Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-08-12
Senator Smiths Speech
In C0Uingt0n Brings Many
assurances OF Support

the lines OF the aQQreSS ne QellVereQ
earlier in the day at Conyers. He
planted himself squarely on the San
Francisco platform and behind the
presidential candidacy of Governor
James NJ. Cox. He devoted the two
hours he talked to a discussion of
the great constructive record of the
Democratic party and full and
frank review of his public record as
governor of Georgia and in the SEN
ate of the United States.
AS at Conyers and in all of his
other utterances during the cam
marked by the absence of personali-
ties and abusive comment respecting
either of his opponents in the~sen-
ate race, and the hostilities Of his
enemies in Georgia, excepting only
reference to the Atlanta Constitu-
ton, which provoked laughter and
applause.
"Of course,~I know you don't be-
lieve what you read in the Atlanta
Constitution regarding myself and
my candidacy" said Senator Smith
1.-The Atlanta Constitution doesn't
like me and you good people of
Newton county partly are responsible
for it's bitterness and hostility. You
helped mel to defeat Clark Howell in
his race for governor in 1906, and the
Atlanta Constitution has never for
given me. Its unfriendly comments
date from the defeat OF it's editor
and it's hostility has been unceasing.
1t never publishes the truth in mat
tiers concerning me-"
Convert Interrupts Speech
Senator Smith was interrupted
once during his speech. A gentleman
arose to remark that he had enter
ed the courthouse with a firm resolve
to oppose the senator's reelection,
but" said he, Il have changed my
mind since hearing the speech. [
am for Hoke Smith stronger than
ever before, and my coat is off dur
ing the remainder of this campaign
The sentiment thus voiced was
loudly applauded by the crowd In the
courtroom, and at the conclusion of
the speech Senator Smith was sought
out by scores of representative citi-
zens who offered voluntary assur-
'ances of support. Among them were
many who had never voted for him
in his previous races and others who
opposed him in the recent presiden-
tial primary.
Senator Smith drove from Conyers
to Covingt0n. He arrived only a few
minutes before the scheduled time
of the meeting, and found a crowd
at the courthouse. Among them
were DR.. n. j. Boswell. Of Mansfield;
G. d. White, ]. l.. Stephenson, b. w.
Fowler, r. r. Fowler, T. G. Gala
way, j. B. Ellington, Steve Hayes, A:
L. Lord. of Newborn, ordinary-elect;
Ed Adams, Mansfield; j. w. King,
Frank Ballard, ex-representative n.
S. Turner, J. C. Stewart, J. E. Cook,
Oxford; Judge A. D. Meador, ordi-
nary; Mestor Smith, Mansfield;
Rance Harwell Oxford; ]. c. Up
shaw. Brad Morgan, J. 2. Thompson,
Chestnut, Bryce Thompson. J. C.
Stewart. Green Mitchell, DR.. J. H.
Randall, A. ]. Johnson, J. P. Will
liams, Mansfeld; c. U. Skinner,
Starrsville; w. L. Gibson, R. w.
Campbell, P. B. Leach, S. H. Adams,
Ike Robinson, Capers Robinson, Fe-
Xix Franklin. Boykin Robinson, Char
Reuben NJ. Tuck and many others.
Cox and Smith Agree
j. Claude Upshaw introduced the
senator and referred to the fact
that Mr.. Smith and Governor Cox
are in agreement respecting the rati-
fcatlon of the League of Nations.
Senator Smith outlined the views
of the twenty-three Democratic sem
ators who favored reservations to
the league that will protect Ameri-
can interests and institutions, when
reservations, he pointed out, were
approved by Governor Cox, in his
speech of acceptance.
The senator took UP the legislative
record of the Democratic party in
detail and dwelt upon the great
good that it has, accomplished in
tightening the burdens of the people
and improving the opportunity of
every one.
The big problems confronting the
country were Illuminated by the SEN
ator, and his plans for improving
legislation already enacted and for
protecting many of the great acts
of the Democratic administration
won the approval of the crowd.
As in his previous speeches, SEN
ator Smith invited interruption and
Interrogation. He expressed not
answer any questions that might be
asked, and assured the crowd that
any one dehiring to interrupt would
be given the most cordial and con-
siderate treatment.
I'VE can't agree about everything"
being human we are fallible. Mis-
takes all of us have made. 7 know
I have erred, but 1 have never com
mitted an error that was not
prompted by what 1 conscientiously
believed to be the right thing.
IT believe 1 have been of service
to the people of Georgia. 1 know
that my experience in Washington
and in public affairs fits me to be of
further service to Georgia. If I |
didn't feel that 1 could serve the |
people I wouldn't seek any office.
Service, to my way of thinking, |
unselfish service for ones fellow
man, is the greatest joy in life. and
it is because 1 want to serve you
that I am offering for reelection to
the senate"
Many Converts Won
Senator Smiths speech made
deep impression on all who heard
it, and about the streets after the
meeting words of praise and COM
mendation were heard on all Sides
His old friends and supporters were
convinced that his speech had help
ed his candidacy in Newton county,
and many others who have not sup
ported him conceded that his address
made many converts.
The senatorial race in Newton
county is squarely between Senator
Smith and Thomas f. Watson, who
won the county in the presidential
primary. 1t is conceded that Mr..
Watson has a strong following in
the county. Governor Dorsey has
developed practically no strength,
and the Smith men believe that many
who otherwise. might. support the
deeming the county for the Demo-
cratic party.