The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1921-05-17
HARDWICk TAKES
CRACK AT DORSEY
CHEERED BY 5000 AS HE SAID
GEORGIA IS VICTIM OF UN-
WARRANTED ISLANDER.

MCDONOUGH, Ga.-KeSplenQenI
in its decorations Henry, mother OF
eight Georgia counties, celebrated its
centennial anniversary Saturday with
a home coming here that will long be
remembered by those who witnessed
the event Governor-elect Thos. W..
Hardwick was the orator OF the day,
and spoke to an audience OF 5000
Georgians.
Basing his remarks on the recon
struction period OF the recent war and
the part Americanism is playing in it
the governor-elect paid a magnificent
tribute to the south and the accom-
plishments of its statesmen. Assalling
Governor Dorsey for the latter's in
dictment OF Georgia in his booklet on
"The Negro in Georgia" setting forth
alleged brutal treatment Of the negro
by white people of the state, he was
frequently interrupted with enthusi-
astic and prolonged cheers and ap
.plause.
Denies Dorsey Charges.
Il had not intended touching on
this subject at this time" he declared'
but the spirit of this occasion-the
manifestation of a good, peaceful and
law-abiding citizenship-has convinced
me that these are not bad people
nor Georgia a barbarous state, as has
been charged.
II deny these charges. | brand
as an infamous Islander on the state
these statements that have been sent
broadcast over the country"
The governor was interrupt
ed by cheers for Hardwick and the
shouting of Judge w. E. H. Searcy's
name. Perspiration was streaming
from his face, and the old Hardwick
smile which has marked all of his
political campaigns was evident as he
shook his head and endeavored to
begin again.
when | become governor in
these ISLANDERS, as foul as were ever
perpetrated on a state"
A shout from the crowd caused
him to pause.
Tell 'em about it, Toni" it was
repeated.
Il haven't said half as much as | am
going to say when | am in posi-
ton to speak with some authority"
replied the speaker. Il wish | could
go into the question fully today.
Says People Are Disguised.
mo county has miStreated the ne
gro as much as Fulton. And l say this
if | do live there. Yet | do not hear
any such charges regarding Fulton
as l do from these other counties. |
can tell you now that the people up
there are just as Disguised and sick
of these ISLANDERS as you are.
Il don't believe in befouling our
own nest" he continued. 1T is poor
bird that does such. What good can
be accomplished, even if there is some
thing wrong, by besmirching the en-
tire state?"
1--WE have certain sensational news
papers here that are always SANDER
ing the state. They've done it i'll the
past, but | say now is the time to let
them know that such charges should
be taken to the courts and not scatter
ed broadcast over the country.
Good Courts in Georgia.
1--WE have good courts here. Our
judges and solicitors are honest and
will enforce the law. Let us tell the
press for Gods sake it is time for
them to take their charges there, and
| if true they will be acted upon &C
cordingly.
when | have entered the office Of
governor | intend to answer in detail
most of this anonymous evidence"
the speaker was halted by applause.
Some Of these charges are coming
from men who have not enough man
hood to sign their Names" he re-
sumed.
Then he launched into a discussion
as to how he treated all anonymous
letters received during his service in
Washington. For example, when he
received a letter from some citizen
who wished to bring charges against
some applicant for All appointment
without allowing the use of his name
he said that he had always refused to
take any action, writing the citizen
that he could use no evidence where
the man was not willing to confront
the applicant.
And | think it only fair that the
people OF Georgia be treated the same