Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-02-16
HDKE SMITH BACKS
WO0DR0WWILSONA AS
MAN FOR PRESIDENT
FavorS Him Both on Account
of Fitness for office and His
Strength as a Presidential
Candidate


BY RALPH SMITH.
WASHINGTON d c.. Feb. 1.-eGov-
ernor Wilson stands for sane progress.
for a square deal, for Justice to all,
and at the same time for government
of law under the constitution" said
Senator Hoke Smith in an interview
given out today in expressing himself
as favoring the nomination by the Demo-
cratic party of the Jersey governor.
Senator Smith declares that he favors
Wilson's nomination because of his fit
ness for the office and because of his
strength as a candidate. His judgment
as to Wilson's strength as a candidate
is the result OF a mature elaboration
and is based on information he has re-
ceived from senators and representa-
tives from all parts of the country
Senator Smiths declaration for Will
son is regarded by the Wilson man
| ayers and by the friends of other can
didates as one of the most significant
developments of the campaign. Great
stress is laid upon the fact that Senator
Smith is the personal friend of Gov.
Judson Harmon, or Ohio, with whom he
served in President cIeveland's cabinet,
and that he fayors Governor Wilson for
no personal reasons. He is guided sole
" by what he believes to be for the
best interest of the Democratic party
Senator Smiths interview was today
sent out of Washington to every section
of the country, all of the special CORE
spondents recognizing SITS Importance rs
bearing on the presidential nomination.
THE INTERVIEW.
The interview, follows:
II favor Governor Wilson for no per-
sonal reason, but because 1 believe his
nomination and election will best serve
the people of the entire country. While
he was born in Virginia, and spent a
considerable portion of his boyhood and
young manhood in Georgia, he is now
a great national character. I cannot be-
lieve that his birthplace will lessen mis-
strength in any state.
ITO again call TO the presidency a man
from the state of Washington and JEFF
ferson will appeal to national patriotism.
Especially is this true when that man
has unsurpassed capacity to help solve
the present problems (which concern the
happiness and prosperity of all our
people. 49,
Governor Wilson stands for sane
progress, for a square deal, for justice
to all, and at the same time for gov
eminent OF law under, the constitution
lie is the most profound student in
America ON the DRY OF Ous country
and of the great economic problems now
to be solved.
"A southern boy by birth, he went to
northern state and through his SPLEEN
did chars .ctir AID exceptional ability
rose to the presidency of a great uni
Yersity.
with the information gathered by a
life of study fitting him peculiarly for
public service, he was called to the
governorship of New Jersey. There he
demonstrated unsurpassed capacity to
handle the practical affairs of govern
ment. He proved that a ripe scholar
could possess rare executive ability.
RECORD IN NEW YORK.
Under his administration New Jer-
sey has obtained pure election law, in
teligent regulation and supervision of
public service companies, legislation to
promote the health and the educational
progress of the people and many other
measures of similar nature, yet no in
vasion has been made of legitimate
property rights.
1.-THE splendid reforms which he led to
successful completion are in line with
the work which will confront him as
president.
"As the nominee of the party he can
be relied upon both by speech and
pen to teach Democratic truths with a
clearness which will carry conviction
to his hearers and readers. He is a
master on the tariff problem. His
speeches upon this subject are models.
He has captured an immense following
throughout the entire country.
THE STRONGEST MAN.
LAS a result of discussing the ques-
ton with senators and congressman
from different parts of the country, 1
do not believe that any man can be
presented by the Democracy who will
50 probably insure success.
Governor Wilson as our candidate
for president, appeals to me particularly
at this juncture in view 'of conditions
in the Republican party. His sympathy
with reforms advocated by the pro-
gressive Republicans, is we'll known
While it may be admitted that the lead
ers of the progressives will support the
ticket nominated by their party yet
this is not true of the rank and file,
who as a rule are without political am
btion and consequently have no party
loyalty to maintain.
ITO a greater extent than any of the
Democratic candidates for the pomina-
ton, Governor Wilson would draw from
this class of voters, besides holding
every Democrat worthy Of the name,
and drawing largely from the education
al classes and the Independent element.
FITTED FOR OFFICE.
His campaign will be rem arxable in
our histc~y for an intellectual vigor, in
grasp of present political conditions
and in clearness Of statement of reme-
dies he is unexcelled by any public
man OF the times. We must not under
rate the strength and resources of the
Republican party and should not delude
ourselves with the belief that any man
we nominate can be elected. We must
draw from the dissatisfied Republicans
and the independents to win, and in my
judgment the surest way to do this is
to nominate Governor Wilson.
Il am assured that the party could
not name a man with greater strength
in those states usually relied upon for
a Democratic victory, and that in addi-
ton thereto a number of middle and
western states usually class as safely
Republican, will como into the Demo-
cratic column.
"He expresses in " hat he has writ
ten and said and done more nearly
than any other mar suggested for the
nomination the aspirations and hopes
of the great body Of the people.
II favor his nomination both on ac-
/ count Of his fitness for the office and
on account of his strength as candi-
date"