Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-08-16
Alfred HI. COI0uitt.
Written for the Morning Nelos.

Think not there is no smile
can bestOW upon thee. There is a smile,
smile of nature too which can spare
And {s'' perhaps thou '''l' not thank me for
My acquaintance with Georgia politics and
politicians began in 1929, in Jackson county.
Events are the alphabet of history-Time the
great compositor which 'sets them up in their
enduring order, stereotypes them, and dedi-
Gates the mighty lessons they teach to the age.
Among the events which have transpired in
Georgia in little more than half a century,
can now call to mind, always excepting the
startling scenes Of the war, nothing more
dramatic than the elevation of Mr. Stephens to
the chief magistracy will be. The dramatic
effect OF this event depends largely upon it's
significance and benef1cence. I remember
Little Alec" well when he first entered upon
his legislative career in the General Assembly
The whole state echoed with his clear-cut.
brilliant, ringing speeches. 1t was the case of
SOphocles when q mere boy aiding the chorus
Of youths, with dance and Tyre, who performe1
the p@an of triumph in the solemn assembly of
Athens, which stood, the meanwhile, around
the troI by raised to their valor, who achieved
the immortal vi tory at the battle of SAlamis
His whole life has been like that of the great
Greek dramatist and patriot, succession Of
brilliant victories. Like him in his old age,
Mr.. Stephens has been selfshly and unfeel-
ingly impeached for "dOtsge and incapacity"
With all his dazzling triumphs on his laureled
brow, the venerable Old Greek hero of an hun
dred contests rose before the court. aud for re-
ply and refutat on, pronounced his Hdipus at
Colonus. Mr.. stephens needs no other answer
to those who charge him with dOtage
and incapacity, than his Congressional
reports, his political speeches and letters. and
his history. Gubernatorial honors will grace
his OLD age like the rewards OF the tragic Vic
tor did that of the ancient poet, statesman and
Genera. more befitting and graceful recog-
milton Of long and illuStriOus services, no State
did ever bestow upon worthy son. than this
chief dignity so generously accorded to this
unselflSh, wise and renowned old gentleman.
When Governor Colquitt was in Washington
and suggested to Mr.. Stephens to ent- for the
Democratic nomination, he no doubt felt the
truth and force OF all that have said respect
ing the fitness Of 1.-THE worthiness Of Mr.
Stephens to wear this honor. and the graceful
ness on the part of the State in bestOwing it
but he saw and felt great deal more
He realized what the factiOus malignRnts
were not capable Of conceiving that the weight
of Mr.. Stephens character would crush the
faction and crush the false lndependentism
which had cOnspired TO crush the Democratic
party of the State and deliver it over, bound
baud and foot to the Republican tormentOrs.
AS our sensible and genial friend, bill
Arp" fOrci0ly says. cutting into the heart or
this matter, as his custom is, II don't know
who was the father Of this business-that is,
getting Mr.. Stephens to run-but he is a smart
man shore. He saw the breakers ahead, He
snuffed the battle from afar. The Independ-
ents were massing their forces, and they wsre
going to run Mr.. stephens themselves, when
suddenly the organization came along and
stole him and carried bin of. - etc etc.
have no idea that DR.. Felton,
and Emory Speer could ever have committed
Mr. Stephens to their independent" move
ment but he committed them to his support,
ami utterly broke the force Of any combination
adverse to the Democratic party.
Remember that / am illustrating Governor
Colquitt's superior capacities. He realized at
a glance the perils of the situation. A disor-
ganizing faction already existed within the
party. and was seeking a coalition with an out
side party. They had common objects. and he
foresaw that they would coalesce and form
conspiracy, and possibly effect in Georgia what
Malone aud his followers effected in Virginia
the temporary overthrow OF the Bourbon De-
mocracy'-the only real Democracy in this
country.
By this act of consummate policy-a brave,
manly, Just pollcy-the policy OF principles
supreme policy Of common sense and common
honesty-the Democratic party did the most
graceful act in the history of the State, over
threw the factions inimical to the peace Of the
organization ana the highest interests OF the
State.
The State and the party owe him debt of
gratitude for what he did to consolidate the
Democratic party. His enemies rave. They
say "he is q weak man" and incompetent"
And here the ''smile" comes in which can
spare - whether they thank me for it, or not
August l, 1882. AGRIcoLA-