of the Beverage Department and others is
normal and continuing. And we are in contact with all law enforcement
agencies or Florida in that regard.
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DBLANEY: There was a report in Gainesville last week, Governor, that
a large number or the Florida legislators and members or the
Congressional Delegation felt that if on election were held today that
Senator Goldwater would carry Florida over President Kennedy. Do you
have any views on that?
GOVERNOR: I have nothing to add. I have not-been in touch with the
electorate since my trip and I have nothing to add to previous
expressions.
DELAREY: I don't recall, had you --
GOVERNOR: We will make the text available to you so that.you will have
it in full detail.
FREE: Didn't you say that on "Meet the Press"?
GOVERNOR: We have texts of that, too.
FRYB: Do you?
GOVERNOR: :Yeo.
ERIE: You don't trust anybody. (laughter)
GOVERNOR: No, they make them and send yon 300 copies, as a matter-of
fact. I think I still have 299 or them left. (laughter) Are there
other questions?
R.STARR: What are your plans for election day, sir, are you going to
Goals to vote?
GOVERNOR: Yes, after Cabinet meeting.
H.8TARR: And then come back here?
GOVERNOR: Yes.
R.STARR: Would there be an Opportunity if this is favorable the
following day for you to meet the press? Or if it is not favorable
to give us your comments on the election?
GOVERNOR: I would be glad to meet under any circumstances. I think
it is sufficiently significant if you want to push it up to Wednesday.
D.STARR: Will you be available at the Mansion Tuesday night?
GOVERNOR: I will probably be available Tuesday night, assuming that
I come back immediately after voting. I don't have any fixed plans.
But it I am in town, I will be glad to be available.
D.STARR: will you be available in Ooale?
GOVERNOR; If you can find me. (laughter) I mean I won't be hiding,
but I am not going to be hanging around a telephone waiting for your
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call.
FREE: would you mind making out two statements, one for each -
(laughter)
GOVERNOR: That might be a help. Are there other questions?
SEVERAL: Thank you, Governor.
GOVERNOR: Thank you.
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Floridh and the impetus that you are giving us to build a greater
institution of higher learning in the state.
hBIDINOSFTELD: Thank you very much, Governor.
GOVERNOR: We have got a great state and we need great people guiding
us in it, and I hope that your tenure at the University of Florida will
he as pleasant and fruitful for your so I know it will be profitable
for the State of Florida.
HEIDINGSFIELD: Thank you. That is very kind of you, Governor.
GOVERNOR: Do you have any remarks that you would like to address to
this group?
HEIDINGSFIELD: Hell, I on brand new in Florida, and I am delighted to
be here. And I feel very strongly that under the leadership of Governor
Bryant we are going to become one of the great centers of higher
education and that's why I came.
GOVERNOR: Thank you. Higher praise you couldn't give.
HEIDINGSPIBLD: Thank you, Governor.
GOVERNOR: Are there questions?
D.8TARR: Would you give us the first name of the Food Fair man?
GOVERNOR: Friedland. George Friedland.
8.3TARR: Governor, in Japan you talked about Mr. Oromyko and the
Russians and the Chairman of the 0.8.8.3. stopping of their moon program.
You said that you hoped that the Nova program wouldn't stop in Florida.
There are now rumblings from Congress that Nova may be slowed down.
What can the Governor's Office here do to get this program rolling for
Florida?
GOVERNOR: We can and have conveyed to those friends with when we have
some voice in Washington our feeling on this subJeot matter first of
all that we ought not to be governed in our activities in this field
by the announced plans of the Russian government. We ought not on the
one hand to be in the business of conducting our defense on the basis
of putting out first or on the other hand that when they announce that
the fire is already cut to withdraw our forces. I think it would he
very foolish to do this. I'm not convinced that Just because Chairman
thuschev says that they have slowed up that they have therefore
slowed. I don't think that there is any demonstrable relationship
between what he says about their program and what in fact is their
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program. I think that if the moon is worth going to, it is worth
going to whether the Russians are going to get there or not. I think,
if anything, if accepted at face value or otherwise the statement by
the Chairman is evidence that we are ahead and it is because we are
ahead that he makes his statement whether they stop their effort or
not and that we ought not to give up the advantage that we have so
hardly won .
