The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1894-01-02

Navuan. Ga. December 30--(Special J.
Hon. w. Y. Atkinson issues me c aor,Dm."s
Newman, Ga, December $40 the feo-
pIe of Georgian Difference to the wishes
course will enable me to render Soihe ser
vice to my party and my country, an
nounce myself a candidate for governor OF
Georgia. subject to the action OF the state
II may be pardoned for saying that the
demand for my candidacy comes from
every section of the state and from all
classes of people. but chiefly from those
who are actuated less by a sentimental I'M
pulse than by desire Tor praGticai; h t,I
frugal and industrious, are struggling I'M
der the burden of financial depression, and
believe that it is in the power of govern
1nent to bring relief by the contamination
of those political reforms to which the
democracy stands committed, and from
earnest party workers in the militia dis
tricts and counties, whose devotion to the
party and confidence in the expressed pur-
pose 10 comply with its pledges have been
1.-The governor of the state, in his official
capacity, cannot, of course, deal directly
with the solution of national questions;
but the endorsement by the 'Jarty of one
of its members for so high a position gives
prestige and power to his political views
and influence. Moreover, the effect of the
action Of a sovereign state upon national
issues cannot he overestimated. In the APP
preaching state campaign we should stand
upon the platform as PROMULGATED in 1892,
and insist upon the Interpretation of that
instrument Just ii explained to the
people when we sought their votes, and
the voters of this state interpreted it when
they cast their ballots. There should be
no duplicity, no hair-splitting, no evasion,
no eGuivocatfon. On every hand are seen
evidences of depression and distress. The
stoutet heart is appalled, by the shadow
of tmpfndinE financial disaster. The party
now entrusted with power should not daily
with the questions to which it is committed
and urnn which it achieved its victory
II do not underestimate the responsible
4fn- p1F VV4fn Ill
man who may be honored as the standard
bearer of the party in the coming campaign:
neither do claim qualifications superior TO
others who have been for years in the ac-
tive service of the party, nor do I ask that
the Office Of governor be conferred upon me
as PERSONAL compliment. II offices are to
he awarded merely as positions of honor
political parties are useless. their professed
differences are myths and their alleged
principles but meaningless platitudes. Sin
CerelY as 7 would appreciate the honor done
me by my promotion to the office of gov
ernor. I would be disloyal to the duties of
citizenship did I accept it merely as an
sOnal Drefermcnt. The office should be
coveted only 10 enable one to conserve the
interests of his country and promote those
reforms to which the people look for pros
know their wants. their trials their
wronrs, and no public career can satisfy nv
ambition which will not enable me to assist
IN up1ttinE them and in advancing the
growth and progress of my state
$50 far as it may be within my power
to control the campaign shah be FOUGHT
upon, lvaa. and vital issues-upon questions
which affect the homes and happiness Of
the whole people. Those men who have
fought the battles of the democratic party
for the past twenty-five years neither de
nand nor expect any compensation save
that which accrues to all the people from
good government; but they do ask of the
party equal consideration with those men
who come to the party's aid only when by
50 doing thew can promote their own DO
1iti~9l fortunes.
"Since boyhoOd in the dark days of re-
construction 7 have labored for the success
of my party ut every election. During the
past eight wears ] have served continuously
as a member of the general assembly. If,
IN the opinion of my fellow citizens. my
experience in the campaigns of nv party
and legislator fits me TO carry the ban
ner of democracy and qualities me to ad-
minister the affairs of state as governor.
! promise to meet every duty with the same
zeal and fidelity with which I have en-
daavcred to discharge the trusts heretofore
confided to me by my county. my state and
party.
"In due season ! expect to meet the peO-
pie face to face and discuss with them the
leading issues of the day both state and
national and will be glad to have my COM
petitors to join me in these discussions.
'W. 7. ATKINSON.''