The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-10-16

This Spsakership of the Next House.
From the Netrndn Herald and Advertiser
Oct. IA.
Hon. W. Y. Atkinson, who has Just been
returned TO the legislature from this county
for the fourth successive term, will be
candidate for the speakership of the next
House.
He has seen more active service az a
member of that body, and has served
longer, than either of his honorable oom-
petitors, and bis fitness for the position is
unquestioned. His qualifications are such
as can be acquired only by experience in
large and unwieldly delibsrative bodies like
our House of Representatives, coupled with
the ready tact and skill Of an accomplished
parliamentarian. His ability as presiding
officer has been demonstrated on numerous
occasions, and IL was a spontaneous recog-
milton Of his superior qualifications that re-
suited In his selection as chairman of the
state democratic convention in 1890 and
again the present year.
During MIR. Atkinson'slterm Of service as
legislator he has made record of more
than ordinary brilliancy. Among other
measures originated and introi by him
was the bill 20 make the Office of commits
sioner Of agriculture elective, the bill estab-
fishing the Georgia Normal and Industrial
College for the education Of white girls.
the bill to put express and telegraph COM
panies under control of the railroad COM
mission, and numerous measures OF less note
bat equal merit.
When the claim Tor bettsrments made by
the lsssees Of the Western and Atlantic road
was being pressed upon the legislature, and
litigation threatened 60 wreck the states
magnificent property aud prevent its de-
livery to the new lessees. Mr.. Atkinson had
the courage TO assume the responsibility 70
move the appointment of q committee
charged With The duty of solving this
problem, which had vexed the public
for years. He was made chairman Of
this committee, and was the author of
the substitute finally adopted provid-
ing for the settlement Of the claim FOR bet
terments. The masterful msnrer in which
he, as a legislator, dealt with this question,
his recc Snized ability as a lawyer, and his
Intelligent grasp Of the legal intricacies of
the case, induced the governor 10 appoint
him as associate counsel with Hon. Clifford
Anderson and Hon. John !. Hall to repre-
sent the state upon the trial of this cause
celebre before the bettermeuts commission.
The result wss the highest proof OF his sa-
gaoitv aud wisdom as a legislator, and OF
his ability as q lawyer.
His popularity as q oitizan has been most
pleasingly demonstrated BY ais election TO
the Legislature four consecutive terms-the
last time without becoming candidate,
and without effort or solicitation upon ala
part, being the only Instance Of the ktnd on
record In Coweta county, II not In the
state.
In presenting Mr.. Atkinson as q candidate
for she speakership 1t Is not necessary 10
make an appeal to party enthusiasm to boil
ster up his claims. We offer aim solely and
simply upon his merits, aud 10 is a source.of
qualification to know that the chances are
altogether favorable to his election. Ii is
more gratifying still thaS tns result will be
without resort TO the cheap campaigning
methods so frequently employed in contests
OF this character. lne office Ia one of too
much dignity e be scrambled for, and Mr..
Atkinson is in no sense a scramkler.