Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-09-04
1T is NOW UP
TO GOVERNOR WALKER

The report. of the grievance
and executive committees of the
Atlanta Bar ASSOCIATION and Fhe
almost unanimous acceptance by
the bar association Of this report,
with the later announcement from
Judge Howard that he will not re-
sign from the bench, puts the Judge
ship row up to Governor Walker.
The bar association can not i'm
peach nor can it prefer charges
against Judge Howard. 1t has
placed responsibility for the charges
made by Attorney Latham and in
so doing is to be congratulated for
the prompt, fearless and unbiased
manner in which it has gone about
a rather disagreeable duty.
Judge Howard is the appointee
of the Governor. The Governor is
responsible for Towards occupan-
cy of seat on the bench The
people of the state will expect the
Governor to act.
Judge Howard owes it to his
chief to resign and thus relieve the
Governor of situation that we be-
lieve will become, more embarrass-
ing for the Governor each day.
The statements of the Governor,
of Attorney Latham, of Judge
Howard and the findings of the bar
association are too we'll known to
make their recital here necessary.
Exceedingly regrettable it is that
the incident ever should have arts
en-, says the Atlanta Journal. But
it was rot of the Bar associations
making. The one body which is sup
posed to represent the public as well
as the professions interests saw
what it took to be an obligation,
and performed it. For having
faced and fulfilled an unpleasant
duty it deserves the entire states
commendation.
Under the caption, Dignity No
Excuse Now" the Macon Telegraph
discusses the tangled web in which
Governor Walker and Judge How
ard fhd themselves. Says the
Telegraph.
And it is time for the Gov
ernor himself to come forward
with a clear-cut, courageous
statement of the facts in the
case, the whole truth as it exists.
He should resent or explain the
report in yesterdays press that
he appointed Judge Howard with
full knowledge of what was al
legged to have taken place.
Unless the proper attitude and
action are taken by Judge How
ard and Governor Walker, the
deplorable incident will be re-
garded as the extreme case of
our time of reprehensible and
laundering politics. 1t will mark
the end of Mr.. Towards political
career, or the end of political
decency in Georgia.
Even the governor himself
is placed in a highly embarrass-
ing position-all the more un-
comfortable because of the fact
that HE WAS ELECTED ON
MORAL ISSUES AND WAS
hERALDED AS THE EXPON-
ENT OF ALL THE FINER DE-
CENCIES OF LIFE.
IF Mr.. Walker does not turn
around and acknowledge the
mistake, and bring forth fruits
demanded of the situation, it will
be better for him not to be gov
ernor"
Just a few days ago the Colum
bus Enquirer-Sun said much the
same thing. 1t took the view thai
Judge Howard, who had left Hard
wick because the latter refused tc
grant him certain favors, was
known as a campaign manager, anC
a shrewd and adroit politician, tha
when a man who is willing t,
barter in political campaigns doe
trade he expects to get what wa
promised. That on the Other
hand, Governor Walker and hi
followers filled the air about hin
with the incense of high-minded
ness and super-morality in shar
contrast to the perhaps too huma
traits of Hardwick.
PROFESSIONALLY the opponent
of Governor Walker in the ne,
campaign will use the Latham
Howard incident against the COY
ernor, and that with telling e
feet.
The Governor was under polt
cal obligations to Howard, but h
obligation to himself and the stat