M. Hoke Smith

M. Hoke Smith was an American Democratic Party politician who served as governor of Georgia from 1907 to 1909 and then for a few months in 1911.

A racist who believed that blacks were “inferior mentally to the white man,”^[1] Smith helped bring about legislation that disenfranchised the black voters of Georgia.^[2]

More positive was Smith’s reform record. During his two terms as governor, a wide range of progressive social reforms were introduced. An Act of 1907 provided for the purchase and maintenance of charitable homes for indigent old women. This applied to counties with populations of 75,000 people or more.^[3] An Act of 1908 limited the interest rate on loans made in Georgia. A pure food and drug act of 1908 extended the provisions of a previous 1906 law. It did this by providing for a drug inspector and food inspector. Other legislation provided for the setting up of a tuberculosis sanitarium.^[4]

Juvenile courts were also set up as branches of the superior courts. In addition, a parole system was established. The legislature also provided for the improved treatment of women prisoners.^[5] Public school funding went up by 30% and child labor conditions were improved.^[6] During Smith’s last year in office, an Act was passed that provided for the reduction in the weekly hours of textile workers to sixty.^[7]

Following the end of his time as governor, he became a United States senator.^[8]