Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-04-02
Underwood Loses His Home State
WILSON WILL Be
THE PRESIDENT IF
GEORGIA SAYS So"
Senator Hoke Smith, in Letter
to Friend Declares "If Geor-
gia FayOrs Wilson He viii
Be Nominated and Elected"

Be Nominated and Elected"
In a statement that hits the bulls
eye OF the national political situation,
Senator Hoke smith. OF Georgia, makes
plain his advocacy OF the candidacy Of
Governor Wilson. OF New Jersey. for
the Democratic nomination
The Georgia senator's view OF the sit
uation and his attitude toward It are
expressed In his own words in an ex-
cerpt. quoted below. from personal let
ter to a close friend In Georgia. The gem
tIeman to whom the letter was addressed
prefers that his name be not used.
Senator Smiths letter was dated az
Washington on Thursday. It was in
I-sponse TO one from the friend regard
ing political affairs and asking for Sem
stOr Smiths view OF the national situ-
alton. It was not originally intended
for publication.
SO striking was the part here quoted.
however, that the recipient OF the lefty
telegTaphed to the senator In Washins
ton. Friday afternoon. asking his pen
mission 70 give part Of the letter out
for publication And on Saturday morn
The senator's consent was received
BIZ wire.
me excerpt quoted Is a comprehensive
summary OF the big question that is
agitating Democracy. particularly Geor-
gia Democracy
TAFTs NOMINATION SURE.
The nomination Of Mr.. Taft by the
Republicans is now practically assured.
The interests win support him." writes
Senator Smith
1he Democratic party, as usual. must
rely upon the masses OF the people
Mr.. Wilson stands for every sound
proposition OF Democratic progress and
reform He appeals not only 10 the reg1-
la- Democrats. but he appeals TO a large
element OF men who have heretofore been
Republicans who are dissatisfied with
Taft
Democrats in Maine believe he wIiI
carry Maines Democrats In New Hamp-
shire believe he can carry New Hamp-
shires he IS the strongest candidate in
Massachusetts,. IL Is very doubtful
whetherf IL viii be possible to beat the
protectionists represented by Taft in
Connecticut Wilson is the strongest
candidate in New York: he can carry
New Jersey. Tie determined desire /,
beat Taft kecause OF hrs close align
ment with the Republican machine. in
view OF Wilson's open hostility to ma
chine politics and 20 political bosses.
VIII cause the Republicans to have a
fight even in Pennsylvania The best
informed men believe Wilson can carry
Ohio. His nomination will make Indi-
ana perfectly safe. It is confidently
asserted that he can carry Wisconsin
The majority OF the voters are over
wheImingly against Taft in the Dak0-
tas and ready 70 vote for Wilson. Ne
braska win go for Wilson against
Taft. With the Republican party bit
terly divided on Roosevelt and Taft IN
Kansas. II is at least probable that we
can carry Kansas for Wilson. TIE
same situation exists in Washington.
Oregon and California
WILSON THE STRONGEST.
Wilson would not only be the
strongest candidate we could nominate
in the states usually relied upon to be
Democratic. but he would give US more
than an even chance to win two-thirds
% the northern vote as well as the sol
id south.
IF Georgia stands for Wilson ne
viii be nominated and in all probable
ity elected.
IF Georgia goes for Underwood he
CUnderwoOd) still has no chance or
the nomination and even il nominated
he could not be elected over Taft we
would have nothing TO appeal TO the
progressive thought OF the country.
and the reactionary thought is with
Taft Taft having led the fight for
them to beat Roosevelt. they will stick
10 him.
with Underwood or Harmon as a
candidate. the chances all are that a
third ticket would be in thief field and
outside OF the south we would carry
nothing. Taft would get the conserva-
tive vote and the third Republican
ticket would get the progressive vote
IF our people can be made to IN
derstand this situation and the impor-
lance which Georgia occupies in the
fight. IL viii surely result in great
Democratic victory"