Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-24
CONTRIBUTED OPINIONS.

We have all heard the remark that II
takes all sorts Of people to make up the
world and variety is one Of the prime es-
sentials OF the modern newspaper.
1t is the endeavor Of The Journal to en-
tertain its readers of all classes and with
this object In view It opens its columns
to a wide range OF discussion Of all i'm
portant and timely topics. We print in
our Letters From the People" many
opinions and suggestions whether we
agree with the writer's or not. We have a
large corps of regular contributors who
address the public frequently through The
Journal and always in a forceful manner.
They sometimes take positions which we
do not indorse and which are even directly
antagonistic to the policy Of this paper.
For instance, The Journal has given
both sides OF the local insurance rate
question, though IT is firmly convinced
that the recent, increase OF the residence
insurance rates in this city was unneces-
sary and unjust.
The Journal advocates the establishment
and maintenance of an inebriate asylum
by the state OF Georgia. but it has pub
lished many attacks upon that PROPOSE
ton.
Two of our most gifted and most popu-
lar contributors often advocate measures
which The Journal has editorfally con-
demned and contend against some which
The Journal has approved.
We refer to Mrs. w. H. FELTON, and
Rev. Sam Jones. We hold them both in
very high regard and read their letters
with interest even when we differ decided
ly with them.
To illustrate. Mrs. FELTON, is opposed to
the public school system of Georgia and
assails 1t at frequent intervals with the
vigor which characterizes whatever she
writes. Nevertheless, we consider her po-
sition on this question so entirely wrong
that we should regard its adoption by
the state as a very great misfortune.
Brother Jones is about as hereto as Mrs.
FELTON, on this subject and we almost des-
pair of converting him.
Both of these able contributors hold and
proclaim the opinion that a state pro-
hibition law would be beneficial to the
cause Of temperance whereas we believe
that the present local option system is
far more effective and more in accord
with the spirit of our institutions
Brother Jones has a candidate for gov
ernor and advocates his election vehe-
mently. The Journal is no mans organ
and in both its editorial and news columns
endeavors to treat all three Of the can
didates for governor with perfect fairness
and impartiality.
Brother Jones is an apologtst of the
trusts which The Journal considers one
OF the crying evils of our time and even
menace to the government itself.
Brother Jones thinks that railroad con-
solidation is a good thing, while we re-
gard 1t as a very bad thing so far as the
public is concerned.
He and Mrs. FELTON, are so emphatic and
persistent in their views on the subjects
referred to and on some others that we
consider it proper to declare specifically
our dissent from some of their opinions
which we consider especially objectiona-
BILE. At the same time we accord to them
full credit for sincerity of conviction and
benevolence of purpose.
The Journal does not restrict Mrs. Fell
ton and Brother Jones to any particular
line Of subjects and, of course, would not
presume to prescribe the views that they
shall present to our readers. though we
would rejoice to see their powerful pens
enlisted on what we consider the right
side of every public question.