The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-10-10
MIR. Johnson's Letter to the "Press
and Banner
WASHINGTON, d, c., Oct. 2. 1888

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Oct. 2, 1883.
viii you believe me, it is industriously re-
ported by good many persons. Democrats
too, so-called, that I am Republican! To
tell you the truth, believe I am fast coming
to be one Of the most cordially hated persons
relieving the Treasury of its surplus by put.
ting into their own pockets as much as posi-
BILE Of the judiciary, appropriations: I have
long since learned. however, that the person
Comptroller, and does his duty, Is viewed as q
common enemy by all who have designs on
the Treasury. I do not believe that either my
personal or official character affords vulner-
able point Of attack; still I am an obstacle
that many would be glad to see out of the
way. am firm for what believe to be right,
and am not respecter of persons IN my off,
cial conduct.
At one time it was circulated that Judge
Durham is mere figure head: johnson runs
him" (the quotation Is from an article that
appeared q year or two ago In the n. Y. Trib-
une) the purpose OF those who put the ino ramor
intimacy and confidence that existed between
the Comptroller and myself.
1t Is not being industriously circulated that
am not Democrat. This rumor would
seem to be too ridiculous to deny, and still !
frequently hear Of persons that have inquired
confidentially, apparently in all seriousE ess,
"whether that man johnson Is Democrat"
Those who are In position to know Of course
have no doubt as to my political creed; but
still have no desire to be thought in any
quarter to be what am not, and what could
hot be unless were to eschew what had i'm
bibed in infancy and what subsequent study
and experience had but served to strengthen.
Now, with the foregoing as an introduction,
1 come to the purpose have in view in writ
ing this letter. would be glad for you to re-
fer in the "Press and Banner" to this ridicu-
lous report about my being O Republican-re-
fer in such manner rs to show the light in
which tits regarded among home folks. I do
not want an extended notice; only a short
q q
home people, you might say so; and II the
report that am Republican serves only to
raise laugh. you might say SO. want sim.
ply few sentences such as might be copied
in into other papers.
The denial of the report will not affect me
in my official standing one way or another
the only thing Is have no desire for persons
who do not know to be misled by rumor.
You SEQ the time seems to have come when
the mere fact that person holds office in tho
civil service of the government does not OF
itself determine the politics OF the person.
The propagators OF the report have hoped, 1
suppose, in some manner to weaken my in
Very Respectfully,
j. ALTHEUS JOHNSON.
,P.-S.
s, 1855, which received from A. w. McCul-
Tough, OF Huntsville, Ala, a leading Republl-
can in that State and Clork of the U. S. Courts
al Huntsville, and also copy Of the letter
10Th Of September.
In the clipping which seemed to be an edi-
torial, referred to in the correspondence, the
following are some Of the delcctable express
sions which were applied to your humble SER
want; "a direy and contemplate little scala
wag )" 80 legacy left by the last Republican
administration :" "as insignificant IN person
as he is contemplate in character" "he has
been published and denounced time and time
again by District Attorneys, Marshals. and
Commissioners as a troublesome, mischief
making slanderer who delights to tell news
paper reporters all sorts OF lies to the dispar-
agement Of officials connected with the De-
Of Justiee ust why the Comp
tinue their abuse OF Southern officials, we can
only contecture;" ut seems clear that the
Comptroller is making frantic efforts to OBJ
Johnson is doing all he can to injure the Ad-
ministration; :" &c, &c. often hear Of per-
sons seeking relief by word Of mouth, but It
j. A. j.