The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1875-04-14


fitness for position. by the principles adj
vocated or the sentiments expressed in my
paper, have, with scarcely an exception,
borne testimony to my capacity and fit
ness for the position of Governor and it is
equally a source ofpride that these ex-
pres-ions have been rendered by those
who differ from me politically as well as
my party friends But it is with no re-
morse or disappointment THAI have OBJ
served that, Notwithstanding the personal
frie. dship entertained for me, there is a
healthy division of opinion in the support
extended 10 the several candidates for
Governor. In point of fact, it is not true
that | am supported by the press as a
body. Because the gentleman who makes
this complaint has but few newspapers
which advocate his nomination, il does
not follow that ] am the recipient Of Its
undivided support. have not made out
a list Of all the papers in Kentucky, and
tabulated them az 10 their expressed
preferences, but assert that, out of the
whole list Of Democratic journals, but
small proportion advocates my nomina-
ton, while the greater part are neutral or
sustain the fortunes of some other aspi-
rant 1t is doubtless true, as so often
charged, that but few advocate the nomi-
nation OF General Williams, but this is
his misfortune, not my fault. The very
fact, however, that large number advo-
cate the cause Of other candidates than
myself is proof ofthe independence Of the
press of Kentucky, and is a reputation of
the aspersion that am sustained by "a
combination" so reprehensible in its
purposes and designs as TO deserve the
condemnation of the people aud the DEM
ocratic party. The very violence of the
charge, ard the evidence have shown of
it's want of foundation, should suffice to
condemn it and cause it to be spurned as
unworthy ofany weight or consideration.
LIE NO. NAILED TO THE COUNTER.
If General Williams has incurred
the ununfriendly criticism of any
portion of the press it is a matter for which
am not in any degree responsible. 1t
rests between him and those who, with a
full sense of their responsibility to public
opinion, have prosecuted whatever war
fare they have made upon him. In my
own conduct toward him, both as an ed
itor up to the time | retired from the
management of the Yeoman in Decem-
Der, and as a candidate, have observed
toward him a courtesy worthy of better
appreciation at his hands. During the
whole period | never permitted my own
name TO appear in its columns in connec-
ton with my candidacy, and never copied
an article from other papers compliment
airy of myself, but copied every one which
met my eye complimentary of General
Williams or others, excluding all off de-
rogatory character. Not only this, but
when be was assailed, l wrote TO editors
whom knew to be friendly to me, and
requested them to abstain from all detrac-
ton Of him, and besides wrote the follow.
ing letter which was published in the
Paris Kentuckian, of the 9Th of Decem-
j Der last:
"We have received the following pri-
waite letter from Col. Johnston, and while
we do not deem it necessary to refute
such an imputation or suspicion as it re-
ferred to, we take the liberty Of publish
ing Col. Us letter because all who know
him will recognize in it the same high
bred, manly spirit which forms all his
whole intercourse with his fellows.
"'Editor Rentuckian:
""The position which have taken not
to permit the mention Of my name in the
columns of the Yeomau IN connection
with the candidacy for Governor, pre-
vents me from noticing much that is as
distasteful to me as il can be to any
one. | allude more particularly to the
effort to disparsge General Williams by
papers friendly to me and otherwise.
have no desire to make any such canvass
nor to profit by such course, and in all
cases where / have seen such notices in
papers which favor me for the position |
have written TO the editors, requesting as
a favor to me and an act OF justice to
General Williams, that they will not do
so. For nearly two months have been
in Frankfort devoting myself exclusively to
my business, and have not in that time
written half dozen letters respecting my
candidacy, content to let others make the
canvass and abide the issue. 1t, therefore,
as you may conceive, annoys me greatly
to have the impression 60 out. however
indirectly, that am either encouraging
any warfare upon my opponents, or en-
gagged in promoting the advocacy Of my
claims through the press. l saw for the
first time in your paper of yesterday the
reference to myself which you quote, and
no one sooner than yourself would 90 me
the justice TO believe that seek no such
mention of 10y name, holding the dead
too sacred to wish to profit by their mem
cries. | have no ambition in connection
with any position of honor save the pride
of obtaining it honorably and as the re-
cognition of merit, rather than the result
of intrigue or political wire-working.
"My hands are tied in my own defense
against any assault: and, as you may
have seen oflate, have been made the
target of the spleen of some who are
only too eager to take the advantage of a
delieacy which they can not appreciate.
In view of this fact, | beg of your friend
ship that you will, if consistent with your
sense of propriety. insert a slight para.
graph to the effect that you know that
do not approve the attempt to make CAPT
tai for me at the expense Of General Will
liams, for whom entertain the most cor
dial friendship and esteem. Very truly
your friend, ]. SroDDARD JOHNSTON.
Frankfort, KY, Dec. 8, 1874.
After this exposition of the facts in the
case, it will be difficult 10 convince any
one that have been wanting III courtesy
to General Williams, or am in any way
amenable to the violent charges against
me in connection with the press with
which he seeks to arouse indignation and
sympathy in his behalf
LIE NO. II INPALED.
Ola similar characters the threadbart
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