The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1911-05-25

Slr0u. Inc cOmmlCCoe enquiries OF
few friends as to whether they desire
a primary. These few friends or a
majority of the selected say, 81 do
not care" The report then comes,
"No clamor for primary" If there
is anything more certain than an
other, it is that the people desire an
opportunity to elect their officers.
Georgia has been pointed to as an
ideal. Her people have had a voice
in the selection of her Senator's The
Democratic party has demanded this
right for the people. The platform
urges it in no uncertain terms.
The friends of Governor Smith say,
"What is the use? The legislature
will elect him, or the people will elect
him. He is entitled to the office as a
matter of course" This may be true,
that he will be elected either way;
but there is a right way. The right
way is, as Governor Smith has so
often said, 'Let the people name their
officers" If he has said so, who can
say that he was not sincere?
I advocated his candidacy because
of the things which he stood for |
made speeches and met in joint de-
bate with the representatives of his
opponents in both his races for gov
ernor. One of the main issues, as
presented his candidacy to the peo-
pie, was that the people were entitled
to recognition. We denounced one
man control or rule: we prayed
voice in government.
[ was personally obligated to
neither Governor Smith nor any of
the other candidates. My interest in
the candidacy of Governor Smith was
based upon his demands for the peo-
pie, and l was opposed to the can
didacy of the other gentlemen be-
cause of their lack of demands in my
opinion, in behalf of the people. I
did not impugn the motives of either
of the candidates but lauded them
for their stand in behalf of what they
thought was for the best interest of
Georgia. It was just a difference of
opinion as to what was proper and
best for the people as a whole. If all
the candidates in the races just re-
ferred to had stood upon the same
platform, I should have supported
the one who was my friend or nearest
my friend. When principle vital, in
my opinion, to the interest of all the
people, is not involved, my personal
friend can always count me as sup
porting his candidacy.
Personally, I am obligated to Sena-
tor Terrell He says that he stands
for the people; this being true, 10y
atty to a friend prompts me to pray
for his success.
Aside from my personal obligation
how should my choice be elected? 1t
is nature that we demand those
things which would benefit us most
or which would give expression to
our desire.
Selfshness says to the supporters
of Governor Smith, present his can
didacy to the legislature
Selfishness of the supporters of
Governor Terrell says, ''It is Smith
Legislature, and let's go to the people
with his candidacy"
Aside from these selfish motives, to
whom should the supporters of Gov
cernor Smith or Senator Terrell sub
nit their claims? In any other in
stance the answer would be from
every patriotic man, " to the people"
This will be the last time in the his
tory of Georgia that the candidacy
of any man will be countenanced who
does not favor the election of officers
by the people.
The Democratic party is supposed
to represent the will of the people.
I'M, ~