Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-12-27
HASTINGS DEFENDS
PARTY INSURGENTS

Attacking the legality of the Re-
publican convention, held in At
lanta on July &c, last, and defending
the action taken few weeks ago
by a group of insurgents" in the
Republican party of Georgia, who
called for the resignation of J. l..
Phillips as chairman of the state
Republican committee, H. G. Hast
ings, welI-known Albanian and
prominent in Republican affairs, has
issued the following statement:
Chairman J. L. Phillips statement in the
press Of December 90 is characteristic
blending of truth and untruth. The COM
parative1y recent solicitude on the part of
Mr.. Phillips for Georgia Republican welfare
is really wonderful in view of the fact that,
IL I am correctly informed he was not reg
istered as voter in Thomas county from
1913 up to January, 1921.
was present at the Kimball house meet
ing, which seems to have so greatly disturb
ed Mr.. Phillips, and participated in its &C
tions. With one exception, no man pres
ent is. to the best of my knowledge, an
applicant for any office under the pres
ent administrat ton. Statements that the
meeting held by disgruntled office
seekers is simply untrue.
The inside story of the July &c conves-
tion which elected Mr.. Phillips has never
been told. 1t is we'll that it be made public.
1t was the most beautiful piece of arbi-
trary decision and putting same clear by
"steam-roller'' methods that l have ever
seen or heard of. To the best of my judg
ment the action taken was against the
wishes of not less than rs per cent to so
per cent of those present.
have no criticism to make Of the body
of men gathered in Atlanta on July &c. It
was as representative body as has ever
been gathered in any political convention.
Most of us were sincerely DESTROYS of COM
ing together and forming an organization
that would be really representative of the
rapidly growing sympathy in Georgia to-
ward Republican national policies.
President Harding was sympathetic to-
ward the idea of "a reorganization of the
COMMITTEE of 1O0." Iater expanded to
about 25O, which were invited to the July
20 convention, came in good faith and were
then allowed to do only those things which
had been framed up' by Clarence Miller,
secretary of the Republican national COM
mite. Keeling, Of Indiana, and g few
others. 1t was certainly raw.
Miller, Keeling, etc., came to Atlanta the
Saturday prior to the convention which was
held on Tuesday. Announcements had been
made with g:eat flourish that full aud ex-
haustive consultations would be held with
leading men Of the state in the effort to
reach proper solution of the Georgia sitna
tlon. As the situation developed It became
BADLY apparent that this consultation bust
ness was all camouflage.
When 1t became apparent that their
choice, Philips, was unacceptable to those
present and that DIR. Gillian would be elect
ed state chairman # the convention was
allowed to exercise its choice. Clarence Mil
Ter stated in substance, both in my pres
ence and that of many others, that they had
come down here 20 put over a cerEaln pro-
gram, and the folks IN Georgia could either
accept their program or be refused any aud
all recognition by the present administra-
ton. What authority Miller had for making
such an assertion is not known.
This made apparent that the slate framed
by the little coterie Of Miller, Philips, etc.
was going to be put over. In this they were
aided and abetted ty two or three Atlanta
satellites who for reasons of their own want
ed an organization head that would take
care of them regardless Of public interest
Apparently, no one of their group could
be depended on to put the slate over in the
convention except Miller, himself. Every
thing was fixed beforehand. Miller called
the convention to order and promptly rec
ognized the proper man who moved that
Miller be made chairman. This was done
by a rlatively faint 'ay' VOTE most Of us
refraining from voting.
Miller then recognized proper men, before
plan Of organization, etc., AMI 50 the race
proceeded throughout. Toward the end
few colored men were recognized and given
opportunity to protest against their essen
tial elimination. So far as self determine
ton or voluntary action on the part Of the
great ma jority Of those present is concerned
1t was farce pure and simple.
Most Of US were willing to await results.
however, hoping that Philips would play fair
and proceed to organize the state of Georgia
promptly and in regular manner which he
has made no move toward. He seems TO
consider the organization of Georgia largely
his personal property.
Personally, I doubt the validity Of Mr..
Phillips lection due to the fact that Clar-
ence Miller, chairman, was a nonresident
and that another active participant in max
ing and secold;ng motions, now an appli-
cant for a federal office in Atlanta, was
not qualified voter at the time of the con-
vention.
The code of Georgia distinctly says, "No
person shall be allowed to participate in a
primary of any political party or a con-
vention Of any political party in this state
who is not qualified voter" This I'M
doubtedly brings into question the legality
Of actions of the July % convention and
also renders Clarence Miller nonresident,
acting as chairman and others, not at the
time qualified voters, subject to Indictment
and prosecution for their participation in
the convention of July &c.