Newspaper Page Text
CANDIDATES; Hoke O'Kelley, Logan
rille; Joe Rabun, Valdosta; Herman E.
Talmadge, Atlant and Lovejoy; M E
Thompson, Atlanta and Valdosta; Hoke
WUhs, Blue Ridge
1. INFORMATION’ from data furnished
by the randidatea themselves:
AGE O’Kelley: 63; Rabun : 4G . Tai
madge: 35; Thompson: 45 Willie: 46.
BIRTHPLACE. O’Kelley: Loganville;
Rabun: Albany; Talmadge: Mcßae:
Thompson. Jenkins County. Willis: Fan
nin County.
EDL CATION. O’Kelley: Graduate Lo
ganville High School and North Georgia
College at Dahlonega . received master's de
gree Univ, of Ga. . law degree Columbia
Univ.; doctor's degree in juridical science
at New York Univ. Rabun: 11 yrs. clem
schools of Georgia —1 yr. Calif. . gradu
ate of Univ, of Redlands. Calif. , graduate
Andover Newton Theological School, Mass.
Talmadge: Graduate Druid Hills High
School iclass salutatorian). DeKalb Coun
ty; graduate in law, Univ, of Ga. Thomp
son Bachelor s degree, Emory Univ. , mas
ter's degree, Univ, of Ga.; graduate work.
Emory and Univ, of Ala.; also attended
Piedmont and Peabody Colleges. Willis;
Completed high school and two-year busi
ness course.
EXPERIENCE. O'Kelley: Practiced law
n Fulton and adjoining counties 15 yrs..
asst. g*n. counsel. American Bankers Asso,.
1922-26 ; mayor of Loganville. 1928-30 ; of
iicei. Field Artillery. World War 1, offi
cer, Coast Artillery. World War ll—out of
Oliver General Hospital less than a year,
kan unsuccessfully for governor 1932, 1946.
1948. Now operating 3,000 acres farm
lands in Walton and Gwinnett counties.
Kabun. 10 yrs. ministry; 4\ yrs. Navy
Chaplain in World War II serving mostly
with combat Marines. Now holds rank
of Lt. Commander in U. S. Naval Re
serve. brief teaching experience, Clinch
County. Talmadge: 52 months as U. S.
Naval officer—now holds rank of Lt.
Commander in Naval Reserve; served as
Governor of Georgia from Jan. 16, 1947,
to March 19, 1947; attorney at law;
farmer , newspaper publisher. Thompson :
High school principal and coach , State
School Supervisor, 14*33-37 . Asst. State
Supt. of Schools. 1937-41 , Sec. to Gov.
Arnall, 1943-45; State Revenue Commis
sioner, 1945-47; now operates retail gaso
line and electrical appliance company at
Valdosta, and. as Lieutenant Governor, is
serving as Acting Governor of Georgia.
Willis: for past 29 yrs. clerical dept., L.
A N. R. R. Has been member of Blue
Ridge City Council.
RELATIVES EMPLOYED BY STATE
OR COUNTY. O’Kelley: Three sisters, all
Teachers in public schools. Rabun: None.
Talmadge: None. Thompson: One—line
man, State Highway Dept. Willis: None.
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS—MANAGER
OR ACTIVE PARTICIPANT. O hellev:
Own campaigns for governor, 1932, 1946,
1948. Rabun. None. Talmadge: Managed
Eugene Talmadges campaigns for gover
nor and U. S. senator, 1938-46. Participated
in Eugene Talmadge's campaigns, 1934 and
1936. Thompson: Campaigned for Supt.
of Schools Collins and gubernatorial cam
paigns, 1986-1938-1942. Willis: None.
CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT OF BENE
FITS CITIZENS WILL RECEIVE IF HE
IS ELECTED.
O’Kelley: “The $108,000,000 the taxpay
ers are paying to support the state activi
ties will be spent right."
Rabun: "Truth, honesty, fairness t ah,
favoritism to none.
Talmadge: (Summarized, full statement
cn file at League office and may be seen
by any interested citizen) Stated the High
way Department would be placed on a
sound, business-like, non-political basis and
that both the common schools and insti
tutions ot higher learning would be placed
on a sound business basis. Stated would
oppose Civil Rights program; F.E.P.C. pro
gram Stated would stand up for Stale's
Rights and the Southern institutions. Stat
ed believed in the County Unit System.
Stated would dismiss useless employees
and eliminate graft, corruption, fraud and
waste in state government. Stated that
the people s money would be spent “only
as directed by the people's representatives" ;
that first things would be placed first.
Enumerated as first things: roads, schools,
hospitals; care of old people, the blind,
the crippled, the dependent children and
public health system.
Thompson: “Honest, fair and firm col
lection of taxes due the state under the
law. Honest, lair and impartial dealing
with individuals or groups rendering serv
ice to the people of Georgia. Open report
u> the people on any and all activities
of the State government.’’
Willis: "A state hospital in every coun
ty; sls weekly old-age pension plan to
all Georgia citizens over 60; S2OO Veter
ans Bonus, bigger and better highways;
I propose to padlock the State Capitol
until Rufficien amount of hdbpitals are
built to take can of the sick; 1 propose
to see that the old people and the sick
are provided for if all other state func
tions iat to cease."
ANSWERS TO POLITICAL
QUESTIONNAIRE
Question 1. Do you consider
the State can meet its expanding'
needs with its present revenue/ 1/
not, what do pou. advocate?
Answers: O’Kelley: “Yes, un
ler present laws revenues are also
•xpanding.” Rabun: “No.” Advo
cates “increased taxes on corpo
rate net profits.” Talmadge: "1 do
not know. The revenue of the
State has increased tremendous
ly under existing tax laws. In Jan.,
1947, the State Auditor estimated
the anticipated revenue of the
State as $78,000,000. Instead of
578,000,000, more than $107,000,000
was collected the last fiscal year.
