Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-09-22

Shall the State Democratic convention which
meets at Macon next Tuesday adopt resolutions I'm
dorsing President Wilson and the Democratic ad-
ministration, as custom and honor require or shall
It cringe TO the dictates of an avowed enemy of
the party and refuse afirm its due allegiance
Demoeraey's national leader?
1t is preposterous that this question should
have arisen The mere suggestion that a conven-
ZION of Georgia Democrats either openly or tacity
snould repudiate a Democratic President in the
midst of national campaign is an insult to every
true Democrat in the State, particularly TO those
who are delegates to the forthcoming convention.
Yet, this is not only the suggestion but the per-
emptory demand of Thomas E. Watson who, con-
strung the result of the recent primary a per-
sonal victory for himself. is bent upon play
ing the autocrat in the councils of the party to
Nhfeh he is a notorious traitor and implacable
Zoe. He demands that there be no Endorsement of
the Wilson administration by the Macon conven-
tion, and he broadly intimates that resolutions
actually condemning the administration must be
passed If he is to be wholly content
Responsibility for what the convention does or
fails to do in this matter rests largely with Hon.
Hugh NJ. Dorsey. the gubernatorial nominee. Pre-
cedent gives Mr.. Dorsey the privilege of naming
the chairman of the resolutions committee along
with the other officers of the convention and of
passing upon the resolutions before they are pre-
senleO- III ne rises 10 the ntneSS ana duty OF the
occasion. as heNJournal trusts he will, he will
smphatically put down any scheme to place the
convention in an attitude of disoyalty to the
tional Democratic administration. Pursuing that
honorable course he will deserve the respect and
confidence of all Democrats. But should he sur
render to WatsOns atrocious demand, he will for
felt the respect and confidence of the great rank
and file of Georgians who supported him in the
primary.
We do not question that Mir Dorsey will meet
this issue any consistent Democrat ought to
meet it. lndead, il is well-nigh unthinkable that
the Democratic nominee for the Governorship of
Georgia and the leading figure in the State Demo-
cratic convention would allow that convention to
pass without indorsing the Democratic nominee for
the Presidency. Silence of that sort at this time
would be a gross affront one of the greatest
Presidents in the annals of the Democratic party,
and il would be fragrant treachery to the party's
interests and honor.
The responsible head of Georgia Democracy in
she forthcoming convention will be- not the polit-
zeal outcast Watson, but the Democratic nominee
FOR Governor, Hon. Hugh NJ. Dorsey. He has the
opportunity less than the obligation to main
tain the party's tradition and honor in the face of
its enemies schemes. He can set in motion the
machinery that will bring before the convention
and bring from the convention, the whole-hearted
Endorsement to which the national Democracy is
entitled and which the great body of Georgia Demo
gratis undoubtedly desire to express
II is regrettable that such an issue has arisen
particularly at this juncture of the party's affairs
But having arisen, it must be met with decisive
vigor. There should be no shadow OF doubt con-
corning the character and attitude of the Macon
convention. II should prove itself Democratic
convention in spirit and deed well as in name
II should send TO Democrats the nation over mes
sage OF loyalty and cheer. II should repudiate the
suggestion that il turn traitor the eve of the
battle
II is Mr.. Dorseyis peculiar privilege and duty
to that this declaration of faith is fully and
promptly made