Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1910-06-25
SUMTER'S PART IN
THE COMING Fight
Brown and Smith viii Con-
test for Its Votes.
Battle Royal May Com
plicate Legislative
Fight Here.

Interest was intense in Americus
yesterday over the gubernatorial sit
uat on. In offices, stores, shops and in
home circles the chief topic of conver,
sation was the announcement of Hoke
Smith, and the prospects of a hot fight
for the next thirty days.
AS far as could be determined there
was largely the same lining up local
ly that there was two years ago. If
anything, there was stronger Brown
feeling apparent Tile business men,
in the main, seem to feel that things
are moving along smoothly in Geor-
gia now, and that the introduction Of
discordant and unsettling policies is
not to be encouraged by those who are
Interested in continuance of prog
ress and prosperity.
Already there are claims being
made by both sides as to Sumter coun-
ty. In the last election Smiths ma
jority was considerably reduced. A
change of about fifty votes would
have given the county ito Brown. Gov.
Browns friends claim that he is con-
siderably stronger in Sumter today
than he was when he made his first
race, and that he will carry the coun-
ty. The Smith people, though, who
are loyal and enthusiastic to the core,
are prepared to battle royalty for the
votes that Sumter has in the state
convention, and W tLfn few days both
sides will be putting forth their best
efforts to convince the doubtful Voters
and line up the full strength for each
candidate.
One sentiment that was expressed
frequently yesterday was that former
Governor Smith was making this race
not so much with the idea that he
would be elected governor aga n, but
mainly for the purpose of solidifying
his followers throughout the state
and securing the election of fegis-
lature that would be friendly to him
and support him i'll the coming race
for the United States senate.
1t is generally felt that there will
be vacancy dur ng the life of the leg
islature to be elected at the approach
ing primary Senator Clay's health
has been very poor for some time. 1T
has been intimated that lie, would have
resigned some time ago but from
realization of the fact that some one
distasteful to him might secure the
ad inter m appointment. 1t is believed
that if Smith is known to have a ma
jority of the next legislature that as
soon as it convenes Senator Clay would
resign and thus insure the election
of a successor gratifying to HIM
self.
1t IS too soon yet to tell, but the
indications do not point to as hot
fight in Sumter as two years ago. Con-
siderable intensity of feeling was
aroused at that time, but this cam
paign is probably to be marked with
a greater moderation of feel 'ng. 1t is
regarded as not unlikely, though, that
the announcement of Mr.. Smith may
lead to more Of a fight for the legis-
lative seats from Sumter. Hints were
dropped yesterday that there might be
a clean cut issue on this. with two
tickets, made up of those favoring
Smith for the U. S. senate and those
opposed to him running for house and
Senate. This is merely coniectural
and like lot of other gossip of the
hour may have no solid basis on which
TO rest