Atlanta Georgian., 1913-02-08

and CONSCIENTIOUS I
voters Genes S&JRS
that should be VIZ
impossible of repetition. And the things
that happened in Atlanta were the
same things that happened all over
the state.
Such a thing as a secret ballot Is
impossible under the present system in
vogue in Georgia. Intimidation is easy
and frequently resorted to.
There are very few who remained in
the vicinity of the various polling
places hereabout last fall who fail TO
recall, perhaps, how many of those per-
sons thought likely to vote for Mr..
Roosevelt were gibed and jeered right
up to the ballot box, and not unlikely
intimidated into voting against him on
occasions.
1t win not be thought that this con-
dition should be made impossible Of
repetition solely upon Mr.. Roosevelts
account-or because he may have suf-
lGItu llOlll II, vi COul St~buL bctduoC ilO
man should suffer in such wise in an
election in Georgia.
There will be opposition to the en-
actment of an Australian ballot law in
Georgia, perhaps-and that opposition,
in all probability will come from the
politicians.
The Australian system tends to make
for fair elections-it reduces opportuni-
ties for fraud, and to that extent is
popular with the bosses and manipula-
tors. They always have fought it, to
the last ditch, in other states and they
will do so here
Nevertheless, there can be little, if
any, doubt that serious attempt, if
made, in the next legislature to bring
about an Australian ballot law will
prove successful
1t is somewhat significant that there
are only four states in the Union
Georgia being one of the four-that are
now without some form of the Austria
liam ballot. 81.
A great many Georgians will regret
that the president elect did not choose
Thomas J. Pence, of North Carolina, TO
be his private secretary-without, OF
course, deprecating in any way the Sc
lection of Mr.. Tumulty.
"Tom'' Pence has a great many
friends in this state and it was known
to them in a quiet way, that he hoped
to receive the private secretaryship.
He did magnificent publicity work for
Wilson, far in advance of the prima-
ries and Is well equipped in every way
for the position.
He has been held in very high esteem
for a number of years by the Wash
ington newspaper correspondents, and
his selection as secretary to the presi-
dent would have put the white house
in con the ground floor publicitywise
Immediately, so to speak.
one will not be disposed to blame
the president. however for wishing to
have Mr.. Tumulty on that job. He has
been very close to Mr.. Wilson for a
long time, and is thoroughly in touch
with his methods of doing things. He
understands. as no other man can, per-
haps, the peculiar and unique charac
teristics of the incoming president-and
that is worth much in a secretary.
1t is understood. too, that the presi
dent will take care" of Tom Pence
handsomely, as he is said to appreciate
heartily the great service rendered him,
in the early stages of his campaign
particularly. by this wide-awake Tar
heel newspaper man.
State Entomologist Lee Worsham
begins Monday his annual series of
farmers meetings in Georgia.
Monday he opens in Valdosta. Tues
day he goes to Nashville, Wednesday to
Triton. Thursday to Ashburn, Friday tC
Fitzgerald and Ocilla, Saturday tc
Vienna Monday to Montezuma and
Tuesday to Butler.
Before the close Of these engagements
he will announce others to follow Inn
mediately
These annual meetings are looked
forward to with keen delight by the
farmers Of the state and they are al
ways largely attended.
Governor Brown believes in keeping
things evened up as much as possible in
this world
Last year, under the direction OF Act
ing Governor Slaton, the Confederate
pensions We're paid in advance OF the
school teachers salaries-this year
Governor Brown reversed the proceed