BRADFORD: Governor, have you received the audit report on the Develop-
ment Commission?
GOVERNOR: No, sir, I have not.
BRADFORD: Have you had any indication about when it might be forth-
coming?
GOVERNOR: I have not. Have you, Mr. Kynes?
KINES: No, sir, I have not.
GOVERNOR: No, we have not.
WALDRON: Has anybody made a poll on the prospect of the Amendment No.
2 passing next Tuesday?
GOVERNOR: I believe the St. Petersburg Times conducted one.
"ALDRON: That was only one area do you know the statewide poll?
GOVERNOR: I do not.
WALDRON: Have you had any indication since you've been back that it
might be in trouble?
GOVERNOR: No, except from the great danger, and it is a great danger,
of apathy, I think the overwhelming consensus of the people of Florida
is that it ought to pass. I recognize that when peeple go into the
poll unless they are convinced their tendency is to vote "no," that
in a situation or this kind you lose all the votes of those who are
against it and.you also lose those who are in doubt or in ignorance.
You must, therefore, have an affirmative maJority to do the Job. This
is a great danger.
FRYE: You felt, when you left here, very optimistic about it. Do you
feel the same way now, has anything changed?
GOVERNOR: Nothing has changed. I am very, very pleased at the
activities that have been conducted. We have been getting reports
from some areas that we were a little bit doubtful about that look
much improved since that time.
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BRADFORD: Governor, do you think that the fact that there has been
some opposition to one or more of these other proposed amendments
might have an adverse effect on the bond issue?
GOVERNOR: I think that is highly so. I believe that where you have
the three or than running together there that a tendency fallen from
a negative determination on one to vote negatively on the others. I
don't think, however, that this is significant. I believe that Amend-
ments 2 and 3 will both pass 1r the vote is representative.
FRYE: What about one?
GOVERNOR: I have not been in close touch with one. I really haven't
paid much attention to it or tried to sound out feelings on it.
NALDRON: Well, will you make any kind of statewide television appeal
between now and than?
GOVERNOR: No. I do expect to fill a long-standing engagement with
the Central Florida Showcase for this weekend and I would not be
surprised if that topic did come up.
FREE: When is that?
GOVERNOR: Saturday evening.
ERIE: In Orlando?
GOVERNOR: Yes, ma'am, the home of you-know-what newspaper. (laughter)
NALDRON: Corner Cupboard? (laughter)
PRENTI ': Do you expect the vote to be representative?
GOVERNOR: No, I don't think it can be ever, really. I think that the
sentiment taken by a poll where you go out among the people will
reflect a greater percentage for the proposal than the one that will be
case at the poll.
FRYE: It sounds like you are saying than that you don't think it will
pass?
GOVERNOR: It is going to pass, but I am worried because of the
possibility of apathy which is an unmeasurable factor.
GRETSCR: Governor, in Orange, Leon and Hamilton Counties there are
corresponding bond issues for capital outlay. Do you think there will
be any adverse, or otherwise, effect due to all these revenue issues
GOVERNOR: I would not think so.
GRETSCH: You don't see any feeling or overbonding?
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GOVERNOR: I would think that the impetus gained by those local people
pushing for their local programs would be beneficial to the general
program.
FRYE: Governor, what will you do if the college bond issue is rejected?
GOVERNOR: Think about it.
FREE: what will your next step be?
GOVERNOR: I would think about it then and see what ought to be done.
BRIE: You haven't thought about it?
GOVERNOR: No, I really haven't formulated any plans about what might
be done.
BRADFORD: Would a special session of the Legislature be one of those
things about which you would think?
GOVEREOR: Among many. I would like not to give any idea that I am
contemplating calling a special session because I am not. Obviously,
that is one or the alternatives that you would turn over in your mind.
R.STARR: Governor, if the local bond issue is beneficial what about
this complicated ballot down in Dade County which is one or the most
populated counties we have in our state. Do you think that this will
help or hurt the bond proposal?