1 favor a direct referendum to the
people on all tax measures.”
Thompson: “Probably. Modification
of income tax laws so as to pro
vide better collections and with
out increasing rates.” Willis: “No.
I advocate a 2% gross corporation
tax.”
Question 2. Wi7t you endeavor
to get home rule in cities and
counties of Georgia by: (a) work
ing for an adequate law for coun
ty home rule! (b) working for any
amendments necessary to effectu
ate the municipal home rule law?
Answers: O’Kelley: Yes, Ra
bun: Yes. Talmadge? Yes. Thomp
son: Yes. Willis: Yes.
Question 3. Will you work
for a law setting up a modern merit
system in accordance with the re
vised State. Constitution?
Answers: O’Kelley: Yes. Ra
bun: “Yes. At oiwo.” Talmadge;
“In essential departments.” Thomp
son: Yes. Willis: Yes.
Question 4. . Will you work
for legal regulation of Georgia
primaries to insure to citizens their
right to vote in dcdotdhrM with
the United States Constitution?
Answers: O’Kelley: “All my
efforts will be in accordance with
Constitution and laws of the U. S.
and Georgia. Within, that zone, I
want the white peopje of Georgia
to control the destiny of our state.”
Rabun: “Yes, I will, demand it.”
Talmadge: “I am opposed to bloc
voting. This hazard must be elimi
nated if our representative democ
racy is to survive. I favor a pri
mary just as white as we can get
it within the boundary of the law.”
Thompson: Yes. Willis: “Yes, for
FOR GOVERNOR
(To fill unexpired term Eugene Talmadge)
all Democrats voting in a Demo
cratic Primary."
i Note: The following two ques
i tions were asked for the further
1 benefit of the voter; the League
I itself has taken no stand on them.
Question A. Do you advocate
। (a) the passage of laws which
would establish a formula for dis
tribution of highway funds accord
ing to road use? (b) that the bonds
of highway officials be made re
sponsible for any violation of these
laws?
Answers: O’Kelley: (a) Yes.
(b) “Leave law as it now is.” Ra
bun: (a) and (b) Yes. Talmadge:
(a) and (b) Yes. Thompson: (a)
and (b) Yes. Willis; (a) and (b)
Yes.
Question B. Minimum Foun
dation Program: (a) Have you
studied it? (b) Do you favor it?
(c) If so, how do you propose to
finance the additional 30 million to
40 million dollars it would require
annually from the State?
Answers: O'Kelley: (a) Yes.
(b) No. (c) “Under present tax
structure the state is collecting
sloß,ooo,ooo—spent right, that, is
enough.” Rabun: (a) Yes. (b) Yes.
(c) “Increased taxes on corporate
net profits.” Talmadge: (a) Yes.
(b) Yes. (c) “I hope that no ad
ditional revenue will be needed to
support this program. If such ad
ditional revenue is needed, it should
be submitted to the people by direct
referendum.” Thompson: (a) Yes.
(b) Yes. (c) “By modification of
income tax law so as to provide
better collection and without in
creasing rate.” Willis: (a) Yes.
(b) Yes. (c) “By a sales tax, if
necessary, and if not. by the gross
corporation tax.”
11. FACTS gathered by the
League from the records:
O’KELLEY: Has not held public
office of policy-determining nature
above level of local government.
Was Mayor of Loganville, 1928-30.
* * *
RABUN: Has not held public
office of policy-determining nature.
* * *
TALMADGE: Elected by the
General Assembly as Governor of
Georgia January 15, 1947. On
March 19, 1947, the Supreme Court
handed down a decision that “in
the circumstances appearing the
General Assembly had no jurisdic
tion to elect the Hon. Herman Tal
madge or any person as Governor.
. . . Mr. Thompson was elected in
the General Election in 1946 as
Lieutenant Governor of this State.
■ . . The voluntary resignation of
Governor Arnall on January 18,
1947, immediately imposed upon
the Lieutenant Governor the duties
of Governor...” The following rec
ord is for this time (January 15-
March 19, 1947):
Was inaugurated as Governor at
1:55 in the morning—Jan. 15, 1947.
Led (with others) the march from
the legislative hall when his fol
lowers forced open the doors into
the governor's suite of offices be
tween two and three o’clock in the
morning of January 15, 1948. Gov
ernor Arnall in his Executive Or
der to the Attorney General of the
State dated Jan. 15, 1947, stated:
"WHEREAS on the night of Jan.
14, 1547, and/or the early morning
of Jan. 15, 1947, one Herman Tal
madge has without lawful warrant
or authority invaded the executive
offices occupied by the undersigned,
Ellis Arnall, Governor of the State
of Georgia, and has attempted and
does now attempt to invade and
occupy said executive offices, with
out lawful warrant or authority, as
shown by opinion of the Attorney
General of Georgia, recently ren
dered upon the subject. . . I, Ellis
Arnall, ... do hereby order the
Attorney General of Georgia . . .
to bring all proper and necessary
legal actions, including injunction,
to prevent the said Herman Tal
madge . . . from interfering with
the right of Ellis Arnall, Governor
of the State of Georgia, from dis
charging his duties. . .”
The General Assembly passed a
resolution immediately after Mr.
Talmadge took the oath of office di
recting the Presiding Officer of the
Senate to appoint 10 members of
the Senate and the Speaker of the
house to appoint 15 members of
the House to install Mr. Talmadge
in the Governor’s Office. (There
was nothing in the resolution as to
the time of installation.)
January 15, 1947. Demobilized
the Georgia State Guard. Reason
given in his executive order: . . .
“now that sufficient National Guard
troops are organized and available
to adequately protect the State,
there is no further need for the
Georgia State Guard. .
