Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-05-26
Mr. PottLe and the State Road.

In announcing his candidacy for Governor,
Hon. Joseph e. Pottle makes his position on vital
issues so plain and emphatic that no one can
mistake his meaning doubt his purpose. He
speaks his mind with the preciseness of man
who has thought things through, and with the
earnestness of man who is not merely running
for office but standing steadfasty for principles.
On two matters of paramount concern to the
State, he is particularly emphatic--the enforce
ment of law and the preservation of the Western
and Atlantic railroad. OF the former he says:
II mean obedience to and enforcement of
all the law, all the time and everywhere, by
and against every man rich poor, high or
low. great or small"
And of the Western and Atlantic railroad, he
This great asset of State should be
preserved for our" children and childrens
children; and / shall, if elected, put myself
fully unreservedly and aggressively against
its sale or sponation."
When uncertain politicians discuss the future Of
the State road, they sprinkle their views with
evasive IFS" and adroit "howevers," so that it is
impossible to tell what they really think, much
less what they really would do. In refreshing con-
trast to that dubious game, Mr. Pottle comes out
hatfootedly for the protection Of the Western and
Atlantic against any and every scheme to impair
its usefulness to wrest it from the peoples pos
session.
must respect the candor and conviction with which
Mr.. Pottle espouses it.
There are persons-though few, we dare say
who believe that the State road should be sold
leading spokesman of those having this opinion
Is the Macon Telegraph. In singularly interest
ing editorial reproduced elsewhere on this page
the Telegraph while taking sharp issue with Mr.
Politics. position, says that of his sincerity in ad-
vocating what he does, there can be no doubt:
again
sale of the State Road under any circum-
stances he marches boldly crosswise our
path and our ways, So needs must be apart.
He has come to his conclusion
result of his own mental processes, and what
he believes is right he will as vigorously and
effectively advocate he knows how. And
as tribute to the mans personality, his
unfaltering code of ethics applying alike in
private life and politics, The Telegraph gladly
says he is one of the few who have
gotten into the political trenches in Georgia
the last generation, who have done lusty,
need of partisan fighting, who can yet look
his every one-time political foe in the face.
smile now in his own hour and know that
In no mans heart is there just cause for
rancor for hatred or for distrust as to the
man Pottle."
There is one thing to be priced more than
the loyalty of political friends and that is the
respect of political foes By his unequivocal stand
on the State road question, his refusal to take
refuge in silence to seek advantage in evasion,
Mr. Pottle has earned that distinguished respect.
Those who favor the sale of the Western and At
lantic whether they moved by personal convic-
ton or controlled by special interests, can oppose
him but they cannot doubt his good faith And
those who wish to the Western and Atlantic
held unimpaired as a great heritage of the Com
monwealth know equally we'll what he thinks and
what he will do.
At time when this all important issue
presses for determination the people of Georgia can
not afford to entrust the helm of State to any
who is evasive or uncertain. If they believe that
priceless an investment the State road should
be surrendered for a lump of cash or to suit the
convenience of a covetous corporation, let them
elect a Governor and Legislature for that pur-
nose. If they believe that the State road should
be preserved as public treasure and developed
for the public good, let them elect Governor
and a Legislature for that purpose. But in either
event let them know precisely what principle they
are voting for and what course the men who re-
ceive their suffrage will pursue. This is no time
for lodging or hiding squirming 1t is time
for plain speech and unmistakable purpose.