Fitzgerald enterprise. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1895-1912, 1905-06-13
.L..Sc: SMITHS
Announcement
FOR GOVERNOR OF GEORGIA
HON. pop. BROWNS LETTER AN.
NoUNcING HIS RETIREMENT
IN FAVOR OF Mr.. SMITH.
TOR GOVERNOR OF GEORGIA
Mr.. Smith Sets Forth the Issues Upon
Which He viii Ask the Votes
of the People of Georgia.
(From the Atlanta Journal.)


between Hon. Pope Brown and himself
relative to the race for governor, an
nounces his candidacy for the gov
ernor's office and also the platform
on which he intends to run.
Mr.. Smiths statement is as follows:
To the people of Georgia:
During the past two weeks nave
been urged by my fellow citizens from
all parts of the state in personal in
terviews, and through petitions and
letters. to enter the race for governor.
Nothing has been further from my
plans than to become candidate for
this high office
In the large majority of instances
the fact has been pressed upon my at
tention that for several years past
railroad corporations, aided by astute
politicians, have exercised an undue
influence in the affairs of the state,
their power having so grown that it
has been almost impossible to pass
any legislation to which they OBJ
jected.
Judges of the superior courts, and
ex-judges, members of the incoming
legislature, and ex-members, business
men, farmers and professional men
from all parts of the state, nave
dwelt upon the condition of affairs
now existing, and upon the necessity
for change.
That | should be selected under
such circumstances to lead in such
struggle was a manifestation of con-
1idence which | could not disregard.
However much under these circum-
stances | might have felt inclined to
become candidate, my past rela-
tons to the candidacy OF Hon. Pope
Brown prevented me from doing so.
The correspondence between that dis
tinguishcd Georgian and myself is self
explanatory.
1t has been impossible for me to
answer the communications | have re-
ceivcd, but | wish to say to those who
Lave I'll sSIh ulS W MANI SAN i"SN' NAA~
to all the people of Georgia, that am
candidate for the Democratic nomi-
nation for governor.
| cannot discuss at this time all the
issues which Will properly be before
the op'e, but wish to refer to that
one which has been made paramount
by those who insisted upon my can
didacy.
favor the passage and enforcement
CT legislation which will broaden the
definition of lobbying and prevent
those employed 10 represent railroad
cor7panies and other interests from
privately seeking to influence legisla-
tors. | believe that conduct which
would he improper toward a juror
eho.l1 he made improper toward a
legislator.
| favor the election of the railroad
commissioners by the people.
| favor the organization of the rail-
read commission with men from diff
iercat parts of the state, selected from
the business classes, merchants, farm
ers and manufacturers.
| favor the enlargement of the pow
ers Of She railroad commissioners 50
as to Give to them all the authority
OF the state to protect the rights of
the public in connection with trans
rcrtation companies.
favor placing the whole power Of
the state behind a commission devoted
to tie interests of the people of the
state reasonable and just treatment
by the transportation companies.
am not hostile to corporations or
rroperty rights | believe in the pro-
lection Of both under the law. But
I believe that government should be
by the people and not by favored cor
porations through their paid repre-
sertatives.
favor the development of the cdu-
cstioasI system Of the state.
| favor a constitutional amendment
which will insure continuance of
white supremacy
favor the protection OF the white
prin7- ries from fraud and the proven.
ton Of the use of money to debauch
the voters In Our primaries.
! favor the prevention OF contribu-
tons from organizations interested In
legislation towards the election of
state house officers and Legislators.
favor the enforcement OF the con-
sttution for tn. preservation of COM
petition.
These and other important CUES
tons are live issues in this state
will seek to discuss the came from
ii re to tine both in the press and
before the people, and shall urge
upon the voters to elect senators as
we'll as members Of the house OF rep.
res s!at,ves WHO viii pass the legisla.
t.oa ls4n.r51 in the Interests of the
2, op!e.