Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-06-07
SMITH MUST ENTER
RACE FOR GOVERNOR,
DECLARE THOUSANDS
Conviction Spreading Through
out State That 1t Is His SOL
emn Public Duty to Go Into
the Lists
TR0UP COUNTY APPEAL
Is TYPICAL OF MANY

The conviction is sweeping throughout
the length and breadth OF Georgia with
growing force that IT is the public duty
Of former Gov. Hoke Smith to make the
race for governor in the coming primary,
to take the leadership of the thousands OF
citizens who believe that the best inter
ests OF the commonwealth are not sub
served by the present governor and the
political policy he represents.
The feeling is growing stronger and
stronger that Hoke Smith is the man
above all others who can most effectively
champion the principles for which he
stood In 1906. and. to speak plainly. that
he Is now the only man who can become
a rallying point for those who support
those principles, the only leader who can
make victory sure.
THE CALL TO DUTY.
The latest appeal, and one of the most
eloquent, comes from Troup county, a
powerful document. signed by some of
the wealthiest and most influential men
in that county. 1t is a cry, almost a de-
mand: I'VE are without a leader" they
say. and It is your public duty to make
the fight"
The Troup county petition is but one
OF scores and scores which have come
and are coming from all parts of the
state. What is said in 1t is typical OF
the others, for it is believed by the citi-
Gems who voted for Hoke Smith four
years ago that he was right then and
now, and that he is the only logical and
available candidate.
Not only are these public petitions be-
ing circulated. but Mr.. Smiths mail is
being flooded daily by private letters from
leading citizens everywhere in Georgia,
begging him to lay aside all personal con-
siderattons, to reconsider his announced
decision. and to enter the race. Mr..
Smith is still silent but the demand Is
becoming so much more and more Tn
sistent is growing so in strength, that
many believe it will be compelling. Mr..
Smiths friends are showing him that the
movement which has for an object the
vindication of the principles for which he
stands is steadily gaining in strength,
and needs only his guidance to achieve
victory. They put the call to him in
the shape OF public duty, and declare that
the situation leaves him no alternative
but to accept
THE PLEA FROM TROUP.
The Troup county petition eloquently
voices the sentiment Of them all, and
shows that the issues for which Mr..
Smith stood four years ago are still
alive.
Five years ago." they say, you be-
came a candidate for governor with the
avowed purpose Of securing relief to the
people Of Georgia against certain grave
abuses. You did not seek the ONCE. You
were summoned to the task by your fell
low-citixens, and you yielded your inter
ests and your preferences at their call
The bitterness with which you were as
sailed IN their cause, and the false and
malignant injustice with which you were
reviled endeared you to the people OF
Georgia as no other man in her his
tory has been
your subsequent defeat was q grief
unspeakable to your friends. and has
since become q source of the deepest
regret to many who voted against you.
We believe that the people Of Georgia
want that great wrong righted. Their
own honor IS at stake, and no other
mans election can ever satisfy the state
until Justice has been done-justice, not
merely to you, but to Georgia"
It is pointed out convincingiy that Il
Is no time for any other man TO take
up the work for which Mr.. Smith stood.
that he and he only can complete II.
The people OF Georgia are looking to
him. they know his strength. and they
believe that when he fully realizes the
meaning Of the call, he will lay aside all
personal considerations, no matter how
pressing. and again become their candi-
date for governor.