Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-09-02
Tributes to Hoke Smith as a
Man of National Prominence
and Presidential Possibility
Greeted With Applause
JOE HILL HALL WAS
PROMPTLY OVERWHELMED
Mr.. Smith Was Nominated for
Governor by a Vote of 233
to 78, on the Roll Call of
Counties

To the triumphal music of a giant pipe
organ. which replaced the traditional
brass band for perhaps the first time In
the history Of political gatherings in
America. the delegations from the coun-
ties Of Georgia to the 1910 state Demo
cratic convention began to assemble In
the auditorium-armOry by o'clock
Thursday morning. rapidly fning the
parquet. while hundreds OF Atlantians
and out-of-town visitors. among whom
were many Iadies. began to thrOng the
galleries.
At $50 o'clock indications were that the
entire auditorium would be filled.
Reuben R Arnold. as chairman OF the
floor committee. was early on the scene.
and under his direction the crowds were
handled easily.
MARCHED INTO HALL.
Most OF the delegations marched into
the hall in military order. with banners
flying. and each was greeted with rous-
ing cheers Coweta county was the first
delegation. 100 strong. TO appear with
eolor-bearer. He held aloft big flag on
which was written in box-car letters:
we are for progressive Democracy"
The delegation was headed by W c.
Wright. and. the baner was carried by
n. Z spraggins-
Then came Cobb county, triumphant
In its regeneration, with NJ 7. Nc
Cleskie carrying a banner on which the
name OF Hoke Smith was inscribed. Fay
cite, with an emblem in blue silk and
gold, borne aloft by ID. B. Blalock, was
next and was followed Us FRANKLIN,
which climbed aloft In the gallery after
marching around the hall, 70 the in
spring strains OF martial music, played
by DIR. Percy ]. Starnes on the big or
gan
WITH BANNERS FLYING.
Toward 10 O'Clock the delegations be-
gan to come in with baners flying. in
such rapid succession that II was Impos-
sfble 10 count them as they found their
places.
The floor Of the convention was divided
into congressional districts with
pIacards posted to prevent confusion.
Shortly before the convention was
called TO order Ralph Smith, OF The At
ianta Journal. appeared at the press ia
bles. He was recognized and three rous-
ing cheers were given for him and for
the paper he represented.
Purely southern airs were played on
the organ as the delegations gathered,
such old familiar tunes as cold Ken
lucky Home" Maryland. Ny Maryland"
-Old Black joe" and above all Dixie"
HARDwICK GIVEN OVATION.
Congressman 7. ". Hardwick. newly
elected from the Tenth district, was
greeted with a series Of rousing cheers
when he appeared, and was acclaimed as
q consistent champion OF the principles
OF progressive Democracy in the ma
fionaI assembly.
7. S. Fielder. Of Macon. newly chosen
attorney general. was given an .ova-
ton, as was r. r. Dawson. OF Green's
boro, elected prison commissioner.
CONVENTION OPENED.
At I0:07 o'clock the convention was
called TO order. the retiring state chair
man, Hon G. R. Pendletou, OF Macon.
being introduced By Col r. L. Berner.
The opening prayer was offered by Rev.
Dr.. ". 8. Liugie. pastor Of the First
PRESBYTERIAN church.
The first business, Nr. PendIeton an
nounced. was tire election Of temporary
chairman. Ex-senator Howard Thornp-
son put Thomas @. Lawson. Of Putnam.
in nomination. He was cheered and
unanimously elected. Judge Lawson
shook hands with Colonel Pendieton.
and assumed the gavei.
Colonel Lawson's speech was made
with the vigorous delivery and diction
CONTINUED on PAGE SEVEN