Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-03-10
TERRELL ADDRESSED
THE DEKALB VOTERS
CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR HAD
ATREMENDoUs AUDIENCE
IN DECATUR. - .fa. z


Five hundred people men and women,
heard the speech of Hon. j. M. Terrell at
Decatur Friday. The audience was
enthusiastic and Mr.. Terrell was frequent
" applauded. The court room where the
speaking occurred was packed, many peo-
pie being forced TO stand.
Mr.. Terrell was introduced by Hon. Mill
ton A. Gambler, who referred to him as the
next governor of Georgia. Every militia
district in DeKalb county was represent
ed, and besides there were nearly 100
people from Atlanta who went out TO lis
ten to the speech.
Mr.. Terrell was slightly hoarse when he
began. but that soon wore away and his
voice was perfectly natural. Two weeks
campaigning in South Georgia had af
fected his voice somewhat, but he thinks
he will be all right in a few days.
The first question taken up for discus
sion was that Of lower taxes. Mr.. Terrell
said the tax rate of the state of Georgia
could be lowered If the people would send
representatives to the legislature who
were in favor of a reduction, and If those
representatives were instructed to vote for
a reduction. He said that economical ad-
ministration of the state government
would also assist somewhat in bringing
about a lower rate. He suggested that the
constitution of the state be amended so
that the taxing powers of the legislature
be fixed at the lowest possible rate. Then
he said outside capital would flock to
Georgia and this would bring an increase
in returns. as capital would rot come to q
state that had no fixed rate of taxation.
Mr.. Terrell next discussed the question
Of common schools. He stated that many
changes were needed in the system, as the
common schools were what the state was
depending on. He announced that he ia
vored the exemption of college endow-
ments in Georgia from taxation. He be-
-
be taxed because he did not think II was
just and fair to the schools. He cited that
in Atlanta there were negro institutions
having over 81, 000, 900 in endowments which
was invested in the state of illinois, and
which was not taxable in Georgia.
II was also contended by Mr.. Terrell that
fees derived from the inspection of fertil-
izers, which fees were practically paid
by the farmers and which Amounted to
about 900 annually should be devoted
to building up the agricultural interests
OF the state.
Capital and labor. said Mr.. Terrell.
should be brought closer together. He be-
lieved in wise and Just laws for governing
of both. Capital and labor could thrive
without each other. lie paid high tribute
to the working man. and said that there
shuold be absolutely no friction between
tho two interests.
Mr.. Terrell spoke at length on the pros
DeTlLN OF NTGOIkld anu EGluNSNNA ZIG 20
pie to talk Georgia at home and abroad
like the people of Atlanta did Atlanta. He
said at one time some Atlantians visited
London and talked about Atlanta so Oft
en- and Georgia so little that Londoner
asked in what part of Atlanta was Geor-
gia.
cussion. He explained the local option
law which was enacted in 1885. saying that
he voted for that law as a prohibitionist
when he was in the legislature as he be-
lieved that 1t was best to trustisuch mat
tiers to the people as they knew what was
best to do. He said that in Meriwether
county, his home county there had oeeh
several prohibition elections since the 10
cal option law went into erect and he had
always voted in those elections for prohi-
bition.
He said that If such a measure. state
prohibition measure, was pending before
the legislature, he would throw no obsta-
Gle In its way. and If such a bill was pass
ed he would be glad to sign 1t. Mr.. Ter
rell touched some on lobbying, and SAID
that where it existed he would If elect
ed, break it up. He denied the charge
that he was a candidate of any ring or
CLIQUE. He said he wanted no man or set
Of men behind him but only desired to
have the support Of the people.
Mr.. Terrell stated that he believed in
higher education, and thought the school
teachers Of the state should be paid more,
promptly.
The only direct stab at Mr.. Guerry was
in the following sentence:
Il am making the race for governor OF
Georgia on my own merits and not on
the dement's OF any other candidate. l
have pitched my campaign on a higher
plane than that of personalities"
There was prolonged applause at the
conclusion of Mr.. Terrelrs address, and
many OF the audience rushed to the
speakers stand to shake hands with the
speaker. Mr.. Terrell held quite recep-
ton before leaving for Atlanta.
Mr. Terrell, it is believed, made many
votes by his speech, as many of the hear
ers expressed themselves when the speak
ing was concluded.
Today Mr.. Terrell will speak at Carriers
VILE, and on Tuesday he will adj
dress the voters of Cobb county at Mari
eta.