(The following is article appeared on p. 15 of the April 13, 1945 issue of the Atlanta Constitution.)

Arnall, Shocked, Cancels Talk on Jefferson Day

Gov. Arnall's scheduled Jefferson Day address in Washington tonight has been cancelled because of Pres. Roosevelt's death, the governor told The Constitution last night. The Democratic party has called off all of the 650 Jefferson Day dinners over the nation.

Arnall, governor of Pres. Roosevelt's adopted state, issued the following statement:

"I am shocked beyond words at the news of Pres. Roosevelt's death. There is no calculating the great loss the people of America and the world have suffered in the passing of our wartime leader.

"Pres. Roosevelt, in a recent conversation with me, said he had preferred much to return to private life, but that it was his duty to serve. He died in service. I know that is the way he preferred to go."

Gov. Arnall, who is vacationing in south Georgia, sent Mrs. Roosevelt the following telegram:

"The love and sympathy of the people of Georgia go to you and your family at this sad hour."

Maj. Charles Williams, commander of the state patrol, was sent to Warm Springs as Gov. Arnall's personal representative to offer the state's assistance. Adj. Gen. Marvin Griffin is in Washington.

Source: Atlanta Constitution, April 13, 1945

© Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia

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