The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-06-06
HOKE SMITHS PLATFORM.

Georgia is going to'-have great
struggle for the next governorship.
For some months it has been under
stood that Hon. Clark Howell. editor
of the Atlanta Constitution, would be
a candidate. On Saturday Hon. Hoke
Smith announced his candidacy. That
means a fight that will be historic, for
both men are strong and resourceful.
In his letter announcing his candi-
dacy, Mr.. Smith puts forward a plat
form that is as solid as the Rock of
Gibraltar, and says:
During the past two weeks / have
been urged by my fellow citizens
from all parts of the State, in per-
sonal interviews and through petitions
and letters, to enter the race for gov
ernor. Nothing has been further from
my plans than to become candidate
for this high office. In the large ma
jority of instances the fact has been
pressed upon my attention that for
several years past railroad corpora
tions. aided by astute politicians, have
exercised an undue influence in the af-
fairs of the State. their power having
so grown that it has been almost i'm
possible to pass any legislation to
which they object.
Judges of the Superior Courts and
ex-iudges, members of the Incoming
legislature and ex-members. business
men. farmers and professional men
from all parts of the State have dwelt
upon the condition of affairs nov, se7yist-
ing and upon the necessity for change.
That / should be selected under such
circumstances to lead in such strug-
gle Was a manifestation of confidence
xxrhi aiSrptr1
81 cannot discuss at this time all
the issues which will properly be be-
fore the people, but / wish to refer to
that one which has been made para
mount by those who insisted upon my
candidacy.
az favor the passage and enforce
ment of legislation which will broaden
the definition of lobbying and prevent
those employed to represent railroad
companies and other interests from
privately seeking to influence legisla-
tors I believe that conduct which
would be improper towards a juror
should be made improper toward a
legislator.
al favor the organization of the
Railroad Commission with men from
different parts of the State selected
from the business classes, merchants,
farmers and manufacturers.
II favor the enlargement of the
power of the railroad commissions rS
so as to give to them all the authority
of the State to protect the rights of
the public in connection with trans
portation companies.
81 favor placing the whole power of
the State behind a commission de-
voted to the interests of the people of
the State to obtain for the people of
the State reasonable and just treat
ment by the transportation companies.
II am not hostile to corporations or
property rights I believe in the pro-
lection of both under the law, but
believe the government should be by
the people and not by favored cor
porations through their paid repre-
sentatives.
81 favor the development of the
educational system of the State.
81 favor any constitutional amend
ment which will insure continuation
of white supremacy.
81 favor the prevention of contribu-
ton from organizations interested in
legislation towards the election of
state house officers and legislators.
81 favor the enforcement of the con-
stitution for the preservation of COM
petition"
The great issue before the Ameri-
can people is: Shall the government
regulate the railroads or shall the rail-
roads continue to exert undue influ-
ence in the control of the government?
The transportation trust and the other
trusts are in control. The people need
to make them abdicate. Mr.. Smith
has made strong platform. He is
one of the Iablest and honestest, men
in AmericaJ anfgis the. sort of man
VINO would stand to his promises to
the end He would make great and
useful official in any position of trust.
He is as brave and as honest as his
uncle, Gen. Robert F. Hoke. of Raj
eigh, and as resourceful as that brave
and wise soldier showed himself to be
when he captured Plymouth.