The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-01-28
ATKINSON BACK IN ATLANTA.
GOVERNOR TALKS OF POLITICS AND
THE BULL FIGHT.

TerreIrs letter and Withdrawal
From the GubernatoriaI Race NOT
TO Break Their Friendship.
Atlanta, Ga. Jan. 27.-After an absence
of nearly a month from the state over
which he presides as chief executive. Gov
Atkinson ana party returned from Next
CO this afternoon, occupying the private
car of President Thomas of the Norm
Carolina and ST. Louis Railway, in when
the trip made.
The Governors party was MADE
UP of himself and wife ana
daughter, his brother, Sadeiior
T. A. Atkinson, Editors Phinizy OF
Augusta, stoval of Savannah, Knowles of
Rome, Miss Ella Powell. Mrs Judge John
g. Gambler, DR.. Z. c. Davis and capt. Os-
car Brown All expressed themselves as
delighted with their sightseeing and eN-
periences.
Gov. Atkinson looks considerably i'm
proved in flesh and his talks with friends
who gathered to meet him after his long
absence from his country and state show
ed that his outing had done him a great
deal of good.
The home coming Of the Governor was an
event in the political situation of no little
interest on account of the many develop
ments that have taken place on the po-
litical chess board of the state since his
departure, Just after the famous Newman
,nossum supper. Interest was felt by the
friends and the public in what The Gov
ernor would have to say about the retire
nent of Attorney General Terrell from the
fa1
raasons assigned by the
Attorney General and the
gossip about the Sunday bull fight which
the Governor attended in the City OF Mex
leo This bull fight episode has become
quite an issue with the state papers, ana
in view of the contradictory reports sent
abroad concerning it, the Governors own
statement about 1t has been somewhat
anxiously awaited by his friends, VINO
thought that an injustice had been done
him by those papers which have been crll-
cising his conduct.
When seen by the Morning News corre-
spondent Gov. Atkinson talked very freely
upon the bull fight subject and was equal
~ as outspoken in regard to the political
situation as it has developed during his
absence, so far as he felt at liberty to
speak.
"I have not had any communication with
MIR. Terrell since my departure he sad,
and, therefore, only know what | have
seen IN the newspapers Since SOl bdCh
into the United States OF course nave
read Mr.. Terrells letter setting forth his
reason for declining to make the race. He
is the best Judge of his own affairs, and
no doubt believes that he has adopted
the wisest course. Joe is safe man on
any question, and I guess he knew what
he was about. If he had made the race,
1 would have been glad to rem
der him all the assistance properly
within my power. He and / have always
been good friends, politically and other
wise, and I see nothing in the present
situation to interfere with our relations
From the statement it is evident that
the Governor does not mean to interpret
Col Terrells letter as unfriendly to him
self, either intentional or unintentional.
Speaking generally of politics in view of
the refusal of Mr. duBlgnon TO run and
the formal announcement of Col. Cand-
lerss candidacy, Gov Atkinson said that
he had no further interest in the coming
election than any other good citizen.
When the subject of his possible candi-
daey for the Senate was preached, he re-
piled that he had already repeatedly said
that he was not a candidate for that or
any other office, and he could hardly see
why there should be a persistent effort
made to hold him up in that light He
said there was never any foundation for
the report that he and Col. Terrell had
Joined their interests in the latters pro-
posed candidacy for Governor. The only
interest he had in the attorney generals
intended candidacy was that of a friend
who was willing to put his shoulder to
the wheel in his behalf when the proper
moment arrived.
Il expect to devote myself to making a
living by the practice of my profession
when l retire from the office of Governor"
he said "and in this pursuit | will not
have time for politics. | will always be
loyal to the party, and do what / can for
its interests, but | am not now a candidate
for anything, and do not expect to be-"
Speaking of the bull fight Gov Atzin-
son made no ''bones" al all about saving
that he attended 1T, and on Sunday too
Il was in Mexico" he said ito see and
learn all l could about the country and
the people. Bull fighting is the great ma
tional sport. Everybody, from the Presi-
dent and the highest dignitaries of the
state, down to the poorest one who can
get up the price Of admission. goes to
them. They are held only on Sunday. so if
the tourist wants to see this sight he must
go on that day. When I was in California
went to a Chinese temple while inVesti-
eating those people there, not because L
endorsed their religion or morals 1 also
went into their opium dens, not because I
would tolerate them il / had the
power of determination. bat because
of my desire to see life in all its phases
which took US to the bull fight. which is
a most revolving spectacle one of which
we had enough before il was over and took
our leave Just to show you how the
bull fight is regarded by the Mexicans.
there was in a box near TO the one we
occupied family of proud Castillan
blood. Among them were two beautiful
daughters. the father having recently re-
fused to allow one Of these girls TO marry
the son of President Diaz, because. he
declared, the Presidents family was not
his social equal. in the churches on the
morning of the day of the fights YOU may
see the people come in actually upon their
knees, kissing the floor in their humility.
yet as they go out they buy tickets for
the bull fight at the church door"
Gov. Atkinson and his party were re-
ceived with many marks of attention along
the route and in the capital the detailed
account Of his trip which he gives being
highly entertaining.