Chief Appointments: Benton
Odum, Secretary to the Executive
Department; Marvin Griffin, Ad
jutant General; J. Paul Smith, Di
rector of Public Safety (acting);
James L. Gillis, Sr., Director, and
Sims Garrett, Jr., Treasurer of the
Highway Department; Charles D.
Redwine, State Revenue Commis
sioner. (Complete list of appoint
ments on file at League office.)
Jan. 21, 1947, addressed General
Assembly and stated; “Some of the
newspaper writers and some of the
radio commentators have been say
ing that 1 have made njyself Gov
ernor of Georgia by the use of
force and violence and that I have
executed a military coup d’etat in
Georgia. I leave it to the Legisla
ture to be the judges as to whether
or not 1 have used any force or
violence. . . You were present and
you know what happened. . . 1
wish to brand all of these charges
and all of these statements as ab
solutely false. .
In same address, urged General
Assembly 1) That they enact laws
for a White Primary; 2) Change
election laws “to strengthen quali
fications of voters’’; 3) Provide in
creased revenue for expanded serv
ices. (League opposed the so-called
White Primary bill which would
have repealed all laws regulating
primaries, including the secret bal
lot law, the county unit law, all
laws passed over a period of 50
I years to protect the voter's rights
in the primary and which would
have placed every Georgian's right
to vote in jeopardy.
League opposed the following
four bills introduced by Talmadge
faction leaders:
1) So-called registration bill, which
required voters to re-register
every two years and pay a $1
fee each time;
2) bill making it a felony for any
voter to question decision of
registrars;
3) bill applying county unit sys
tem to General Election, which
is now under popular vote sys
tem;
4) bill changing Constitution [Art.
II; Par. IV (1)] so that a per
son would be required to meet
ail three qualifications of a voter
here set forth in order to be
able to vote.
League favored additional money
for health program and hospitals
advocated by Mr. Talmadge.)
In same address, stated that after
legislature completed its duties “in
accordance with Democratic plat
form" if the Lieutenant Governor
would resign he would resign and
then the Speaker of the House
could call a special election for
Governor within 60 days.
January 23. In Budget message
to General Assembly stated:
"Thanks to the laws enacted by
the General Assembly of Georgia,
which provided, for protection in
the use of State funds, I find the
State's finances in excellent condi
tion." Stated he would “assume
full responsibility for the success
ful operation of the State within
the scope outlined in first part of
this bill (appropriations bill) which
does not include 50% teachers’
salary increase and the other items
of the expanded program endorsed
by the party platform.” (Note:
This first part totaled over 77 mil
lion dollars.)
Outlined and advocated expanded
program for education, health
(League favored expanded health
program), public welfare benefits,
etc., and stated carried - total of
approximately 32 million dollars.
Stated it was his purpose to co
operate with General Assembly on
the matter of increased revenue to
evolve a tax program to carry out
pledges of his father and yet not
be too great a burden on the tax
payers of the State. (Note: A 3%
sales tax passed House but was
killed in Senate after Supreme
Court decision.)
Instructed legislature that if
found any Boards or Bureaus that
could be discontinued because ren
dering little or no service to the
State, they “should be abolished
immediately.” (Legislators aligned
with Talmadge forces introduced
bills to abolish Agricultural and
Industrial Development Board and
Georgia Citizens Council but they
were not passed and did not go to
Mr. Talmadge for signature.)
Legislature: Signed all bills
passed by the legislature prior to
March 19 except a few local bills.
Ones signed of chief interest were
the White Primary bill (League
opposed) and the Labor bill. Veto
messages indicated bills vetoed
were at the request of loca’ legis
lators who introduced.
Upon learning of the Supreme
Court decision Mr. Talmadge ac
cepted it immediately and vacated
the governor’s office and mansion.
IHOMPSON: When running for
Lieutenant Governor in 1946 did
not answe. League political ques
tionnaire; wrote stating: ‘‘am not
attempting to answer . . . as I un
derstand the office places no re
sponsibility for initiating issues. . .
1 feel that 1 could best serve . . .
the people ... if I am free to co
operate with whomever the people
elect as their Governor. .
Gubernatorial Controversy: After
being sworn in as Lieutenant Gov
ernor took the position that he was
acting governor of Georgia under
the law; issued executive orders for
use of executive offices with addi
tion of office of President of the
Senate for executive use. Became
a party to the suits in the courts
against Mr. Talmadge.
Address to General Assembly
after Supreme Court Decision:
Stated that he had promised to sup
port party platform in Macon in
October (1946) and had not wa
vered from that determination.
Stated that the people who wrote
the platform believed in a white
primary that would work—did not
believe in a white primary which
could disfranchise without recourse
any voter in the State. Stated that
there were two measures then pro
gressing through the legislature
that would assure Georgia of a
White Primary that would work.
(Note: Mr. Thompson is supposed
to have been referring to bills in
troduced in Senate—one to segre
gate voters at the polls; the other
a bill apparently giving broad pow
ers to the party.)
Stated people had a right to ex
pect no further delay in being given
the expanded state services and
that “if no additional revenue is
made available it will necessitate
breaking certain promises solemnly
made for expansion of some of
these services. It will be my pur
pose to see first that the teachers
receive the increased salaries prom
ised them, even if other services
have to be curtailed. However, as
an educator, 1 would regret seeing
those in my profession put on the
-pot by being favored . . . but the
teachers will be paid their increase
in salary.”
Chief Appointments: Phil Lan
drum as Secretary of Executive
Department; Stonewall Dyer, later
Glenn S. Phillips, later Downing
Musgrove as State Revenue Com
missioner; R. W. Collins as Act
ing Adjutant General; later Alpha
A. Fowler as Adjutant General;
John C. Beasley as Director, later
M arren R. Neel, of Highway Dept.;
H. E. Nichols. Treasurer Highway
Dept., later Tom Wisdom; 0. G.
