Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-08-27
R. R. COMMISSION
HAS NAMED HILL
FOR ITS CHAIRMAN
Warner Hill, of Meriwether Coun-
ty, Chosen to Succeed s. Guyt
McLendon As Chairman of
Board


and George Hillyer, vice chairman OF the
railroad commission at the regular meet
ing held at 10 O'Clock Thursday morn
ing.
At 10 O'Clock the term Of s. G. McLen-
don as chairman of the commission would
have expired had he remained in office
Since his suspension by Governor Smith
and subsequent dismissal by the general
assembly the commission has been with
ont a regular chairman. Vice Chairman
Hillyer acting in that capacity.
At Thursdays meeting Commissioner
Joseph F. Gray was present. He entered
into his new duties is a business like
manner and seemed as much at home as
II ne had been In ONCE for months.
As soon as the meeting was called to
order Judge Hillyer called Mr.. Gambler
ITO the chair and said:
Il have been for the past two years
vice chairman of the board, and IL seems
TO me that I'm consonance with my own
judgment as to the public good, and In
advancing the interests OF the board. that
the gentleman whom l name should be
chosen as chairman for the next ensuing
two years. and 1 want the privilege, In
view OF the idea that some might think
that being vice chairman, 1 might seek
Nifty my earnest desire that Commissioner
Hill be chosen chairman, and nov
nominate him as chairman OF the railroad
commission for the ensuing two years"
The motion was seconded and Commits
sioner Hin unanimously elected chairman.
CHAIRMAN HILLS REPLY.
Mr. Hill said:
Gentlemen Of the commission: 1t Is
VIC profound gratitude that ! return my
thanks to you for this renewed expression
OF your confidence and esteem. and while
accept this responsible position. I accept
it. gentlemen, almost with fear and trem-
bling. From a service OF six years as
commissioner-two years as a commission
er under the old law; two years rs chair
man under the old law, and two years as
commissioner under the new law-I think
know somewhat OF the responsibility and
duties which devolve upon the chairman
OF this commission, and when l realize
the immense power and the immense re-
sponsibility which rests upon this commits
sion, and upon it's chairman, as 1 say, 1t
is almost with fear and trembling that
accept il. But relying, gentlemen, upon
your hearty and sympathetic cooperation.
relying upon what of the experience
may have had In this work, and relying
upon whatever of fairness and Justice.
that may be implanted in my breast. and
with whatever OF ability. and relying up
on the guidance of Him who rules the des-
TIMES OF men, 1 accept this high and re-
sponsible position. and enter upon the us
charge of this important trust with con-
fidence and courage. looking. as I say, to
you to aid me in these responsible duties.
So with whatever of service that may be
in me. devote to this position for the
next Two years"
Commissioner Hillyer was nominated
by Commissioner Gambler to be vice chair
man for the next two years and unani-
mously elected.
GUARDIANSHIP SETTLED.
Thus it is that, no matter what direc-
ton the McLendon case may take, he
cannot be considered chairman any long
er.
For the past several days Mr.. McLen-
don has not been a visitor at the railroad
commission offices. 1t is scarcely proba-
bic that he will. now that Mr.. Gray has
taken the oath of office.
No information was received at the cap
itol Thursday regarding the quo warranto
proceedings of Mr.. McLendon. 1t is the
general opinion that proceedings will be
instituted In Savannah. as that is the
home OF Mr.. Gray. and the matter is one
entirely between the deposed and the
present commissioner.
According to Attorney General Hart,
Mr.. Gray will be de facto commissioner
during the time litigation Is in progress
and will be entitled TO draw his salary no
matter which way the case is decided. In
Siie event Mr.. McLendon won HIS case,
he would be entitled to salary from the
time of his suspension by Governor Smith
up to the time OF the appointment of Mr..
Gray.