The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-11-10

An open letter TO First Assistant
Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock,
inviting him 10 participate in "A public
debate with one T. NJ. Blodgett. of At
lanta, on November 20. has been received
in Washington. and because Mr.. BlOd-
gett promises. in case his invitation to
debate is accepted. to prove that Presi-
dent Roosevelt and Secretary Taft are
cordially dsliked in Georgia, there is
much speculation as 10 who T. NJ. Blod-
gett might be.
He is credited with heading the Re
publican State League Of the Cracker
State. and declarIs in his letter that he
wants the First Assistant Postmaster to
argue the Roosevelt popularity question
at Macon on November 90 Blodgett hav-
ing selected that Nate because it is pos
sible Mr.. Hitchcock will be in Macon
10 attend a convention Of second and
third-class postmastars.
Mr.. Blodgett's letter. in part. says:
Invited to Come on and See.
And regardless Of what my brother.
Edwin f. Blodgett, OF Atlanta, and Harry
Stillwell Edwards, Of Macon. may tell
you about the Roosevelt and Taft senti-
ment in Georgia, I will demonstrate TO
your entire satisfaction that no men in
America are so universally despised by
the Republicans Of Georgia as Roosevelt
and Taft.
If YOU will not take part in the dis
cussion, 1 invite you to come and see that
when l poll the house no Roosevelt or
Taft men viii respond TO my call and
then see how spontaneous is the response
given to the name Of Joseph Benson Fo-
raker. OF Ohio"
Hitchcock Don't Know Him.
Mr. Hitchcock does not know Mr..
Blodgett, ard says further that the al
legged Republican organization supposed
70 be headed by Mr.. Blodgett certainly
has no connection with the Republican
organization and sentiment in the State
If I go 10 Macon" said Mr.. Hitchcock.
who received a copy Of the letter, 1T viii
be solely for the purpose OF talking
shop and matters concerning the good
Of the postal service with the postmas-
tiers. viii not attend political meetings
Of any kind.
AS for Mr. Blodgetts statement. any
one who is at all familiar with the condi-
lions in Georgia. Mr.. Blodgett to the con-
trary notwithstanding. knows that Presi-
dent Roosevelt is popular throughout the
state 10 an unusual degree. among Re
publicaEs and Democrats alike He has
the sympathy Of practically the entire
South. but it is particularly true in
Georgia.
Il do not know Mr. Blodgett, nor who
he represents. but do know that he does
not represent the true sentiment of his
State concerning the President"
Mr.. Hitchcock. who has been credited
with being the public pulse feeler for the
administration. has been in Georgia
enough that he is believed competent Of
judging the situation there Il is doubt
less due 10 his much-talked-about trip
through the South that Mr. Blodgett sin
gled him out rs the man 10 whom the let
ter should be addressed.
Strictly a Business Trip.
Mr.. Hitchcock is by no means certain
he VIII be able TO attend the postmasters
convention. but IL he does. it will be
purely In his official capacity. These con-
ventions. il Is said. have done much 10
improve the postal service OF the country,
and as they were practically originated
by Mr.. Hitchcock. he has more than
usual interest in them They are strictly
nonp0litiCal organizations. and formed for
the purpose OF bringing the postnasters
together that they may learn the ideas OF
the department, exchange Ideas. and i'm
bibe enthusiasm enough TO result in COM
petition for honors for their methods Of
COnducffup buefnasS