The evening times., 1896-11-12
Goldenberg's,
o26=o2S 7th--7o6 K Sts
NOT KICKED OUT.
Recent Developments on the Retire
ment of ii oke smith.


The presence of Hon. Hoke Smith in'ths
city recalls his retirement from the Cabi- r.
net and the impression that he was prac-
tically kick ed out
An examination of facts since developed
indicates that this view was erruneous.
Mr.. Smith was not in favor OF free silver
and his personal relations with his asso-
ciates in the administration OF the gov
ernment We're entirely unchanged. They
were thoroughly kindly and cordial. An
evidence of this is fOundin his meetings With
them on the two occasions OF his pres
ence in this city since he left the Cabi-
net. All shows that his leaving was yolun-
tary entirely.
The r,,4sun, however, did not involve
the silver question, and that was whera
the misunderstanding naturally arose
TWO years ago, ii VIII he remembered.
Mr. Smith began a sound money crusade
in Georgia. He then believed that the
national Democracy in convention would
take its CID position on the silver ques-
ton. If there was any change he was
sure 1T would be in the direction of standing
for n financial policy such as outlined by
the indianapolis platform OF the National
Democracy. Accordingly he was very busy
getting everybody TO pledge himself ia
stand by the deci sion of the national
convention. The danger in Georgia waz
a bolt of Democrats into the PCpulist camp.
AT the same llllie- UO"cNeE, WIS
obliged to pledge himself to abide by the
decision of the national Democratic con-
vention Speaker Crisp, who was still alive,
saw to that point.
Accordingly when the Democracy at
Chicago declared for free coinage of sill
yer, Secretary Smith was forced by his
pledge TO stand by that decision He must
vote for the ticket nominated. This would
put him in an embarrassing position i'll a
Cabinet openly and fierccly opposed TO the
Chicago platform and nominees, and there
was nothing left for Mr.. Smith to do but
get out and 20 home to work for the
Democratic State ticket. This he did.
He made Two speeches on national is
sues-one in North Georgia and the other
at Valdosta. in the southern part of the
State. In neither. nor anywhere in pub
lie or private, did he indorse the Chicago
platform, or say he wished or hoped to see
the election of Bryan. In the Valdosta
speech he launched into a eulogy of PreSi-
dent tCleveland andhis administration, which
carried his audience into u storm OF ap-
| plausc. He at all times and under all
circumstances rebuked any criticism Of Mr..
Cleveland. and advocated earnestly sound
money Legislation.
At the same time he worked zealously
| for the State ticket alongside OF men who
| were earnest free silver men. They were
, preSentingt the unbroken frontof the Democ-
| racy to Populists and ,Prohibitionists
| whose plans and policies went a long way
| in advance of the Chicago platform on the
| road to the destruction OF business inter-
ests. 1t was essential to the solid growth
and prosperity of the State that the De-
| mocracy should win, and all must Join hands
| to accomplish the result.
AS a consequence free silver legislature
was elected: for in the canvass of the State
with Du Bignon, the gold champion, Speaker
Crisp had carried all the counties but two
| for free silver. Nevertheless more than
| forty members Of the legislature offered to
| vote for Mr.. Smith for Senator. He refused
| to make an effort to add to the number, be-
| cause they We're instructed for free silver.
The difficulty with the Georgia legisla-
ture Just nov in selecting Senator is to
| find man of national reputation who
| will go to the lengths in financial legislation
| required by the free silver advocates.