Sunday, 2nd April 1916: Georgians Square, Asserts Slaton, The Atlanta Constitution

Former Governor Lauds People of His State in an Address Before the Beacon Society of Boston.

Boston, April 1. (Special.) Former Governor John M. Slaton, of Georgia, tonight told the members of the Beacon Society, an exclusive organization of leading merchants and professional men, that there were no fairer people in the world than Georgians. Speaking on the subject, "Georgia and Massachusetts," he deprecated such interstate antagonism as was shown by a Boston newspaper that urged a boycott of Georgia's products and by a Macon newspaper that printed an editorial on "To Hell With Massachusetts."

Georgians on the Level.

"It would not be fair to talk of the Leo Frank case now," he said, as the question was put to him as to how he viewed the outcome of that matter. "All I can say is that the people of my state are fair, square and on the level. There are no fairer nor better people in the world than those in the state of Georgia. You people of Massachusetts know yourselves, but you know little of the Georgians. They have been fair with me. Why, only recently I tried a case before the courts there that meant a great deal to my client and the jury gave me a verdict. I have been trying cases before the Georgia courts for years and have found them invariably fair."

Mr. Slaton was given a hearty welcome at the banquet, which was held at the Algonquin club.

"I have come here to tell you how fair and square Georgians are," he began, and his remarks were interrupted by cheers.

"The great trouble for both of us," he continued, "is that neither understands the necessities of the other; if we did, the bond of union between us would be all the stronger. Massachusetts and her sons have been found in the front rank of advancement. They set an example of character and loyalty worth more than all the ships in your harbor or the accumulated wealth of your factories."

Georgia and Massachusetts.

"Georgia and Massachusetts have disagreed in many things, for their necessities, industries and environment are different, but they are united by common memories and common sacrifices. Our resistance to foreign tyranny was joined with yours, and Georgia troops yielded their lives to save yours. Massachusetts has contributed in many ways to the wealth of civilization, and, whatever may have been the temporary error of any southern state in the past, Georgia will not cease to follow after Massachusetts."

Mr. Slaton gave a description of the resources of Georgia and its rapid development.

Mr. Slaton made an excellent impression, and received many invitations to homes of the members of the society.

Mr. Slaton is to speak Monday night before another leading organization, the University Club, on "Fundamentals."