The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-02-17
President Johnson rs n Candidate for
Governor of Tenmessce-HisC Chances
of SHCgeRs.

of Success.
The New York Tines Huntsville (Tenn.)
cores pondent writes, on the 7th inst.:-
The absorbing topic in political circles in
Tenn essee is the prospective campaign OF
Andrew johnson in the Subernatoria! race of
next August. As the time for his return to his
home at Greenvile approaches, the interest in
the subject increasee, aud on every hand you
hear inquiries that show very plainly that the
masses are anticipating the canvass With eager;
ness. We have in East TenL essee a shire Wd
canvass. Tney are well versed in the aute-
cedents of their poliicaLs and in the leading
issues OF the c"npa1ign' aud love the
usually attending our political discussions.
Andrew johnson spent the earlier years
of his political life studying their prejudces
and tastes, and he has strong hold upon their
affections. He has had, in years gone by many
very bitter caDvasses. Having always Deeu q
demagogue, ishas been his misfortune at times
to misiudge the popularity OF measures, and on
some issues he iound himself arTayel against
men aid policies that wolld have defeated
ordinary men. He opposed, at first, all railroad
projects in East Tennessee, and used every
species of demagoguery 10 avoid defeat WLen
In all such contests though contendlDg against
great odds. he was most always success ,ful, and
lere he is looked upon as "a man Of destiny"
HIS OPPOSITION.
He will oppose in the first place, an organi.
zation which has thus far deied all op )osltiop,
nized in every school district in East Tennes see,
and which has many elements of great
strength. Nine tenths of the Republican voters
OF East Tennessee are sworn members OF the
Union League. So complete and thorough has
been its machinery, that ii has extended its
influence in every department OF our social and
political organization.
If elected 1T all, he must be chosen by the
voters under the present Franchise law of the
State. As | said before, e'teuths of those
voters belonging to the Republican party are
identified with the Union League. Two thirds
OF the voters of the State are under Its influence.
Unless, therefore, he hopes to eVade the Fran.
cbise laws (Which he will hardly attempt) he
must recruit very largely from tue Union
League. To make square fight in this State
upon the Seymour and Blair platform of last
summer would result in his defeat He must
choose his platform TO suit the majority OF the
voters Of the State.
HIS STRENGTH.
This lies as much, and perhaps more, In the
fact that his opponents have m0re VulOerable
points than he can have. THIS is, perhaps.
stating The case pretty strongly, bat | think II
true. He has not been identified with the issues
CT the State He has for some time been iudl-
ciously disE o5ing Of lis patronage. aud one bJ
one has recruited strength from his opponents
and and has has az better 1 Union fr5 r record thai
any man who will likely be his opponent
He will not cOmOromi himself by taklnl
| 10 his councils the FORESTS or Foote's o
| popular breeze of his old mountain home. He
| returns 10 Tel nessee, after ap ABSENCE of 10
! year, to ind her public debt increased irOn
| SIC 0OO eco to about $45 600 600. He comes
back 10 people who are bur len d witt
| taxes end sorey suffering from unwiSe legls
| lstoD. Tneir money has been squandereC
] by corrupt officials and incompetent lega
lators. The people are ANXIOUS for,
| change. They cannot longer toiera:e t!'
| incompe'eDcy and weaEues OF then
| party leaders. Never did / know OF partl
| bayIDg so ANY elements Of strength 30 neal
| tue verge OF disinlegratOn. An Oppo-i'loi
| could be organized out of the disateoted alone
| Under such clrcOms tanCes, and at such ume
| President johnson begins what viii no uouD
| be one Cf the most exciting aud hitter contesr
/ ever known in this Sac. II seems TO me bl
| chan ces of success are good. | have given yol
| but few of the facts from which draw M
| conclusions. Never having been an adm re-
| or q supporter of his, save once, bv reaso'
| OF his association with q greater aud bette
| man, you can judge of my impariality. l can
| not, OF course, know what viii be the resul
| until The Issues ale joined and presented for ol
| eonsicera lop, know, hoWeVer, from m
| pre- ent temper and state OF the Union party
that 1t Is exceedingly vulnerable, and that
| vigorous opposition would prove dangerous
| Governor BroWnl0w could no doubt comm SnC
| heaytier and more united Rupnora than an,