Georgia and Georgians - the Digital Library of Georgia

GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS 3065adds, "that Napoleon's power began to wane." In the effort to found adynasty leagued with European monarchies and aristocracies, he lost the support of the people, without gaining the support of the titled classes, and theresult was.Waterloo. Jefferson and Jackson both exemplify the principlesupon which a government of the people must be founded, in opposition to theclass rule, 'which is represented by the school off Alexander Hamilton."Waterloo" is a monograph of the great battle that terminated the careerof Napoleon. "Bethany" is a story of the old South, cast in the mold ofromance, but descriptive of historical scenes and incidents. Mr. Watson hasalso published his "Life and Speeches," "Prose Miscellanies," "Sketchesfrom Roman History," and a "Hand-Book of Politics and Economics." Otherof his books are: "Life of Thomas Jefferson," 1900; "Life and Times ofThomas Jefferson," 1903; "Life and Times of Andrew Jackson," 1907; "TheMethods of Foreign Missions Exposed," 1909; "The Roman CatholicHierarchy," 1910; "Socialist.and Socialism," 1909; "The Story of the Southand West," 1911. With respect to the author's style, it may be said that,without the least suggestion of pedantry, it is both graphic and vigorous, resembling the mountain brook, not only in its rapid flow, but in its transparentcrystal.The nomination of Alton B. Parker by the democratic convention of 1904signalized the swing of the democratic pendulum from' the reforms advocatedby populism to the policies that the new party opposed. In other Avords, touse the language of Mr. Watson it yielded to the seductive influence of themonetary power; and, this change of attitude serving to resuscitate the causeof populism, Mr. Watson, in the interest of Jeffersonian principles, wasunanimously nominated for the office of President of the United States. Thishonor was again conferred upon him in 1908. Though in each instance thefight was unsuccessful, he fought like an old warrior whose heart was weddedto his banner; and, whatever may have been the failures of populism, it hasundoubtedly produced Avholesome agitation, and to this extent at least it hasbeen instrumental in accomplishing many salutary reforms.In 1904, Mr. Watson beffan the publication in New York of Tom Watson'sMagazine, but the alliance he formed with other parties proved unfortunate,and he withdrew from this enterprise to launch in Georgia the WeeklyJeffersonian and the Jeffersonian Magazine, both of which ventures havebeen successful. In 1911 he organized the Jeffersonian Publishing Company.Still in the vigorous prime of life Mr. Watson has relinquished politicalambitions for literary activities, and continues to write with a pen that haslost neither the brilliant sparkle nor the keen edge of the polished diamond.He is absolutely fearless in discussing men and measures. He believes inhewing to the line, regardless of where the chips may fall. But he is stillthe fast friend of the common people and, when he can no longer write aword or frame a whisper, his devotion to the old cause will claim his last pulsebeats. Despite the slanderous darts of which he has too often been the victim,amid the asperities of partisan politics, he is absolutely above the wiles ofthe tempter; and to quote the words of Alfred Henry Lewis, "A syndicatecould no more buy Watson and own Watson than it could buy and own acontinent." It is probably true that Mr. Watson has really taken his leaveof public life. For he is enamored of. his literary labors and is accomplishingwhat many believe to be his best work in the wider forum of letters. Fighterthough he is, he is not at heart combative. The tenderest solicitude for theoppressed has ever guided the ponderous swing of his battle ax; and all whohave known him in his home life declare with one voice of testimony thatneither his happiest moments nor his greatest triumphs have been found inthe arena of debate but in the fireside realm of domestic affections.CHARLES J. AND EDWARD A. WACHENDORPP. For thirty-seven yearsAtlanta has had a flourishing business enterprise located on the same site,