Jackson to succeed Jno. C. Beasley
as Supt. of Banks; L. C. Groves
and later William Ireland as Direc
tor Social Security Board.
Note: While not a chief appointment, the
appointment of Hugh Howell, Sr., caused
much comment. The facts: Mr. Howell
was appointed "Special Representative of
the Executive Department" under Execu
tive Order dated July 13. 1548. to investi
gate indictment by Federal Court of Mr.
Tom Linder and represent him "to suc
cessful conclusion of the case." Reason
given in Executive Order for appoint
ment— ”... It is the duty of the State
. . to protect public officials of the State
in the performance of their duties. . . Hon.
Tom Linder has stated to me that he acted
in the capacity of Commissioner of Agri
culture. . .” In opinion to Mr. Linder
dated July 1, 1948, the Attorney General
stated that he had considered Mr. Linder s
request for legal representation by the
State Law Department that he had ana
lysed indictment for sole purpose of deter
mining whether or not government was
attempting to bring charges against Mr.
Linder as Commissioner of Agriculture or
in his individual capacity; and that “the
present controversy being a personal charge
involving an alleged violation of the crim
inal laws" did not come within cases
which involved the operation of the State
Government. (Under Georgia law, no
State Department can independently em
ploy legal counsel If mere legal service
is needed than can be furnished by the
regularly-employed staff of the Attorney
General, the Governor may appoint "Depu
ty assistant attorneys general" with the
approval of the State Attorney General.!
Legislation: Signed all state
wide bills passed by 1947 legisla
ture except two: vetoed one provid
ing for the appointment of a chief
deputy insurance commissioner and
two others; and vetoed the so-called
white primary bill. (League op
posed white primary bill which
would have repealed all law's regu
lating primaries including the se
cret ballot law, the county unit law.
and all laws passed over a period
of 50 years to protect the voter’s
rights in the primary.) Vetoed
about a dozen bills (local cr local
application). There were no veto
messages in the Executive Minutes;
on one bill there was a statement
that it was vetoed at the request
of a legislator. Thompson leaders
introduced two bills in regard to
voting—one requiring segregation
at the polls and the other appar
ently giving broad power,- to the
party.
Financial Record: The 1947
House of Representatives envi
sioned an appropriation bill of
116 million dollars. Part of the ap
propriation (over 38 million dol
lars) was to be spent only in the
event the monej came in. The
“fixed section” totaled 78 million
dollars. Revenue measures to bring
in extra money were introduced as
companion pieces of legislation to
the appropriations bill. After the
Supreme Court ruling determining
the governorship issue, the mem
bers of the General Assembly did
not pass the appropriation bill or
the revenue measures.
This meant that the State had
to be operated under the appro
priations bill of 1943 plus some
additional 1946 appropriations.
(Under Georgia law, if the legisla
ture does not pass an appropria
tion bill, the State continues to op
erate under the last one passed.)
State income for the year ending
June 30, 1948, was 108 million dol
lars—B million less than the 1947
House of Representatives envi
sioned in its propose^ appropria
tion bill. The House had antici
pated that from 31 to 34 million
dollars per year would need to
come in from new revenu since
the State Auditor had estimated
from 82% to 85 million dollars as
the average yearly collections for
the next four years if no new reve
nue measures were enacted. And
collections for the previous five
years had averaged 64% million
per year. The unusually heavy col
lections for the fiscal year 1947-48
are believed to be due to “boom”
times by some—to efficient collec
tions by others. Under Mr. Thomp
son’s administration, the depart
ments were, financed as specified
under the hold-over appropriation
bill. All monies collected above this
figure went into the State emer
gency fund and were allotted* by
him to the various agencies—with
the exception of about one million
dollars unobligated surplus.
•Georgia law permits the governor to
allot all monies collected over the amount
anticipated in the appropriation bill bv
approval of requests made from th de
partments.
The following figures give comparisons on the seven departments or
divisions where allotments were in excess of a million dollars. The
figures and percentages are approximate in order to facilitate under
standing. (The complete list of agencies and exact figures are on file
at the Georgia League office where any interested citizen may see
meanwhile the League has compiled the following summary.)
niviri^An-H'.a u A ^ ount Amount. Under Under allotment.
ThJl 1 d Holdover Apvro. Hou.e-P..ted m.de by Thompson
Alillirn no« at "i n Appropriation year ended June 30,
be ThnmnL^ T * J’ 4 *'. BilI > 1947 ‘ 1918 T<>‘*l »» «-
by Thompson Total all depart- all department.- r.rtmrnt.-
ment.—67 million (a) under fixed 107 million dollar.
ao,larß section, 78 mil-
lion ; (b) with ex
tra section of 38
million added, 116
million dollars
EDUCATION 25 million dollar. <a> 2» million dollar. 47 million dol |, r ~
(37% of total) (37% of total) (44% of total)
(b) 51 Vj million dollars
PADug ... .. . , ~ (44% of total>
RS <•> 373 thou., dollar. m „!!««„ dot | ars .
Ab ' % ” f ’LI. of tot «b
(b) 3/3 thou*. dollars
HIGHWAYS mi -iiu .» t. total)
S - ’Aw* rf’.M.'l d, ’ ll 1 a ” “‘"ion dollar,*
(ZB% of total) (30% of total) (30% of total)
(b) 31 million dollars
“ EALTH 4 million dollar.
(5% of total) of toU |) (4% es total
(b) 8 million dollar.
m*ni If— e A (7% of total)
LBLllc SAFETY . 680 thousand dollar, la) mil. dollar. 1% million dollar.