GOVERNOR: I would.think that it would help, because it will call Out
a larger and more representative segment of the population and that
will be beneficial to the college building amendment and the recrea-
tional amendment.
R.STARR: Would it be beneficial to the others also?
GOVERNOR: What others?
R.STARR: The off-year election?
GOVERNOR: I would assume so.
WALDRON: Governor, have you taken any active interest in the situation
in St. Augustine?
GOVERNOR: Yes, I have. I have been briefed on it thoroughly and have
seen to it that steps were taken to insure so far as it is possible
that the rights of individuals are preperly protected.
WALDRON: Well, were you the one that sent the Highway Patrol in?
GOVERNOR: I am the Governor.
THURSTON: Governor, could you tell us what specific steps you have
taken in that regard?
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covaswos: The Sheriffs Buretm is active in the area, the Florida
highway Patrol, by coincidence, is conducting an operation crackdown
tied in with the safety program in that area at this time, our office
investigators have been closely in touch with the situation and in the
area if necessary, and coordination has been established between various
law enforcement agencies to insure that everything is done that ought
to be done.
ERIE: Have you personally talked to the sheriff down there?
GOVEBhOR: No, ma'sm, he has been talked with by Mr. Kynes, however,
several times or at least one time since I have been back, perhaps
more.
0.8!ARR: You didn't outlaw dove hunting in that area? (laughter)
GOVERNOR: Hot yet, no.
9313: Governor, have you discussed with Mr. Jerrard the possibility
of his resignation?
GOVERNOR: Well, I heard from the press the other day and tole them
that I wanted to check into the situation before making any comment.
I haven't had, in talking with the press, the full opportunity to do
so, but I do went to make this position or mine clear. I anticipate
that over this next 1 months there will be various of those persons
who have come here to Tallahassee at my behest who will be making their
plans for future activities beyond 196%. I want them to discuss these
with me fully because I need to make my plans for '64 based on what
they are going to do. For that reason I am going to refrain, unless
they give no specific authority, from discussing their plans and wOuld
suggest that on any occasion when you desire to know what they plan to
do that you go to the party directly concerned and seek information
there.
D.STRRR: what do you plan to do in 195u2
GOVERNOR: Practice law.
FREE: In 1964?
GOVERNOR: on, 1964.
D.8TARR: After '64? I mean after you leave the Governor's Office?
GOVERNOR: I plan to prscti a law. However, I mean in 'su there will
be those undoubtedly who will be making other arrangements. I don't
want them to say, "well, if we go talk to the Governor about it then
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when they ask him at press conference what we said all our private plans
will be revealed." I think, therefore, it is better that I not discuss
their plans if they discuss them with me, but that I refer you to them.
BRADFORD: Would it be your advice, Governor, to one of your Little
Cabinet Members who might seek a public office that he resign from the
appointive office when he makes that decision?
GOVERNOR: I don't think I would have to advise any of them. I think
that would follow, not when he makes the decision necessarily, but
when the time comes to become a candidate.
WALDRON: At one time during your career as Governor you indicated that
you might like to teach after you retire from this office. Have you
given up that idea?
GOVERNOR: Well, I haven't had any offers. (laughter)
ERIE: You mean your trial balloon didn't work? (laughter)
R.STARR: Governor, General Richard ErVin told us that until you got
back there would be no decision made on the Seadade-Islsndia situation.
Will there be something forthcoming on this before the I. 1. Board
meets?
GOVERNOR: No.
R.STARR: Will it came up in the next meeting?
GOVERNOR: I haven't had a chance to review this with the members of
the Cabinet because frankly, I ruched back from Japan and rode into
town at two o'clock at night to to back for Cabinet meeting only to
find that they apparently had not counted on my being back so soon and
there was no Cabinet meeting. But I have not had a chance to review
with the members of the I. I. Board the developments in that deal and
dont want to make any statement until I do. I did make a statement
before I left about my general views concerning the Seadade proposal.
DELAHEY: Governor, Senator scott Kelly in a recent speech blamed you
for the need for the money and used the words "fiscal irresponsibility"
in regard to this higher education. Do you care to comment on that?
