The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-19
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Enters the Fight for the
GOVGrnOrShlp.
POSES AS FOR THE PEOPLE.
Attacks Railroads and Taxa
tiOn Exemption.
CANDIDATE FROM COLUMBUS
Garrard Likely 10 Shy His Castor
Into the Ring.

Atlanta, Ga Feb 1s.--The Gubernatoriaf
race, which a week ago was no race al
all, Col. Allen Gambler being the sole en-
try, is now a three-cornered contest. with
strong indications that before another sun
has set it will become quadrangular.
This afternoon Hon. Robert L. Berner
of Forsyth came to the city and through
the columns of the afternoon papers an
nounced his candidacy. and promulgated
his PLATFORM
Tomorrow Col. L. f. Garrard Of sCol-
umbus is expected to shy his castor inta
the ring, and before the month Is out
there may be others.
Judge A. NJ. Bite of Dalton has been on
the point OF becoming a candidate for
several days. Tonight however, it was
given out by friend that he had aband-
oned the idea. but North Georgia is being
overhauled for some one to divide COL
Candlers strength and IL the man can be
found he will be brought into the arena.
with all these entries and the panoramic
changes that are taking place in the GU
bernatorial situation Mayor Meidrim OF
Savannah is being turned to by many of
the most astute politicians here in
speculative way. He Is regarded as the
strongest man South Georgia could offer
by the sages here, who have not yet COM
mitted themselves TO any OF the present
aspirants and when the show down comes,
II he should take a hand in the game, he
would hold cards to bank on.
Another OF the days developments was
a movement to bring Speaker jenkins out
as candidate for Attorney General It
is understood that he is seriously consid-
ering this step. The Gambler men want a
candidate to oppose Attorney General Ter
rell so as to tie him down to his own
Office and stop his efforts to aid Judge
Atkinson or other candidates messen-
ger was sent to Speaker jenkins home In
Eatonton to-day, 1t is understood, to con-
fer with him about the Attorney General
ship MIR. Terrell is regarded as an easy
mark for strong candidate on account
of the offense he gave to Gov. Atlinsonrs
friends by his letter Withdrawing from
the Gubernatorial race. With the loss OF
this support he would certainly have to
hustle TO save himself IL opposed by an
aggressive man and the Gambler forces.
who realize that II is a death grapple with
the Atkinson elements, want to make q
clean sweep.
The rapidity with which political devei-
opments have been coming has attracted
tHc pOlAtCldHS mere IN dFOVeS. among
those who came in to-day was Mr.. du-
Bignon OF Savannah. He was one Of the
Col. Candler's callers, the Secretary OF
State being his favorite, Ii is understood.
Senator Phil Cook, candidate for Secre-
tary of State, also arrived to-day. He
and his friends think they already have
the fight whipped
Col. Clifton of Darien is regarded as
sure TO be appointed TO fiji Col. Candlers
unexpired term as Secretary of State.
II was reported to-day after Mr.. Ber-
ner's announcement appeared that Judge
Atkinson would retire from the race The
report was denied, however
Another story. In circulation this after
noon was that Gov. Atkinson had said
Judge Atkinson would have to resign from
the railroad commission If he intended se-
riously to make the race.
Judge Atkinsons address to the public
Is expected to be given out for publication
the first Of next week His brother, who
Is here, intimated as much to-day.
The announcement Of Mr.. Berner, who
is one Of the best known men in the state.
being al present president of the Senate,
was genuine political surprise. He had
come to be regarded as absolutely out OF
ii since the Newman possum supper. He
Will lie the anti-corporation candidate. He
attacks the Southern Railway and goes so
far as TO criticise Gov. Atkinson Though
not cdl1liB MS HdIlG) IOr Idllure TO ln-f
stitute proceedings against the Southern's
alleged illegal consolidation of railway
properties. He Is also opposed to the ex-
emption Of manufacturers from taxation
and will combat the movement inaugurated
by the recent convention held here. Mr.
Berner Is an eloquent speaker, full OF en-
ergy and determination, and with the plat
form he has enunciated, viii undoubtedly
inject some red hot issues into the cam
paign. The following extracts from his
announcement show upon what MIR. Ber-
ner basis his candidacy:
II have watched for years the growth
of monopoly, and the usurpations Of or
ganlzed capital In this state. have seen
the constitution violated with impunity
and without shame. / have seen long
cherished policies desplsed and set aside as
| the folly OF our fathers / have mark
ed the annual expansion Of their demands.
which no amount of tribute or submission
| seems 10 satisfy.
Late events have added to the anxiety
or every citizen who loves the principle Of
| equal rights. and despises the policy Of
/ special privileges.
Through these years of falling prices
| and pressing debts transportation has
| continued 10 lay its heavy hand alike on
| producers ana consumers.
| "And now. 10 multiply our burdens or
/ ganlzed capital demands that mannfac-
ffsrrtfss4~a1 -. cst.stf.