The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1916-12-14
A Few Words for DIR. Ainsworth.

Few Words for Dr. Ainsworth.
To the Editor of The Telegraph: A telegram
from Augusta received at 1921 a III. at my
home in Gainesville this morning tells me that
the Federal jury has returned verdict of Not
guilty, at 10 a m in the celebrated case of the
Federal Government against Hon. Thos. E. Wat
In my mail also received today the es-
teemed Macon Telegraph of last Monday, in which
appears DR.. w N. Ainsworths article--or sermon
directed against Mr. Watson, whom he calls
"Georgia's most dangerous man"
My absence in Augusta and Atlanta will
count for the delay of my mail, but the arrival
of these two communications-on from Augusta
and the other from Macon-impressed my mind
peculiar experience and a notable conci-
dence.
Your Monday article was an elaboration of DR..
Ainsworths sermon, addressed, you say to
$500 men" Its delivery was made to do violent
hurt.
Mr. Watsons trial set for Monday at 10
a M, and we find minister i'll the city Of
Macon firing the minds Of nearly thousand men
against the defendant doing his utmost to
blacken the reputation Of a native Georgian, and,
in so far as Dr. Ainsworth's influence extends, in
citing these to get rid Of Hon Thos. E. Wat
and to place a ban upon him. that would af-
flict his devoted wife and lovely daughter to the
end Of their lives.
l am holding in my hands this Mondays edi-
tion of The Telegraph, containing this denuncia-
ton, as l write these lines, and feel as if I
never more ashamed Of being member and COM
muncant of the Methodist Church, South, than
at this moment.
There may be some personal antagonism be-
tween the Macon minister and Mr.. Watson, but
/ cannot conceive Of a ministerial mind which
could thus betray the virulence of such hatred
in public place and which could thus VenomiZe
his public DISCOURSE without any thought Of
the dscredt which he has thus inflicted upon the
Methodist Church.
Since the year 1851 my name has been enrolled
as member Of this religious organization With
an experience of more than sixty-fiye years.
feel sure have never before come in contact with
Mnth O6iC CT nonhnT hn
betray his personal luminosity against person
whose private character so fully vouched for
Gas Mr.. Watsons character at the Augusta
trial)-to use the sacred pulpit to such unhappy
effect, beggars my surprise and establishment and
fatigues my patience.
DR.. Ainsworth has filled many positions of
prominence in the Methodist conference. This
lapse of tongue may be condoned by other con-
gregations, and he may fill many other pulpits in
course OF time; nevertheless this incident will
ever be remembered by thousands OF Methodist
people in Georgia something unworthy and diff
ficult to adjust, in the coming years, relating
to pastor and membership, in their intercourse.
l sat in the Augusta court room for nearly
an hour last Wednesday. | saw numbers of Geor-
gias most notable and honored men testify in Mr.
Watson's behalf and what l heard almost salts
fled my mind that Georgia politicians would not
attempt very soon another political persecution
in the courts but my disappointment is great
to find that Methodist minister who draws a
large salary and has been a teacher of young
women in honored religious institution for
years, should not only prefer Barabbas in q
secular trial, but should do his utmost to awaken
Ku Klux propagation from the pulpit of Null
berry Street church in his insensate diatribe
against a Georgian who has been so thoroughly
indicated by the Federal jury in Augusta
If Mr. Watsons soul juices have been turned
to vinegar" have the lips of the preacher been
scorched by burning Goals from the altar of his
hatred?
Respectfully
MRS. W. H. FELTON,.