Fitzgerald enterprise. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1895-1912, 1905-06-06
Pope Brown Withdraws from Race
Will Support Hon. Hoke Smith,

In order that the readers of the Enterprise may
fully understand the situation we publish below
the correspondence between Mr.. Brown and
Hon. Hoke Smith:
Atlanta, Ga, May II, 1905
Hon. Pope Brown, Hawkinsville, Ga.
Nv Dear Mr.. Brown:-I regret very much
was only with you few moments this morn
ing and did not see you again before you LETT the
city.
We agree so fully upon the necessity OF re-
lieving the people of Georgia from the undue ir-
Auence that has been exercised over their public
affairs by railroad emissaries and machine poll
ticans, and we have views so in accord upon the
reforms to be made in the interests of the put
lie, that we we'll understand that there can be no
contest between us.
have been deeply impressed by the letters
received from all parts of the state, urging the
race for governor upon me a matter of duty.
The reasons presented in these letters have been
so convincing that am now willing to enter the
race. But l wish to assure you that If you re-
main in the race l could not disregard our past
relations and do other than give you my cordial
support, Notwithstanding the appeals Ito me to
become a candidate.
write YOU thus frankly because believe
that should not delay action, if | am to enter
the contest, leave the decision entirely with
you. Sincerely yours,
HoKE SMITH.
Hawknsville, Ga. May 81, 1905.
Hon. Hoke Smith, Atlanta, Ga:
NV Dear Mr.. Smith: Yours of the 9th in
slant came duly to hand, and has been duly con-
sidered. Your course in this matter entities
you to prompt reply; justice to myself and the
occasion demands an explicit response.
To begin at the beginning. Some months
ago Mr.. Clark Howell announced his candidacy
for the governorship. For some weeks it seem
ed as though he would have the field to himself,
and such was the impression sought to be made
upon the public mind. My friends began to
write me from different parts of the state re-
questing me to make the race. Before consent
ing to do So | sent out a letter of inquiry to
number of people in every county to learn the
public sentiment as far as possible. did not,
however, in this letter solicit support. The
promptness, funess and candor of the replies
really surprised me- it showed the interest of
the people, and gave me very correct idea OF
the situation in every county; it disclosed the
fact that the white people of the state are divid-
ed into two parties, the we will call the rail-
y
1t disclosed the further fact that the rail-
road party, which is made up of the agents of
eastern capitalists, who have a monopoly of
transportation, and who would fix the price of
the same, without any Interference from state or
federal authorities, thus depriving the people of
their rights, even unto their liberties, were lined
in a solid phaanx, from end of the state to
the other, behind Mr.. Howe's candidacy.
1t disclosed the further fact that the great
mass of the voters, who do not make politics
their chief business, and who are not and who
do not expect to be benefciares of the present
political regime, were ready to line up behind
man who could wn and would stand up for
government of the people, by the people, for the
people, based upon justice, wisdom and moder-
alton, instead of government Of the railroads, by
the railroads, for the railroads, based upon
thirst for power, inordinate greed, opposition TO
all legal restraints and defiance of the public
rights.
But to this letter Of inquiry there also came,
from every county, number OF voluntary assur-
ances of support, and requests that enter the
race. 1t was then that decided to do so, aud
made public announcement Of my intention to
enter an active canvass after the lst Of October
next, when my duties railroad commissioner,
which are important and unfinished, would ex-
pire. In the meantime was to arrange my
private affairs to give my undivided atten-
ton to the campaign after that time.
It seems, however, that that determination
was disappointing to those who thought it best