Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-05-04
PRAISES ADMINISTRATION
OF GOVERNOR SMITH

Editor Journal: As the time draws near and
the curtain is lowered and the scenes begin
TO vanish from our view, It Is apropOs that
one should remind the loyal supporters Of Gov
ernor Hoke Smith that not since the days Of
the civil war has Georgia been 30 ably and
fearlessly governed as has been done by our
present chief executive. Let all Georgia honor
this grand man for the glorious work he has
done FOR Georgia and her people, by making It
possible to have enacted many laws that win
be a benefit and blessing to the state and her
people and will eVerlastingly rebound 10 the
honor and glory Of his immortalt name, In the
majority of the minds of his closest support
ard Of the father OF his country-George wash
inRton-than any man who has lived since his
day, because Of his fidelity to all that is rigati
and is possessed Of every requisite that con
stitutes the true southern Christian gentleman
We believe II we were present at this writinf
to ask him what he thought ought TO be thi
crowning ambition OF every mans life, NJ
would say, like the immortal Washing ton, love
All honor then to this nlustrious son OF Geor-
gia; may his example be an impetus 70 the
the Empire State Of the oSuth to follow Id
bis footsteps. i am fearful that II win DC
sad day for Georgia Wnen sne comes nun snoe hn,rs
this better than Hoke Smith. Mr.. Smith 9as
been the worst msligned man that ever came
by ali right Of precedent to a second term.
1t has been custom from the time when the
memory Of man runneth not 10 the contrary.
Tor a governor to have a second term, and it's
a refleetion upon the fair escutcheon Of oar
beloved state to have given such rebuke to
anv honorable citizens within her borders, and
while be is temporarily estopped as you might
designate II. hts principles right ana
might cannot always dominate right. The right
will prevail so saith the God Of all. or
course We submit to the majority, but the ma
iOrity is not always right. To establish such
q precedent as has been done is but 10 knock
one of the main pillars from under the fOunda-
ton Of our free government, that fear viii
be an irreparable loss to the state in future
-5ectiOns OF we were surprised almost
10 the point of dismay. But as Mr.. LINCOLN,
I believe Il was, who said: You can fool all
the people part Of the time, and part OF the
people all the time. but you can't fool all the
people all the time" Now, as l have said,
our present governor has been maligned, de-
nounced. and almost prosecuted to the extent
of forbearance. But he retire with the
assurance and ! may say double assurance that
he has the confidence and respect Of a majority
of the qualified voters Of the state Of Georgia,
and / now rest with this exhoEtatiOn: Let all
Georgia honor and revere this great and spot
less man for his sagacity, for HIS honesty, for
for bis love of country ana unselfish devotion
to duty. Well done, thou good and faithful
servant: we have made thee ruler over a few
things we hope yet to thee attain greater
things We salute you as our chief and as
sign TO you a place among the list CT Georgia
governors second 10 none. But greater than
them all we ardently hone that your example
and precepts may serve as a light to beckOn on
10 future usefulness the youth and manhood Of
your name live after you and go down in HIS
tory as GeOrgia's greatest chieftain-
Respectfully, FRANK s. HALE.
SmithTilie. Ca.