Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-09-07
Loua1 Democrats VIII Unite
On Smith to Defeat Watson
the Senatorial contest draws to
"A close, right-minded citizens are more


the Senatorial contest draws to
n close, right-minded citizens are more
than ever concerned to see the sftua-
ton as it actually is, whether or not II pc
to their personal liking, and to do their outy
in the clear light of realities, regardless OIL
the dust and passion of fractional pol1tlcs.
They wish to know as nearly, as competent
and candid observation can tell them, what
likelihood there is of Mr.. Watson's winning,
for they feel to the depths of their civic con-
science that his election would be stagger-
ing blow against the States prosperity ana
peace and good repute. They are vitality in
terested, therefore, in the comparative
strength of Senator Smith and Governor
Dorsey, since in present circumstances 1t IS
plain that of these two that one who has
the surer prospect of victory should receive
the support of all who see the momentous
duty of defeating wisconsin. There are
other considerations of high importance-the
candidates comparative ability, for instance,
as measured by their achievements, their ex-
perience, their influence, their general quail
fication for service. And if it appears in the
light of thoughtful inquiry that he who holds
the stronger hand against Watson is also the
ADLER, the more experienced, the more serV-
iceable, then assuredly he should be given
the undivided vote of loyal and reasoning
Democrats
These principles being granted, let us look
squarely into the facts to which they apply.
How stands this Senatorial contest, with its
far-reaching import to Georgia's material
welfare and good name? 1t may as we'll be
conceded at the outset that Mr.. Watson is
dangerously formidable. Dislike that fact as
deeply as one may, still both frankness and
expediency demand that it be faced. None
who is alert to the perils and duties of this
day can have failed to be impressed by the
throngs that have focked to hear the Nc
Dufie candidate in Fulton and adjacent cOun-
ties and by the feversh emotion which his
candidacy has kind1ed. That hundreds have
entered his audiences out of curiosity and
have gone away convinced of his unftness for
the Senate, is to be assumed. But ask any
keen observer how this man is running.
And almost invariably the answer will be-,
HE is running strong" Not only in the
district of which Atlanta is the center, but
throughout the greater part of Georgia, this
disquieting state of affairs is recognized by
the citizen who is mindful of public interests
: and who is seeking the surest means for their
protection. The mere. possibility of Thomas
e. Watson's winning the race that would
make him Georgia's representative in the
United States Senate for six critical years is
enough to arouse every thoughtful voter s
anxiety and to purge his mind of all factional
folly that would contribute to so disastrous
an event.
1t is obvious that the greater the division
of loyal Democratic votes, the greater the
possibility OF Mr.. Watson's election. Those,
therefore. who feel how imperative it is that
he be defeated will no more think of vast
ing their ballots on an ineffectual candidate
than soldiers, with the enemy upon them,
would use pea shooters and pen knives when
machine guns and bayonets were available.
Those who are more concerned for the well
fare of the State than for the fortunes of a
political faction, and who would rather see
three million Georgians we'll served in the
national Senate than play the game of a few
score embittered feudists, will do their ut
,noff IN ND
ranks for this crucial test, not to divide and
weaken them.
The decisive question, then, for practical
and patriotic citizens is this: Who can carry
the day against wisconsin and, when elected
better serve the State-Senator Smith, who
was first in the field and whose ability stands
proved by years of incompatible service, or
Governor Dorsey, who was thrust into the
contest as third candidate, against his own
good judgment and that of his more disin-
terested friends, and whose record in the
Executive Office u.s. for the most part, one OF
barrenness and mediocrity? Who is the
more likely to call forth and concentrate the
thoughtful enthusiasm of those on whose
votes the verdict of Wednesdays primary
{ depends-Senator Smith, who has fought and
won momentous battles for the farmers of
Georgia aAd the South, who has originated
and pressed to enactment epoch-marking
measures for educatiOn'S advancement, who
has stood ever vigilant and ever effective in
terests of the rank and file? Or Governor
Dorsey of whom that veteran Democrat and
nestor of the Georgia bar, Major Joseph B
Cumming, dispassionately remarks, There is
hardly enough known of him to enable the
formation of an. estimate, favorable or IN
favorable?"
The truth of the case is so clear and the
way of duty so plain that a wayfaring man
though a factionist cannot err therein if he
but open his eyes. What might have beer
in DrnrniSaS S
made manifest in the whole development ant
conclusion of the campaign. Senator Smith
as the stronger of Mr.. Watson's opponents
stronger in achievement, in experience, il
native ability and, therefore, in public opn
ion-is the outstanding champion of 1oya
Democracy and sober civic thought, while
Governor Dorsey's candidacy, impotent in it
self, serves. only to sap strength from the
party's winning front It is conservatively
reported that in at least one hundred anC
twenty-five counties the contest is squarely
between Senator Smith and Mr.. Watson
Where Governor Dorsey figures to any con