Evening star., 1947-01-19
Ta|madgeR Ready
ToAccept Court
Ruling Fight ..
Thompson Assumes
Role Of ArnoII in
Governorship Bottle
TALMADGES' GRIP on Georgia
goes back to 1888. Page Az.
BY the Associated Press

by me AsSOSiOtS0 FTes1
ATLANTA, Jan. 18.-Herman
Talmadge said tonight that If
Georgia courts hold he is not en-
titled to the Governorship to
which the Legislature elected
him, he will abide by the de-
cision.
He reiterated, however, his con-
tention that the courts do not have
jurisdiction" over the controversy
which has resulted in three rival
claims to the executive Office in the
past five days.
The Talmadge statement followed
the swearing in today of M. E.
Thompson as lieutenant governor
and Mr.. Thompson's subsequent an
nouncement that he considered
himself acting Governor of Georgia.
simultaneously with Mr.. Thomp-
sons qualification, Ellis Arnall re-
signed the gubernatorial post which
he had claimed for nearly a week
beyond the expiration date of his
four-year term.
Doubts Court Action.
Mr.. Talmadge, previously charged
by Mr.. Arnall with planning to dis
regard any action of the courts in
the contest, said in tonight's state
ment that he did not believe the
courts would attempt to rule when
they have looked into the suit I am
informed Mr.. M. E. Thompson will
file"
"There are three branches of the
Government" he continued, "as
everyone knows, and under our Con-
stitution the duty of electing the
Governor and the methods therefor
are given entirely to the legislative
branch.
THAT Is why I have consistently
maintained that the courts do not
have jurisdiction. But, should I be
wrong, will, of course, abide by the
courts decision, as would any other
law-abiding citizen of the State"
Mr.. Thompson had said earlier he
would demand that Mr.. Talmadge
surrender the governors Offices at
the capitol and the executive man
sion.
Elected Wednesday.
Mr.. Talmadge, elected by the leg
islature Wednesday after a tumul-
tuous session, took physical possess
sion of the Capitol and the man
sion Thursday after ousting Mr.. Ar
nall. The retiring Governor, who
rejected Mr. Talmadge as that pre-
tender" and accused him of seizing
the Government with storm troop
ers, thugs and ruffians," later set
up temporary executive offices in a
downtown Office building.
Mr.. Thompson, former educator
and doctor of philosophy, took his
oath of Office at 1880 am. today
in the almost deserted Senate cham
ber.
To Confront Talmadge.
Mr.. Thompson said he would con-
front Mr.. Talmadge Monday in the
executive office and demand that he
surrender the governorship. IF I
do not see him then" continued
Mr.. Thompson monday is Robert
E. Lees birthday and legal holi-
day in Georgia., Il will see him
Tuesday, and if not then, then at
the earliest possible opportunity"
Asked at a press conference il
he could evict the rival Governor,
Mr.. Thompson replied: "Just yet
I don't have strong military at my
back, but I shall follow up my de-
mand."
Mr.. Thompson said until he was
granted access to the executive Of
fees, he would occupy Offices OF the
Senate president, just off the Senate
chamber. There was no indication
If Mr.. Talmadge would attempt to
eject Mr.. Thompson.
Mr.. Thompson said his first Of
fetal act was to direct the attorney
general to continue suit to enjoin
Mr.. Talmadge from exercising au-
thority of Governor. The litigation
1See GEORGIA. Page A-6.J