Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-07-12
HOKE SMITH URGES
CH|LD'S EDUCATION
IN SPEECH At RALLY
Former Governor Is Given
Great Ovation at Education
al Meeting in Murray Coun-
ty-WeIcomed by Citizens
Especial Dispatch to The JournalD

Especial Dispatch to The Journal)
EToN, Ga, July s.-Hon Hoke Smith
was the principal speaker at the big edu-
cation rally here today under the aus
pices of the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics. He reached Elton
Friday evening at S:52 O'Clock. and was
met at the train by about 100 prominent
citizens of Murray county. .sa
So WARMLY WELCOMED.
A large number of women were in thu
reception party and among the waiting
citizens present were DR.. Sam Brown,
representative of Murray county; Messrs.
IJohn d. Harris, Sam Higdon, Don
Ethridge,- leading farmers: Collector John
P. Gregory, Messrs. w. NJ. Harris and
Sem: Ellis, leading merchants Mr.. Ha--
old ~Squires, manager of the Alaculsey
Lumber company Mr.. D. 8 Butler, a
we'll knewn contractor, and scores of
others. In the crowd were men promi-
nent in every walk in life.
From the depot Mr.. Smith was escort
ed to the residence of Dr.. s. A. Brown,
the procession being headed by the Eton
concert band where he was rendered an
informal reception. ...s
:, For two hours people crowded into ths
house to shake hands with him and ex-
tended pledges of SUPPORT in the ap-
!
threatening clouds overhung the pretty
little city, of Elton and had all to do with
keeping down the crowd. but 400 people
were present at the Eton High school at
IL o'clock to hear the address of Mr..
Smith. r-1stt5
Mr.. Smith walked to the scene of the
rally. He was accompanied by DIR. Sam
uef Brown, Mr.. Sam Higdon and Miss
Ruth Brown, being frequently stopped by
fel c1,nlr.
! hands. see
Following music by the band and tho
invocation by Rev. H. D.. Keith; DR..
Brown welcomed the crowd in behalf 90
the Junior Order. He paid Mr.. Smith the
compliment of speaking of him as the
man who has done more for: education
than any other man in the field, which
expression was cheered to the. echo Col.
R. Noel Steed, of Spring Place delivered
the response. after which Judge "A. w.
Fite,s of. Cartersyille. introduced ex-Gov-
ernor Smith, saying of him that he knew
more of his subject than any other man
in the state.
GIVEN CLOSE ATTENTION.
He urged the people to pay. close at
tention to an address that would prove
of lifelong benefit to all who heard it.
For over an hour Mr.. Smith kept his
fEeafers intensely interested in his re-
marks, receiving the undivided attention
of all. Not once during his speech did
he even hint at political matters. but the
education of the child, the boys and
girls. the men and women of the county
was handled in his masterful manner.
He paid glowing tribute to Georgia,
the greatest agricultural state in the
union and pointed to an optimistic pic
tGre of Georgia's future. At the conclu-
sion OF his address he was heartily ap-
plahded for several minutes and people
pressed forward to the speakers stand
to congratulate him on his great talk,
which will rebound to the good Of edu-
ca ton in this country.
A big basket dinner such as only the
good ladies of Murray county can prepare
was enjoyed at the noon hour. The pro-
gram of the day was resumed at o'clock
In the afternoon: Mr. Smith left after
ward for Atlanta by way Of Dalton.
The concensus of opinion here is that
the reception accorded Mr.. Smith was
one OF the most earnest and enthusiastic
ever received by a private citizen here.