(1% of total) (2% of total) (1% of total)
<b) 1)4 mil, dollar.
pr.l ir (1% of total)
wvi Flor million dollar. (a) 11 million dollars 114) million dollar,
"tIJAKE. (1«% es tot.l) (14% 0f Ulal) (11% of (#ta))
(b) 14 million dollar.
nrPT nr ■ ■ 112% of total)
urvrxi e ’’’ thonsan 'l dollar, (a) l’A million dollar. 1% million dollars
KEXENUE (1% of total) (2% of total) (2% of total)
(b) 114 million dollar.
total)
inclS?Fn^i as ° f August !’ ]94B i 2Ya million dollars
, d g Federal and State money spent on roads on Island and access
fn tlbU a °hnv. C Udmg tt 10 ™? 011 Coastal Highway. Os amounts given
in table above, one million from Parks went to Jekyll and 917 thousand
from Highways, Note: the 1945 legislature recommended that the
t P ir ^ tor of £ tate ? arks inve9 t’Rate feasibility of provid
ing state park facilities on Georgia coast and if sufficient property could
be acquired economically that State acquire and develop 1 . P J d
nat^n WILLIS: Has not held P ub He of policy determining
FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
(To fill unexpired term of M. E. Thompson)
CANDIDATES: Belmont Dennis, Cov
ington; S. Martin Griffin, Bainbridge ; Dr.
L. X. Huff, Atlanta; Henry Persons, Tal
botton.
I. INFORMATION from data furnished
by the candidates themselves:
AGE. Dennis; 57 , Griffin : 40 ; Huff : 62 ;
Persons : 40
BIRTHPLACE. Dennis: Columbia. Tenn.
(Has lived in Newton Co.. Ga.. 18 yean);
Griffin: Bainbridge; Huff: Madison. Per
sons : Talbotton.
EDUCATION. Dennis: High School.
Griffin: Graduate Bainbridge High School
1925 ; graduate The Citadel. Charleston,
S. C.. 1929. in political science and history.
Huff: Public schools, law school, and op
tometry. Persons: “High school, etc.’’
EXPERIENCE. Dennis; Newspaper pub
lishing • now owner and operator Radio
Station WMOC, editor and publisher Cov
ington News. Barnesville News-Gazette and
Conyers News ; ran unsuccessfully for Lt.
Gov. 1946, Griffin: Newspaper business
15 yrs. ; radio 2 yrs.; now owner and
publisher The Post-Searchlight newspaper
and radio station WMGR at Bainbridge,
Was chairman Bainbridge Dem. Ex. Com.
1934-36; member Ga. Gen. Assembly 1935-
3b; Executive Secretary State of Georgia
June 1940-Jan. 1941 ; Army 1941-44 ; Adju
tant-General. State of Georgia. Sept. 1944-
March 19. 1947. Ran unsuccessfully for
Congress 1936 and Lt. Gov. 1946. Huff:
Professional optometry for 40 yrs. . mem
ber Stale Optometric Board, 1924 to pres
ent and member Board of Examiners. Ran
unsuccessfully for Mayor of Atlanta and
in 1946 Lt. Gov. Persons: Owns and con
ducts following businesses: farming, peach
growing, ginning, buying and selling, gen
eral merchant, seed cleaning, “etc.” Has
been a representative, mayor, fire chief,
“etc.”
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS—MANAGER
OR ACTIVE PARTICIPANT. Dennis.
Own in 1946. Griffin: Own. Huff; None.
Persons: None.
RELATIVES EMPLOYED BY COUNTY
OR STATE. Dennis: None. Griffin: None.
Huff: None. Persons: None to his knowl
edge.
CANDIDATE S STATEMENT OF BENE
FITS CITIZENS WILL RECEIVE IF HE
IS ELECTED:
Dennis: "Honesty. Fair and impartial
treatment to race, color and creed, fair
and impartial treatment to every political
faction, fair and impartial treatment of
every bill coming before the Senate. As
a successful business man 1 will work for
those things which will bring the most
good to most people."
Griffin: "I believe I can render honest
and sincere service to the people of Georgia
without regard to factional politics. No
faction put me in this race, and since 1
am answerable to the people, and the peo
ple alone, they can expect me to discharge
my duties without being controlled.”
Huff: “1 will keep the people of Georgia
posted by publicity in the press nf any
all crooked moves, designed against the
best interest of all the people."
Persons: “Honest, fair, impartial presid
ing officer cf th Senate elected by the
people."
ANSWERS TO POLITICAL
QUESTIONNAIRES:
Question 1. Do you consider the
State can meet its expanding needs
with its present revenue? D not,
what do you advocate?
Answers: Dennis: Yes. Griffin:
“No. A revision of our tax struc
ture. Submit all new revenue rais
ing measures to the people for ap
proval in one referendum. Elimi
nate waste and extravagance in
State government. We should be
getting more for our tax dollar
now'.” Huff: “At present Yes.”
Persons: Yes.
Question 2. Will you endeavor
to get home rule in cities and coun
ties of Geoi gia by: (a) working
for an adequate law for county
home rule? (b) working for any
amendments necessary to effectu
ate the municipa home rule law?
Answers: Dennis: Yes. Griffin:
Yes. Huff: Yes. Persons: Yes
Question 3. Wit you work for
a ,aw setting up a modern merit
system in accordance with the re
vised State Constitution?
Answers: Dennis: Yes. Griffin:
Yes. Huff: Y'es. Persons: Y'es.
Question 4. Will you work for
legal regulation of Georgia prima
ries to insure to citizens their right
to vote in accordance with the
United States Constitution?
Answers: Dennis: “Yes.” Grif
fin: “Yes, and in accordance with
the laws of Georgia. Each state
should be the judge of the qualifi
cations of its own voters. Georgia
needs a good voter’s qualification
law.” Huff: “Y'es.” Persons: “Yes.”
Note—The following two ques
tions were asked for the further
benefit of the voter; the League
itself has taken no stand on them.