Are you familiar with his speech?
GOVERNOR: No, I really am not. If you ask a specific question, I will
be glad to respond to it, but I haven't read his remarks.
FREE: Are you fiscally irresponsible? (laughter)
GOVERNOR: I haven't gotten my bank statement yet, but I may be. As
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youoknow, I have been close to being. (laughter)
DELANEY: No, his inference was that the reason was this uea.needed
was because of a failure to recognize needs in 1961. You haVe heard
before I an aura.
GOVERNOR: Well, during those years in which the Senator served in the
Senate of the State or Florida and a number or other years, the need -
for eleven years prior to 1961 there was only a total or 60 million
dollars for capital outlay for institutions or higher learning. To say
that the need accumulated in one two-year period I would also point
out to you that if there had been any shortage occasioned by that one
period that it would have been more than caught up by the $25 million
bond issue that was floated. I would like also to point out that in
fact the capital outlay money appropriated and spent after the '61
Legislature was greater than had been the average during those years
and that in fact we not only caught up the buildings at two or the
universities which were carried over zrom the previous administration
because there were inadequate funds to build them, but that we went
ahead with the largeat program that had been authorized in the past.
We did more building after '61 than had been the experience in previous
years. Now, we may not have authorized more money, but we did more
building we actually built what we had appropriated for. or course,
what they facilcd to do I am speaking when I say "they" I mean the
Senator in his '59 and '57 sections when I waan't here.
BRADFORD: Governor, regarding your alleged riecal irresponsibility,
has anybody been keeping track of the $50 million a year savings that
Mr. Evans started sometime ago?
GOVERNOR: We are working on the third 50 now. (laughter) As a matter
or fact that has been saved to many times that it hardly needs
recounting. (laughter) The last addition to it of any great signifi-
cance being the Road Department savings, which is almost half or it at
one fell swoop.
wALDRON: Did you take a communal bath in Japan?
oovaaaoa: No, I didn't have that privilege. (laughter)
WALDRON: How did you like the food?
com-ton: It was beautifully prepared. (laughter)
DELANEY: Last week in Gainesville, Governor, the president or Eaetern
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Airlines made a statement that airlines people don't feel that a new
airport is needed in the Jacksonville area, but that the $20 million
federal funds that might be used there should he better spent down in
the Canaveral-Daytons Beech-Orlando area. Do you have any knowledge
on this or do you have any thoughts on it?
GOVERBOR: Hell, some of my friends are in favor or the Jacksonville
situation, and some or them are in favor or the Orlando situation .
I stand with my friends. (laughter)
OBLANBY: There is a real solid position.
GOVERNOR: Actually, I don't know anything about it, as you H811 know.
D.STARR: He also said that there were a lot of tourists being flown
over Florida and down into the Islands and that something should be
done to stop them somewhere in Florida?
GOVERNOR: I agree with him. We are not only trying to do that I
wouldn't put it on the basis of stopping them in Florida. We are tyring
to do everything we can to attract them to Florida, including using
Florida as s base or operations it they wont to slip off to the Islands
for a day while they are on their Florida vacation. This is a fine
thing to do. It broadens our own attraction, but Florida continues to
be the tourist mecca of the world and this is what we want to make it
and keep it.
TURNER: Governor, I have heard people express concern over the Florida
exhibit charging $2.00 admission fee at the World's Fair when 75 per
cent or the exhibits are free. Do you think this is detrimental at
all in the role of the exhibit?
GOVERNOR: I don't think it costs money to get into the exhibit. That
is money into the separate parts or it, is it not? I am not familiar
with the rate schedule on it.
TURHER: Yes, sir, I think the Porpoise Pool for one thing.
GOVERNOR: It costs $2.00. Well, now that is a different matter
entirely. Obviously, it would he better operated free, obviously that
would take more money frOm Florida pockets to make it free. I think
that if we can make the exhibit so attractive that people will pay the
price and feel that they have gotten value for their money, we would
have done a superior Job.
3.8TARR: Governor, are you aware of this demonstration of shrimp
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