Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-08-24

Is Secretary Of Chamber of Com
merce of Savannah and Au-
thor of Recent Argument
Against Port Rates

Joseph l.. Gray. secretary OF the
chamber of commerce of Savannah, and
for a number OF years connected with
the traffic department of the Central
o. Georgia railroad, has been appointed
railroad commissioner to fill the va
cancy caused by the dismissal Of S. q.
McLendon by the general assembly.
The appointment was made shortly
before o'clock Saturday night at
Governor Brown s country home In Ma
rietta, after he had received inrorma-
tion from Mr.. Gray that he would ac-
cept the position.
The appointment was not unexpected
For some time Governor Brown mas
had two Savannah men in view-A. Is.
Moore and Mr.. Gray. 1t is understood
that ne offered the position to the lat
ter two or three days ago and was only
waiting to learn If he would accept.
When he received assurance last
night that he would, Governor Brown
telephoned Secretary Ulm and inf med
him of his decision.
AN OLD A.AILROAD MAN.
Joseph r. Gray, as stated, is for
mer railroad man and is said to have
spent a number OF years in the study
of rates. After severing his Connection
with the Central ne was with a small
road which connects with the Central
at Millen. tie is now secretary of the
chamber of commerce of Savannah, and
in that capacity has devoted good
deal of attention to the subject of port
rates When the subject came up be
fore the commission some months ago
he appeared before that body and
argued against their adoption. He con-
tended that it was detrimental to the
interests Of Savannah and concocted for
- oil
Shippers. lie tiled a written argument
with the commission at that time.
Other than these facts little is known
Of him by members of the commission.
THE LEGAL COMPLICATIONS.
Now that Mr.. Gray has been appointed
the threatened quo warranto proceedings
nv Mr.. McLendon to retain his position
NAV be expected at any moment. For
months since his suspension from office
bv Gov. Hoke Smith and after his formal
dismissal by the Legislature, he has spent
several hours in the ofhce OF the railroad
commission. Some weeks ago he made
formal demand on the state treasurer
for salary Cor the time since his suspen-
sion.
while refusing absolutely to discuss his
future course in regard to the legal as
meets of his case IT is known that he has
employed Gambler, Thompson & HirscG
to represent him. Judge JOnn >. Candler
is now en- route TO Atlanta from New
YORK and will arrive in the city Sunday
afternoon.
Mr. McLendon was communicated with
nv telephone last night but declined to
make any statement. He had retired for
the night and apparently had not heard
of the appointment.
HILL FOR CHAIRMAN.
Had he remained on the commission
Mr.. McLerdon's term as chairman would
have expired August &C. meeting will
be held on that day and his successor
elected II now seems assured that War
ner Eli will be elected to the vacancy.
Re Is the senior member OF the commits
sloner and was at one time chairman.
SKETCH OF HIS CAREER.
Joseph Z. Gray, appointed railroad com
| missioner by Governor Brown, is 80 years
! of age and was reared in Augusta. He
| completed his school work first honor
graduate at St. Mary's college. of Bel
mont, N. G., in 1886. He began his
business life as stenographer for the late
| Patrick Walsh, editor of the Augusta