Question A Do you advocate
(a) the passage of laws which
would establish a formula for dis
tribution of highway funds accord
ing to road use? (b) that the bonds
of highway officials be made re
sponsible for any violation of these
laws?
Answers: Dennis: (a) and (b)
Y’es. Griffin: (a) and (b) Yes.
Huff: (a) and (b) Yes. Persons:
(a) Y'es. (b) “Y'es—with reserva
tions.”
Question B. Minimum Founda
tion Program: (a) Have you stud
ied it? (b) Do you favor it? (c) If
so, how do you propose to finance
the additional 30 million to 40 mil
lion dollars it would require an
nually from the State?
Answers: Dennis: (a) Y’es. (b)
Yes. (c) “Economy in state gov
ernment and collecting the taxes
from those people who are evading
same through political pull in state
and county politics. $30,000,000 in
taxes are uncollected each year due
to collusion in not making proper
valuation.” Griffin: (a) Y’es. (b)
Y'es. (c) “If it takes additional
revenue, and it probably will, even
though extravagance and waste can
be eliminated and the present funds
used to better advantage, I am in
favor of new tax measures being
suomitted to the people for their
approval.” Huff: (a) No. (b) “Do
not know at this time.” Persons:
(a) Y'es. (b) “Neutral.” (c) “Neu
tral—legislature.”
11. FACTS gathered by the
League from the records:
Dennis: Has held no public of
fice of policy-determining nature.
Griffin: Last held office of pol
icy-determining nature: Member of
Georgia House of Representatives
1935. Following are some impor
tant votes. Complete record for
this term on file at League office.
Failed to vote on resolution to
ask U. S. Senators from Ga. to use
their influence against entry of
U. S. into the World Court. Voted
approval of Governor Talmadge's
action in “suspending" James A.
Perry, A. J. Woodruff, Perry T.
Knight, Jule W. Felton, and Walter
R. McDonald from Public Service
Commission and voted their remov
al from the Commission. Failed to
vote on constitutional amendment
to classify property for taxation,
bailed to vote on ratification of
Child Laboi amendment to U. S.
Constitution. Voted for constitu
tional amendments to provide for
a lieutenant governor; for the lieu
tenant governor to be president of
the Senate; and for election of the
first lieutenant governor at the
next general election after approv
al of the Act. Voted against chain
store tax. \ oted for homestead ex
emption bill and S3OO income tax
exemption for dependents. Voted
for bill establishing Farmers Mar
ket. Voted for bill autnorizing gen
eral assembly to levy tax foi pay
ment of old age pensions. Failed
to vote when Senate amended tax
to rest uniformly on all the people;
and voted to override Gov. Tal
madge’s veto of the bill as so
amended. Voted to create State Pa
trol and establish drivers’ license
law. Voted for Alcoholic Beverage
Control Act. Voted for 7-months
minimum school term. Voted for
bill to create State Racing Com
mission and to tax racing when bill
was voted on the first time; failed
to vote when bill reconsidered. Vot
ed to strike provision in Gen. Tax
Act (State then had cumulative
poll tax) whereby a woman who
had been registered could get tax
collector to remove her name from
voter s list in order to cease hav
ing to pay poP tax. In setting price
.au*? tag on trucks and buses,
voted for amendment for graduated
license after it was amended to
keep 1) school bus tags and 2)
tags for trucks and buses “operat
ing through supervision of Public
Service Commission” at $3.
m i nu ‘ eß ° f Georgia show Mr.
2.'Pl? I rel ‘ e ' ed ? f °tDce of adjutant, gen-
FBI. f A Ge< Ti B ‘V" n - 141 194T ' b y Governor
tL t Arnall. Executive minutes of Mr
Talmadge while occupying the governors
tant" Genp7al a PP" ,n,,> b Adju-
m t'?? J[ L Jan ' 15 > 1947 -this art later
invalidated by decision of Supreme Court
in gubernatorial controversy.
Huff: Has held no public office
ot policy-determining nature.
. Persons: Last-held office of pol
icy-determining nature which was
wt ° C ? n Vel: Member Georgia
House of Representatives 1933.
^Jlowmg are some important
votes. Complete record for this
tei m on file at League office.
finn all f d + i. Ar vote on ratifica
tion of the Lame Duck” amend
men_ to the U. S. Constitution. One
the n IS T. S of lhe term waß
no rib n m °^ lle The,p 'vere
hut Mr C P VOtes on the bill itself
but Mi. Persons voted against two
stTtmed 16 ” 18 ^ hlch would l,a ve sub
stituted a graduated tax on passen
v r based on the car’s weight
Voted for drivers’ license bill Vot
ed against constitutional amend
ment to exempt from taxation
a "d instil
tions operating hospitals, etc.
wheie profit is devoted to charity
or educational purposes. Voted for
home rule on two occasions
A J ague fav ors home rule though
took no stand on specific Gin
at that time.) Voted for S
to extend time limit to three years
for redemption of lands sold in sat
faction of tax liens. Voted against
S3OO personal exemption on in
G m c ta \?° ted reso ^ ut ’°n that
“ ‘ * "ka. Voted against !«
tutional amendment to classify
property for taxation. Voted for
bill to reduce maximum legal in
tetest rate, on loans of S3OO or
less, from 3^% to 1%%. Failed
to vote on bill providing that no
wa 1 J I p Shn } ent be lssued against the
"ages of any person residing in
tanned’ 3 V V’/A 3 J Ud £™nt O b .
extend term of
state School Commissioner from
tu o to four years.
FOR ADMINISTRATIt
AND f E
JUDICIARY OFFICES
FOR PUBLIC SERVICE
COMMISSION
1) Place now occupied by Perry T. Knight
CANDIDATES: Glenn Allen, Blue
Ridge, did not return League question
naire; John D. Elliott, Athens; Clark
Gaines, Elberton; A. J. Hartley, Atlanta;
Perry T. Knight, Atlanta and Nashvihe.
