The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-06-18
GEORGIA READY
 FOR LEGISLATURE Leaders in Both Houses Are Practically Chosen A GENERAL REVIEW Shows Legislature Which Meets July l Will Have Many Important
 Measures to Consider
 and Adopt

Atlanta, June 17.-(Specal.)-Th lead CTS of the general assembly for this term are now practically determined.
 John slaton will be the president of the senate and John H. Holder of Jackson county is booked for the place of speaker of the house.
 For some time now the senate situa- ton had been a certainty, but there was considerable doubt in the matter of the election of a speaker w. H. Burwell, representative of Han- cock county, and Judge H. W. Hopkins of Thomas county, both sought the place, thereby giving Mir. Holder con siderable to think over. | MT. BLrwell however, saw the hand writing on the wall, and has decided to quit the race leaving the field clear to the other two men.
 | It is generally believed that he quit because ho saw that MT. Holder had the race tied up, and was willing to get out, rather than try test of strength when | the legislature met.
 Although Judge Hopkins has been mem tioned number of times for the position, he has not been heard from recently and 1t Is the opinion of some that he will not enter it, leaving the place to MT Holder without opposition. MT. Holder has the prestige of having served las, year as speaker and of hay ing made splendid record. He was very popular with the members of the house, l,; -tr L., ala | tions of last fall,
 SlatOn UnOpposed | There was considerable talk at one time | of opposition to MT. Slaton, who sought reelection as president of the senate, but this died down several months ago, and | it has been conceded for long time that he would not only have no opposi- ton, but that his election would be unan- imous, fo- Slaton is another official who made himself popular by his conduct in the chair.
 Legislators are beginning to drift into Atlanta every few days now and Atlanta | is assuming a legislative air. | There are two candidates in the field for speaker pro tenn of the house. They
 
 | Following the formalities of organiza- ton the legislature will notify Governor Brown that it is ready for business. thereupon the governor will submit the message which will wind up his term as governor.
 1 Governor Brown is now engrossed in the preparation of his closing message, but he has given out no forecast of what
 it's contents will be.
 On Saturday. July 1, the legislature will discharge the duty Of inducting into office the new governor. Gov.-elect Hoke | smith.
 The programme for this occasion will be announced by a joint committee. which will be appointed by the house and senate.
 To Elect Senator | Probably the most important and cer- tainy one of the most interesting ques- tions with which the general assembly will be called upon to deal, will be the | election Of United States senator to succeed the late Senator Clay whose un- | expired term is now filled by Senator Joseph M Terrell, by appointment of Governor Brown.
 | The election is fixed by law to be held on the second Tuesday after the meeting of the legislature, which fixes the date on this occasion for July Il. | In connection with the filling of the senatorial vacancy two men stand out | prominently.
 1 They are Senator Terrell and Gov. .-elect 1 Hoke Smith-the one an avowed candi- date for the honor, the other, according l. to statements of his friends, in recep- tive attitude, perfectly willing to take it | if he caa get it, and thoroughly con | vnced that he can.
 | Although he has made no public state ment regarding the senatorial situation, | the word has gone forth and is believed | throughout the state that Governor | Smiths friends in the legislature intend | to vote for him for the senate, whether | he announces or not, and that if elected | the governor intends to accept s. G. McIendon. former chairman of the railroad commission, is the only other announced candidate for the senatorship, and his friends claim that he will have a strong following.
 1 In the course of political gossip there have been several other names mentioned | in connection with the candidacy for the senatorship, but the majority of them are | the friends and political supporters of | Governor Smith, and it is understood that the persistent rumors of his favorable at | titude toward the senatorial office has | forestalled any stampede for the place.
 Lines Closely Drawn l When it comes to selecting senator it | Is generally believed that the lines in the general assembly will be very closely drawn, and that whichever side-if it may be said that there will be sides-has | the greater strength in numbers, will push | its advantage to an early conclusion. | There is little credence given the re- port that there will be any juggling or unnecessary delay There will be no oc- | casion for 1t unless the vote is a tie. l On the theory that Governor Smith may | be elected to the senate, thereby creating | d. vacancy in the gubernatorial office, po- | ltical dopesters have amused themselves | by figuring out what the result would be. | Senator Slaton would become acting governor> by virtue of his office as presi- | dent of the senate, and it would be his duty within 50 days to call an election 10 | fill the vacancy.
 In such an event a stirring contest for 1 the office is predicted. | Among those who it is said would enter the race are: Senator Slaton. T. G. Hud-