Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-07-20
RAILWAY BOARD
RACE APUZZLER
Hand of Tom Watson Seen in
Entry of FIynt Against
TrammeIl.

The entrance of James j. Flynt in
the railroad commissioner race spe-
officially against Commissioner Paul B.
Trammell, following the announcement
Of Colonel S. Guyt McLendon specifical-
ly against Commissioner George Hill
yer. has set many political tongues
a-wagging.
Only a few days back, Judge Flynt
was a prospective candidate against
Commissioner Hillyer, and Colonel Nc
Tendon was an announced candidate
for the United States senate against
Mr.. Bacon
A more or less sudden shifting of the
cards has changed all of that and not
few who keep an ear close to the
ground are asking why.
More than one observer of events
and things, who also is able to put an
occasional two and two together IN
such wise that they unmistakably
make four. see in this lightning change
of attitudes upon the part of Judge
Flynt and Colonel McLendon the
fine Italian hand of Thomas F. Wat
son, the red-headed person" from
McDufie. and the sometimes Warwick
of Georgia politics.
Mr. Watson recently has had many
kind words to say of both Judge Flynt
and Colonel McLendon He would like
to see both of these men put upon the
railroad commission, as, no doubt,
would many other people Unques-
tionably. he will support them with all
l1e ut, i III.
HilIyer a Hoke Smith Man.
Moreover while Mr. Watson would
delight 10 elect Colonel McLendon, he
would particularly delight to elect him
as a rebuke to his ancient enemy, Hoke
Smith; for Senator Smith. when gov
ernor, summary dismissed Colonel
McLendon from the railroad commits
sion and Commissioner Hnlyer has
been known generally as a Hoke Smith
man. And. again. Paul B. Trammel
also was identified with the Hoke
Smith faction rather closely in the past.
and holds his commission now by vir-
tue of Governor Smiths appointment
at the time Judge Warner Hill was ele-
waited to the supreme bench
Wherefore, if the sage of Thomson
can stack the cards against both Hill
yer and Trammell, Hoke Smith men
and each. therefore, persona non grata in
Watson's political household, why isn't
it good business, from the Watson
viewpoint?
This may be good politics, from the
Watson viewpoint say the friends Of
Trammen and Hillyer but it is not
overwhelmingly brilliant politics from
the viewpoint of those who have been
disposed to accept in good faith the
overtures OF the Brown Slaton people
in the matter of doing away with fac
tioual lines in the primary next month
and the elevation of Mr.. Slaton to the
governorship as a non fractional candi-
date and general all-around peace
maker
A Cry Of Peace?
If Mr. Watson. as a leader in the
Brown Slaton ranks. is to make open
and specific warfare on certain men.
more particularly because they are
HOke Smith men than because there Is
any objection to them, what shall the
Hoke Smith men, disposed to be peace
ful and serene. do about that2
Already a number of Hoke Smith
partisans are saying that there are
certain loud voiced Brown Slaton mer
believing Peace" from the house tops.
the while their emissaries and gum
shoe lieutenants are down in the dark
OF the cellar undertaking 10 put IN
pleasant things over on the unsuspect- !
ing Smithites.