Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-08-12
CHILDS REPLIES TO MADDOX'S
CLAIM OF BROWN MAJORITY
Chairman of Troup County Smith Club Refutes Statement
Concerning Article by Judge Longey--Latter's Change
to Governor Brown Is Explained In Editorial Appearing
Recently In Lagrange Reporter 4:4 =

10 q rapidly spreading dfgpcsft1cn 10 oons
Hdsr the candidates strictly ~spoz their
merits Of personal ability and fitness,
and their respective records; to look
upon this matter In rs proper light Of
being the selection Of q man to I'LL tbs
highest Office In the state, and simply
70 select the one most capable and best
lifted to I'LL TITO hire the best man
for the job" an IL has been aptly ex-
pressed By many.
We inclose an article from the current
issue Of the Lagrange Reporter which
correctly outlines Judge Longley's posi-
ton. and which, In conformity with your
avowed position OF neutrality and fair
representation OF both sides In this cam
paign. we trust you win publish, togsth-
or with this letter, on your front page
or an equally prominent position to that
given Mr.. Maddox's statement
Yours truly, II. H CHILDS,
Chairman Troup County Hoks Smith
Club.
Following is the EDITORIAL:
JUDGE LONGLEYs CHANGE
In a double column full length article
In this weeks Graphic Judge e. M. Long
ley gives his reasons for changing from
Hoke Smith to Governor Brown. with
all the space taken UP he fails to state
his real reason. Possibly this is the
one Of which he hints. The real reason In,
Governor Smiths action In firing g. G.
McLendon. who is q friend Of Judge
Long1ey, out Of office as railroad com
missioner for proving recreant to his
trust For some time prior to his ap-
pointment McLendon took up columns of
space in the newspapers stating his prin-
ciples and Views on the regulation of
railroads. On the face Of these repre-
sensations Governor Smith appointed him
on the railroad commission. He hadn't
been In office long before the railroads
had him eating out of tn cir hands"
and giving voice to sentiments exactly
opposite to those upon which he was ap-
pointed. Governor Smith had the moral
courage to do what he thought was right
and fire him. We have no censure for
Judge Longley for loyalty to his friend,
but the legislature, and, more conclu-
sive still, public sentiment have approx
ed and sustained Governor Smiths ac-
ton.
Judge Longley states that he support
ed Hoke Smith in the elections OF 1905
and 1908 1t is useless to dwell upon
the matter Of an Endorsement term for
Governor Brown. AS is well known,
this precedent was broken in the last
election. Any way, what virtue is there
in Endorsing an administration for its
negative qualities-because. having done
very little Of anything. there is not
much calling for condemnation? It is a
case where the parable Of the buried
talent applies with striking force and
fidelity.
No, Hoke Smith has not changed. He
Is the same fine, broad, able, sincere.
and consistent man that he has always
been He has shown breadth and
strength Of character both in the zenith
Of universal approval and the temporary !
darkness of defeat through misunder-
standing and prejudice. But right will
prevail always. in time. The man and
the principles which he has so ably and
consistently fought for will receive an
overwhelming vindication by the people
on the 23d.
No, Hoke has not changed. Judge
Longley has. This is his right, but 1t
is also the right of all good citizens who
have no interest other than the triumph
of the right man and the right principles
to differ with him, as we feel confident
will be done on August 2Sd.