Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-07-23
NO IMPEACHMENT FILLBUSTER.


The former chairman of the railroad commission
of the state has made confession of misconduct which
disquaies him for Office.
We believe that the sentiment OF the people OF
Georgia is well nigh unanimous that the action OF
Governor Smith in suspending him should be sus-
tained and that this suspension should be made per-
manent without further bubble delay.
The fact that additional grounds for suspension,
which Governor Smith could not lay hold upon at
first have been subsequently developed by the legisa-
tive inquiry merely emphasize the necessity for this
suspension, and does not change the form III which
this suspension should be confirmed
We therefore urge upon the members OF the
present legislature that they dispose at of this
tedious and unfortunate episode by making the sus-
pension permanent and then get down to business.
We feel confident that every demand of justice will be
met by this simple instead of prolonglng the
matter by instituting impeachment proceedings.
To pursue this latter method will subject the state
to a heavy expense and make it practically impossible
for the general assembly at this session to accomplish
anything else The honor of the state will not be
completely indicated by impeachment proceedings
than by simple dismissal from Office, and already the
investigation has consumed than half the present
session of the legislature.
In order that there may be no mistake about this
matter say frankly that if impeachment proceed
ngs instituted it will not be at the nstigation or
with the consent of the friends of Ex-Governor Smith
throughout the state
In order to make it perfectly clear say canddly
that impeachment proceedings can hardly be sus-
tained and if they instituted, it will be for the
purpose or restoring to his position by operation
of law man who has confessed to conduct in vio-
lation of law and his oath of office and who has
brought reproach upon himself and the state.
THIS PHARISAICAL ARDOR FOR IMPEACH-
MENT is BUT A CUNNING DEVICE TO PRO
LONG THE INVESTIGATION UNTIL THE LIMIT
OF THE SESSION HAS EXPIRED AND THE DE
POSED CHAIRMAN WILL BE RESTORED BY
OPERATION OF LAW, BECAUSE HIS SUSPEN-
SION WAS NOT CONFIRMED.
This is the settled purpose of those who so loudly
demand impeachment a few, perhaps who are
honestly mised-and we desire to sound this timely
warning in order that the odium of continuing in office
man whose misconduct is notorious may not be
imposed upon under the guise of attempting to in
fict the higher punishment.
CONFIRM THE SUSPENSION AND GET
DOWN TO BUSINESS
That is the only consistent with candor and
common sense.
So far as extreme punishment is concerned, nobody
wishes to lntiict it upon the discredited chairman
The stings of his own conscience in addition to his
dismissal from office, will be punishment enough.
Aside from that, must consider the welfare of
the state and the many demands upon the legislature
during the remaining days it is to be in session. to-
gether with the financial burden of impeachment pro-
ceedings.
WATCH THE LINEUP if you doubt this dag
nosis, and
STIFLE THE IMPEACHMENT FILIBUSTER
No buncombe, no politics, no delay
Just ''give him cold potato and let him co.