INFORMATION from data furnished by
the candidates themselves:
AGE. Allen: No reply. Elliott: 65.
Gaines: 35. Hartley: 47. Knight: 71.
BIRTHPLACE. Allen: No reply. El
liott: Putnam County, Georgia. Gaines:
Hart County, Georgia. Hartley: Richmond
County, Georgia. Knight: Rays Mill, Ber
rien County, Georgia.
EDUCATION. Allen: No reply Elliott:
Public Schools of Athens; admitted to
Bar by examination, 1912. Gaines . Rural
schools of Hart County ; Hartwell High
School; U. of Georgia. College of Agri
culture. Hartley: Public Schools of Rich
mond County ’and law degree. Knight:
County schools; graduate in law Southern
Normal University, 1901.
EXPERIENCE. Allen; No reply. Elliott:
Attorney since 1929 in Athens. Has run
for Ga. Senate from 60th District. Gaines:
Farmer, Asst. County Farm Agent; Asst.
State Supt. Student Aid NYA ; Army
Teacher in Veterans' Farm Training Pro
gram. Hartley: Has been Director State
Dept, of Public Welfare and also Chm.
State Board of Social Security; has been
Director State Board of Workman s Com
pp'nation; also Secy.-Treas. ; has been
Chief Clerk and Administrative Aide in
Executive Department. Lawyer. Now
serving and has served for two terms as
Assistant Attorney General. Knight:
School teacher Lowndes and Berrien Coun
ties. Lawyer. Memoer House of Rep. of
Georgia 1921-24 ; Georgia Senate 1925-26.
Except for 3Vt years has served on Public
Service Commission 1928 to date.
POLITIC AL CAMPAIGNS—MANAGER
OR ACTIVE PARTICIPANT. Allen: No
reply. Elliott: Walter F. George for U. S.
Senate; Abit Nix for Governor. Gaines:
None. Hartley: None, Knight: Own.
RELATIVES EMPLOYED BY STATE
OR COUNTY. Allen; No reply. Elliott :
None. Gaines: Two—Brother, Supv. State
Dept, of Ed. Program for the Blind;
brother-in-law. Asst. Solicitor Fulton Co.
Criminal Court. Hartley: None. Knight:
None.
CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT OF BENE
FITS CITIZENS WILL RECEIVE IF HE
IS ELECTED.
Allen: No reply.
Elliott: "If elected I pledge myself to
gne th? people a clean, honest and effi
cient administration ; always looking for
those things that will protect the rights
and interests of the people.”
Gaines: "I do not have a iong platform
of many promises. It contains only one
sentence —‘I pledge to the people of Geor
gia honest and intelligent administration
nf all matters within the jurisdiction of
the Georgia Public Service Commission.’ ”
Hartley: "My experience in State Gov
ernment, coupled with my public record
of always working to improve and do
things in any office I hold, has equipped
me to promise and to unceasingly work
to accomplish for all Georgians the fol
lowing: 1. Work for harmony and peace
on the Commission, placing the interest of
Georgia above personalities. 2. Give better
and expanded Public Utility Services to
every community. 3. Make available to
every rural and urban home electric lighta,
power, telephone, gas and transportation
at lowest possible rates to gi\e prompt and
efficient services. 4. Expose any graft
nr corruption coming to my attention sup
ported by competent e\id?nce.”
Knight: "My record will reveal how they
will be benefited. If all would keep up
with state affairs they would know what
this commission does. The public will bene
fit by my experience and ability, and
knowing what to do and how to do it.”
2) Place now occupied by James A
Perry
CANDIDATES: Royal K. Mann, ;
James A. Perry, Atlanta; Hugh W. Strip-
Hn, Franklin, did not return League
qnmion >ia'/ c.
INFORMATION from daL furnishe-’
the candidates themselves:
age. Mann: 56. Perry: 73. Striplin:
No reply.
BIRTHPLACE. Mann: Gay, Georgia.
L errv . : G’lnnett County, near Winder.
Striplin: No reply.
EDUCATION. Mann: Gay High School;
two yeaia South Georgia College. Perry:
I was educated in the pin. field schools,
consisting of two to three months a year.
1 ?°> k X Flectiv ’ ! course in academic
dept, of L. • Ga. . . later taking the
law course. Striplin: No reply.
.. EXPERIENCE. Mann: Farmer. General
Merchandise. Cotton Merchant; Chief In-
r, ?r th c P S ,! ate of 8 yrs.;
State Prison & Parole Commission 1940 ■
t ? uncil 2 Surplus
Commodity for lhe state and Fedpra ,
tragi ' n p OW Con U ilatnr with County Con
tracts. Perry: Farming; Bank Cashier ■
Lawrenceviile ; lawyer at Lawrenceville;
has served as Mayor nf Lawrenceville
County and City Attorney; served in leg-
Se^i'e'r 1900 ' 01 -: has served °n Public
s eivne Commission approximately 33 years
reply'’ n ° W B,,rvinK hereon. Striplin: No
OR^opktv ß employed by state
OR COUNTY. Mann: None. Perrv: Did
not answer this question. Striplin: N< re-
OR OL ACTivf AIGNS-MANAGER
t j ^ IVE , PARTICIPANT. Mann:
Judge Vivian 1.. Stanley. State Prison and
I arole Cnmimssinn. Perry: Did not answer
this question. Striplin: No reply.
CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT OF bpm
nne Promise to make
and hnn«? *' 'f ” ÜB<> H l7 c °mmnn sense
effort \ in a determined
for all Pnin r "' r equiUhle rates
rates coma ^""^'ions whose
shn RaTn. s hF “T”? 6 of Commie
and'fair to th" ™mpanies
an j lair io th? consumers.
