Evening star., 1915-06-27
REFUSED TO REPEAT
PONT|US PLATE ACT
Gov. SIaton Explains Reason
for Declining to Put a
Jew to Death.
MILITIA HOLDS BACK MOB
THAT MENACED PARDONER
Kisses as He Steps Out of Office Are
Followed by Cheers in Geor-
gia Legislature.

ATLANTA, June 26.-At a luncheon
given this afternoon by the Rotary
Club of Macon. in honor of Georgia S
new governor. Nat f. Harris. inaugu-
rated today. John NJ. Slaton. the re-
tiring governor. referred to the case OF
Leo NJ. Frank. his action in which
evoked hostile demonstration against
him in the closing days of his admin
istration.
Honest people may disagree with
me, an honest man." said the former
governor. but We realize that we must
be measured by our conscience. Two
thousand years ago another governor
washed his hands of a case and turned
over Jew to mob. For two thou
sand years that governors name has
. been accursed.
IF today another Jew We're lying in
his grave because / had failed to dc
my duty ] would all through life find
his blood on my hands and would con-
slider myself an assassin through cow
ardice."
Gov. Slaton indicated that he intend
ed going away next week for an ex-
tended vacation.
Those demonstrations few days
ago do not represent the sentiment OF
Atlanta. Fulton county, or the state OF
Georgia." he added. And while on my
vacation to no one will I say aught
except in exaltation of the state. In
public life we must be prepared to
make any sacrifice in the fulillment OF
our duty
No reference to the Frank case was
made by Gov. Harris in the speech of
thanks he made to his fellow citizens
Of Macon. He expressed the hope. how
ever. that we will have no more trou-
BILE"
Soldiers at Governors Home.
A battery of artillery, without guns,
a battalion of infantry and a troop of
cavalry stood guard tonight at the
country home of John NJ. Slaton, who
retired at noon today from the office
Of Governor of Georgia. All was quiet
during the early evening, and there
seemed to be no indications of further
demonstrations tonight by persons who
disapproved the former governors ac-
ZION In committing the death sentence
of Leo NJ. Frank
Quiet prevailed throughout the even
Ing in the city and in the vicinity of
the Slaton home. The national guards
men did not relax their vigilance, how
ever. and two more men found lurking
In the vicinity of the former governors
residence were taken into custody No
arms were found on them, it was said
Mayor Woodward issued orders that
the near-beer saloons might reopen
for time this evening. inasmuch as no
signs of a disturbance of any kind
had appeared These soon became the
havens OF the thirsty on hot night,
but no disorder was reported from any
Of them.
1t was said tonight that the twenty
six men held in the county Jail would
be tried by military court rt-nartiaI un-
der state law passed in Gov. Browns
administration. Later 1t was learned
that the battery of artillery on duty
at the Slaton estate was equipped only
with side arms. One of the infantry
companies had a machine gun, how
ever.
Ex-Governor at Home.
The former governor spent the even
ing quietly at home with his family
He said that he and his wife had
planned some time ago to leave this
evening on long vacation trip to the
California expeditions. but that he
would not leave under fire and had
postponed his departure until next
week.
The patrol at the sIaton home will
not be withdrawn. it was said to-
night. long as Adjt. Gen. Nash re
garded the presence of guardsmen
there as necessary.
Slaton Kissed, Then Chee.ed.
During the inaugural ceremonies at
the capitol there were several tense
moments. When Gov. Slaton approach
ed the new governor to deliver into his
hands the grand seal of the state, a
few hisses we're heard from the crowd
ed e cry. President g. Ogden Per
sons the state senate raped sharply
with gavel. The Kisses continued
and Coy. Slaton paused. President
Persons raped again and the kissing
ceased. He warned the spectators tha I
unless they were in order the galleries
would be cleared.
Instantly there was a tumult of an
plause. After it subsidized Gov. Slaton
turned TO the new governor and said
presenting the seal:
Gov. Harris. / know that during my
term Of office this great seal of sta
has not been dishonored." His words
were greeted by another prolonged
outDurst ot applause.
Militia Holds Back Mob.
Leaving the capitol. the crowd
surged in on the former governor and
had TO be held back by the militia
Kisses and shouts greeted his ears
Some one yelled traitor" and anothe,
called him King of the Jews
Gov. Slaton buried to his autorno.
bile. accompanied by his successor. The
crowd followed the car under the i'm
precision that it was OF the way to the
terminal station. where the police had
to disperse throng that quick '
gathered The two governors did no,
go TO the station. They were on their
way TO the hotel. where the luncheon
to Gov Harris was given.
Senator Hoke Smith also spoke At tn.
luncheon He confined his remarks 70
4 denunciation of Great Eritain's block
Nde policy. as il affected the cottoI
business Of the south.