Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-08-21
The A17-Imbortant ASPECT Oh
the Senatorial Race

%OR calm, clear, just assessment of the
II merits of the Senatorial contest one
need go no further than the terms in
which the Moultrie Observer, paper never
given to hasty or superficial judgments,
comes out in support of Senator Smith. Not
az a partisan or a player of the game of pol
tiles, but as a student Of the States best
interests and a power in South Georgia's up
building, the Observer tells why it considers
the senior Senator's reelection of paramount
Importance. That he has implacable enc
mics, made in hard fought battles Of the
past" 1t readily grants-enemies who refuse
to see in the light of a new day and who
assail him with all the charges which hostile
imaginations can devise. Nevertheless,
"Despite these charges, brought in bit
terness and strife, we believe that II the
voter who earnestly desires to serve his
State in the best manner possible, will
take the record of Senator Smith since
he has been in politics in Georgia, an
alyze it, weigh that which has been of
public benefit and in the interest of the
people against that which has been
selfish and factional and unworthy, they
will find a great preponderance on the
side of his able, honest and unselfish
service in behalf of the State he repre-
sents."
The force OF this statement lies in its
strict adherence to facts and in the obliga-
ton which those facts press home to open
minded, right-hearted citizens. Some there
are whom prejudice has so blinded and fac
tionism so embittered that they cannot see
tbs truth. These are recklessly abusing SEN
at0r Smith, and in their effort to divide the
States loyal vote are doing more to AID
Thomas e. Watson than all other influences
combined. But Georgians of the type for
whom the Moultrie Observer speaks-and
we doubt not that they constitute the great
rank and fle-have better sense OF what
is reasonable and fair. Numbers OF them
have differed with Senator Smith on past is
sues and have opposed him with the ear
nestness of deep conviction. But they do not
think that therefore they are bound to ig-
more present issues or spend the remainder
Of their days brooding upon last year, S birds
nests. They can see no sanity in disregard
ing the planest evidence of Senatorial worth
and the manifest interests of the Common
wealth simply because they disapproved of
some things the Senator did in seasons
gone They will not shut their eyes to rec
ord of high serviceableness and dance to
.actional pipings that please no one so much
rs Thomas E. Watson. AS thoughtful citi-
.ens, holding the welfare Of the State SUI
9reme and having the high interests Of
Democracy at heart, they are resolved to
vote in the forthcoming primary as present
issues and present duties demand.
The issues are peculiarly practical and
clear. On the one side stands an experienced
public servant of proved ability and integ-
rity, whose committee positions and estab-
ished friendships in official circles give him
invaluable influence, Senator who is con-
nructiye in purpose and outlook and whose
ecord bears abundant witness to his use
ulness to Georgia. On the other side stands
political adventurer, an inveterate foe of
the Democratic party, erratic, destructive,
Unable to work with others for the common
good. Such was the clearly drawn contest
into which the feudists whose ruling pas
sion is hatred of Senator Smith injected a
third candidate and which they are seeking
% becloud with irrelevant issues But watch
.ul men will not be deceived. They will
grasp the situation in it's broad and only
rue aspect as race between Senator Smith
md Mr.. Watson, and will vote thereon as rea-
ION and patriotism demand, not diverted by
.alse factional cries