The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-25
Judge AtkinSon's Platform.


Judge Atkinson is one of the best known
as well as one of the most popular men
in the state. He has ability of high or
der and his public record is a clean one.
He is in harmony with his party upon all
important public questions. and he is in
sympathy with the people upon all purely
state matters. There is every reason for
thinking therefore that he viii have a very
hearty support in all parts of the state,
and particularly in South Georgia, for
the gubernatorial domination of his party.
There are some things In his letter
announcing his candidacy which are GER
tain to have very hearty approval. One
of them is his declaration respecting the
salaries of school teachers. He thinks the
teachers ought to be paid at the end of
each month, and every fair minded per-
son agrees with him. At present the school
teachers, in many instances, have to sell
their vouchers to money lenders at
heavy discount, in order to get money to
pay current expenses. Why should school
teachers have to wait for months for their
salaries. while the Governor and other
The salaries Of the school teachers in the
rural districts are very small, and there is
no good reason why they should not be
paid monthly. Why the legislature has
not provided for their prompt payment
long before this is one of the things not
easily explained. 1t is certain that the
members of the legislature would never
submit to a condition of affairs that placed
them in the clutches of the money lend
ers They are quick enough to look out
for their compensation, but they seem to
think the school teachers ought to e.sat-
isfed If they get their money at all, no
matter how long they have to wait for 1t.
Another of Judge Atkinson S declarations
that is worthy of special notice Is that
which relates to taxation. He practically
admits that there is no probability of a
REDUCTION in the appropriations In fact
he says that he is against Withholding
pensions from ex-Confederate soldiers, and
the widows of ex-Confederate soldiers, and
is opposed to any backward step in the
matter of education. He believes in low
ering the tax rate by taxing property
which now escapes taxation. There is,
undoubtedly, a great deal of such prop
erty, and If Judge Atkinson can suggest
sure way of finding it, and getting it on
the tax books, he will show himself to be
superior, in at least one respect, to the
law makers and tax assessors of this or
any other state.
What Judge Atkinson says about the
state agricultural department and the adj
ministration of our penal system is just
about what any level headed man who
had given these matters consideration
would say. His statement that he is rot
embarrassed by promises or pledges, that
he is not the candidate of a clique or fac
ton, and that he has no political griev-
ances will be accepted without question.
The people haven't any fault to find with
him now, and they would not have any
If the Democratic party should nominate
him for Governor and elect him. 1t is
doubtful even If he would be generally
criticised if, refusing to follow Col Can
dlers example, he should not resign the
office he now holds before it is determined
whether or not his candidacy for the gu
bernatorial nomination is successful.