Evening star., 1931-12-08
Hoke Smith Is Remembered
AS Brilliant in Many Roles

That Hoke Smith, who has recently
| died, made vigorous impression, botf
nationally and in his home State oi
Georgia. is evident from the comment;
in the newspapers Of the country on hi:
passing,
Those who viii attempt to write upor
the career of Hoke Smith, Thc passed
away at his home in Atlanta after s
life Of unusual public activity, win find
difhculty in selecting the realm of aetiv.
ity in which he was greatest" states
the Savannah Morning News. Citizen
lawyer, political leader, Governor. cab
met member, United States Senator and
president and manager of great
Georgia newspaper--he was outstanding
in each position IS personally and phys
ically as he was commanding In every
group in which he was found" And
the Atlanta Journal, of which he was
proprietor from 1887 to 1896, SAYS: The
Journal mourns his going hence. as a
friend Of long years and deeply cherished
associations. The causes We served to-
gether, the victories and defeats We bore
in common, the ideals to which We were
mutually devoted, endeared him to u:
and flood us today with thoughts toe
deep for tears" This paper describes
him as conservative, holding fast to
tested truth; and 8 liberal, pressing
forward for better things. In this union
of prudence and progressiveness, this
poised mastery of shield and sword, lay
the secret of his strength and the mark
of his sterling craftsmanship"
Other Southern papers are equally
appreciative. According to the Houston
Chronicle, "He was no colorless person
ality, but rugged, hardhitting indi-
vidualist, who started out by Loyalty
following one Democratic President and
ended by fighting another TO the last
ditch. He carved out for himself
brilliant career at the bar and in poll
tics. Hoke Smith will lcng be remem-
bered in Georgia by friend and foe
The Columbia S. c. State thinks he was
the kind of man who would have
made his way to the top in almost any
political or civic group in America,
and affirms: He made numbers OF
enemies, but his enemies made him. He
rose by climbing over them" Recalling
that he occupied q field Of wide ex-
perience. from that of Governor to
United States Senator and member Of
President Cleveland's cabinet, which
tho Charlotte Observer comments: He
was a son Georgia will remember with
feelings akin to those In which 1t holds
the name of Henry Grady"
In other parts of the country, too, the
appraisal of Hoke Smith is gratifying
to his memory. Says the Worcester
Evening Gazette: "Of distinguished
family, with roots In New Hanp-
shire, Smith was diligent and brilliant
In youth, having been admitted to the
bar at the age of II. He won the con-
fidence and respect of Grover Cleve-
land, who made him Secretary Of the
Interior. He was influential as a
journalist and was long prominent In
the political leadership of the State Of
his fathers adoption" The estimate of
the Hartford Times is: Senator Smith S
character was dignifed, forceful and
humane. Washington and the country
regarded him with Difference. Eloquent
and skillful in debate, independent,
stslwart In his convictions, he deserved
the high rank In contemporary states
manship which was accorded him" "
This paper sees Georgia as having 'lost