Perry: (summarized) "The duties for
onne7°o ^'"''-”’8 upon the per-
sonnel of this Commission are highly tech
for veare to in ™*nit U rie
lor J^ers to come In the readjustment, of
VOTE AS YOU
PLEASE -
BUT VOTE
the highly inflate „„
and will tax to the ntm ’ ’’ tat
standard nf BklH an™ 0 ' 1 ' v «rv
, foilowing some of "b St
. he had devoted time to
Beginning of generation „
. current in Tallulah F,IV ‘^ro-e,.,
. sections of Georgia i Blu « S
make rates for electric I" 8
. everywhere-smallest tL F 1
est city of Ga SrcuHaJ” 8 >!,!i 1
500 miles of rural |i’ S
for one year- l„ K inn, n , ea . '**' M
fieation. Working 8 1 ra! el «
piped to Georgia ‘W
Striplin: No reply.
for court'ofTpfa
11 Pino P' 8 ”’ to 111)
ton Place bi 'u w.
' CANDIDATE: Jule n P L
sition) •
tU^j^r
andt^£? »
and Jr. Lit. & La\?M e ^’>
EXPERIENCE Ha, ..
Montezuma ; on Public Sen'^ r’ *’
■
RELATIVES EMPLOYFn dv
Oel t S h TATE ' Flth " ^dge c' C '
Tn: j J»n. 1. 194, ts q
Note . Did not answer other
2) Place now occupied bj j udt , ,
Townsend (Nash Bro ; |e,. de„, /
originally)
< ANDIDATES: Augustus M R
INFORM A TIO N Tr^dVf*" I*' 1 *'
the candidates themself fU '°“
AGE. Roan: 50; Town,. n a .
E ' T K " an : Joneßbo ro, Cii^J
■ ty. Ga.; Townsend; Wildwood,
- EDUCATION. Roan Graded vh
Douglas. Ga.: private tutor „
South (.a, College graduate M J
School; student U. nf Ga 8
. Townsend: Bachelor of
of Laws, Chattanooga College ofl
EXPERIENCE. Roan: Lawver ui
Appointed Judg- of Civil Cour?
until ‘V 34 ; Ud
Ka l 't Ka " f,,r ,e Bulature U
Kalb Co. Townsend: Local -rhoni
I 1928-31 ; member House M rIZ,
■TimV ^ SBt ' Attorne >' '’'nerau
m 1943. Superior Ct. Judge Chernl
emt 1943-47; 20 year, aetiv; law ‘
approx. 4 years Superior Court Ju (
■ months Judge Court, of Appeals
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS-Mai
OR ACTIVE PARTIdPCM
Always supports-’ the Demor r ,t> c
Townsend: John S. Wood Aiicui
E. D. Rivers. Gov^
1946 , Ellis Arnall, Governor 1942,
RELATIVES EMPLOYED BY
OR COUNTY. Roan: None Toi
None.
CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT OF
FI IS CITIZENS MILL RECEIVE ■
IS ELECTED. Koan: I will atteno
duties and not bring the office oil
into partisan politics in violation®
Judicial Canon of Ethics Io J
“Prompt and judicial sen ice ot th|
of Appeals." ,■
FOR ASSOCIATE JUS!
GEORGIA SUPRE.W
COURT 1
(Two Places lo Fill) ■
1) Place now occupied b
Atkinson ■
CANDIDATE: Will itn T. Ulumß
opposition) ■
INFORMATION from data furn™
the candidate himself; |
AGE: 61 ; BIRTHPLACE; Newniß
gia ; EDUCATION: Newnan Publicfl
Military Academy. Gordon Institifl
of Ga.- graduated in law 1915. fl
EXPERIENCE: Lawyer, he'efl
Bankruptcy 1918-20; Solicitor Geneifl
eta Judicial Circuit, 1921 to l?tofl
ciate Justice Supreme Court nf fl
since 1943. I
Note; Did not answer other quofl
RELATIVES EMPLOYED BY ■
OK COUNTY: None. ■
2) Place nou: occupied by W Fflfl
kins (as Associate Justice) fl
CANDIDATES: /. H.
loe Quillian, Winder. H
INFORMATION from data fumM
the candidates themsehe? __ fl
AliE. Hawkins: 56; Quillian: 55:
PLACE. Hawkins: Forsyth Counfl
Quillian: Dalton. Whufidd Couniyfl
EDUCATION. Hawkins: fl
Marietta Public School?.
fice as court reporter Blu?
and secretary to Ga. Court of
■ Quillian; South Ge f, lk: ia t < ardM
College. ^^|
EXPERIENCE. Ha*kma;
porter Blue Ridge Circuit
Court of Appeals J'Jl7-JO.
firm Morris. Hawkin- and
ta, 1920-31 ; Pres. Bd. of Ed.. IM
1933-4 7 ; Judue Supcrio- C . -
Circuit, 1931 to present.
practiced law in Winder an<l
33 yrs. ; has been city attorney^B
Board of Review. Serial Master ■■
District Court -for matt?” 5 i
county attorney of Barine 1 ? “^fl
has been for past 10 yrs o an ^^fl
of Appeal* 1934. H|
RELATIVES EMPLOYED fl
OR COUNTY. Hawk'n^ N^^^fl
Nephew, postmado' a’ M ar '
(■ ANI) 1D A TF.'S ST A Tl. MI M"f ■
FITS CITIZENS «ll I
IS ELECTED: ,
Hnwkim: "h.izht^n 'fa"
perience as JudR P Superior
scientinus. fair and ininar‘ ,a J^fl
Associate Justice of Suprem
Georgia."
Quillian: "It is ms
opinions n flnr'i"S !bl ’ ’"'i'
.quity and l"; r " ’
law. My derision? will b?
careful review of r<—d? M
coun-el's briefs will pern”