The New York herald., 1871-12-18
GEORGIA POLITICS.
and Countsrplot-Fine Example Of the soufh-
ern Genius for Political Intrigue-Ths
Eight TO Be Made ever Local Is
sues-What Toombs Thinks Of
Grants Administration.

The struggle over the democratic nomination lor
Governor is ended. Ii the ring Of which hear so
much does really exist, it received It's nnal thrash
ing to-day, In The triumph OF Mr.. James M. Smith,
the present Speaker OF the House OF Representatives
Of Georgia.
HOW w0FFORD WAS FIO0RED.
As ] wrote You in previous letter, the real con-
test was between the nominee and General w. T.
WOrord. Last night the delegates to the Conven-
ti0n arrived In large numbers, and the wirepulling
was carried on 10 late hour. Although the North
Georgia delegates talked hopefully, they perceived
At once that 1t was an uphill work for them.
Public opinion had associated General WoYord with
Ex-Governor Brown, and the association damaged
him irreparably. This very week WofOrd came out
IN another card, Indignantly DENYING the rumors
ahoat characterizing them base lies, and declar-
ing that he would hold all men personally RESPONSE
Dlc who circulated them This denial, however, did
not improve his chances. There were many persons
who rejected the stories anoat who also believed 1t
unwlse and impolitic to nominate him, IN view Of
what had been said. The general feeling was that
even as Caesar put away his vile because she was
not above suspicion, 30 must the democracy put
aside Wollord because somebody spread report
thai he formed part Of ring with Joe Brown and
others.
SOME wIRE-PULLING.
However, the quidnuncs say tnat Joe Brown and
OthclS WOTheu jlk0 Dc0VciS ldbt uiSht uuloHS tA0
country deleganons. l do not know myself how
much work they performed, for retired to my
room unwell at an early hour; but am assured
tnas Joe buttonhoied every other ruralOoking gen.
ueman at the Kimbali House and engaged In q
short conversation with him, using ali his powers
OF persuasion IN favor Of WOn0rd. Whether or not
this be true It il certain that the entire state rail-
road influence was cast for W0fforu. As REGARDS
this gentleman is proper 10 say that II ne IS not
in any way connected with the ring ne mas been the
victim OF the basest slanders ever Invented against
any man. He has long been man OF prominence
In georgia, and has hitherto borne an irreproacn.
able character. During the Mexican war ne served
with credit as an onlcer and during our recent
civl war distinguished himself as general IN Inc
Confederate service.
MEETING OF TIE CONVENTION.
At noon to-day the Convention met In the hall OF
the House OF Representatives and elected tem-
pOrary chairman, who appointed q committee to
report on the permanent organization. During
Their absence roll Of delegates was called which
consumed no little Time, aud was somewhat wearl-
some. Finally Major Cumming Of Augusta, who
bears the reputation OF being one OF the most accom-
plished men IN Georgia, submitted majority
repoIt, and one clause brought the contest between
Smlih and W0fford to climax and to close. Mr..
Julian HartrtlRe, Of savannah formerly member OF
question OF adopting the report was called up.
Captain Garnet Mcmillan, one OF the leading
members Of the Assembly and supporter OF
Woiiord, submitted a minority report, which
differed IRON that OF the majority, lnasmucn as
related to the vote necessary 10 nominate candt-
date Tne latter declared simple majority SUM
Gent, while the minority report recommended the
adOpuoa 0t tine two-5hlrds rule.
BOTH SIDES AFRAID
funny scene now ensued Tne friends OF Smith
knew tnat they had majority, but were afraid
they hau not two.thlrds, whie the friends OF Wol.
they commanded more than one-tnird OF the votes.
A resolution had previously been adopted that the
votes u dhe convention snvIlG Ue aKeh lay ~
senlauves IN th4 4General Assembly. A motion was
made To substitute the minority Ior the majority
report, and, the question being put, the convention,
uitG tOcp, rejected 1t. McMnlan Immediately arose
and demanded the yeas and nays. The Convention
leen made to the enect inat, having by resolution
decided to take all votes Dy counties, the Conven-
order tne yeas ana nays. Mr.. Hal fridge decided
The point OF ORDER well taken; instantly
how he survived them. Any number OF delegates
W. Styles prominent Journalist Of Georgia, put IN
a nea. Speech but played tine very deuce with
cas e, to anopS me tWonrds T~ rule. Colonel CiSi
borne Snead, Of Augusta, one OF the ablest mem.
bers oil the Legislature; Captain Mcmillan and one
were done the Convention, not being in numor to
hear speeches, remorselessy squecned IL their IN
mOsthenian gentlemen.
Chaos being reduced to Cosmos. Mr.. Hartrldge
ordered the cali OF the counties, and the vote was
taken the question. ltreSuited In yeas 43, nays
lal, ana so the minority report was adopted When
the vote was announced the North Georgia dele
gates VINO supported WOrord, looked exceedingly
blue. captain Mcmillan. however, who headed the
man. man and died hard. When the majority
report was called up Tor adoption ne de.
vote becg taken. the report was adopted BY
yeas ISL, nays 3S. All the 0nord men could now
npe GT as % procsa
candidate for Governor. Col0nel James M. Smiths
name was the rst put forward, and 1t was received
with great applause. Tho name or John Q. Nichols,
next announced and was well received. Then fol-
was also applauded, and last OF all came the name
or General w. L. W0fford, which ellcited hearty
the vote. but before single county was called the
name or John y. Nichols was Withdrawn. Imme-
dIately alter letter from Judge Fielder was read,
iii which lie declined TO become Candidate for the
nomination. some delegate now proposed to nomi.
maze Colonel Smith py acclamation, but Mcmillan
turee counties mad voted the wonori men wholly
collapsed, and on motion Colonel Smith was n0ml.
naIed py acclamatlon amid immense cheering WoI-
lords name having been previously Withdrawn.
No NATIONAL POLITICS INVOLVED.
Thus ended the light over tue nomination. II the
Ring really expected to make anything by the n0mi-
nation of General Wonord II mas been woiully dis.
appointed. Indeed, doubt II II would have made
one nigny credItaDe to the people OF Georgia. 1t
proves their determination not to nominate for office
any otner tnan men OF known and avowed hostility
to all corrupt combinations or course Colonel
smith will be reelected, there being opposition.
the republicans are utterly dem0railzed and could
not II even all their leaders desired it, make fight
national politics having nothing TO do with the
coming election. " IS merely the continuation OF
reform movement more needed In Georgia than It
ever VAS IN New YORK city; and President Grant
could not nnict greater injury upon the material
interests OF The State than by accedlns to the
clamors OF few radical 0iice.h0ders and prevent
ing, by military force, the installation Of Colonel
Smith.
HOW CONFLICT WILL BE AVOIDED.
Coercion by the President is the best card In the
hands OF the radicals bat cannot believe that an
outrage SO gross and wautOn will be pcrpetrated.
Only a few days ago the state Senate unanimously
resolved that II there should be any conflict between
Mr. Conley and The Govern0r-eect the question
should be brought before the Courts and that the
LEGISLATURE would submit TO whatevsrr rnn danisfo6