The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-23

His Friends Threaten to Bolt the
Ticket if Watson Be Nominated.

tive Henry L. Johnson arrived home from
Washington last evening. and was sought
by Journal correspondent at his home this
morning. He was not there, however. but
instead was found at his Office, where he
was very busy preparing for the active
campaign which he will wage in Henry coun-
ty this week in opposition to Representative
James E. Watson. He was surrounded by
papers and letters. and was engaged in re-
viewing the articles that have been published
and circulated over the district during his
absence in Congress. While the Journal cor
respondent was in the Office waiting for an
opportunity TO talk with Mr.. johnson a num-
ber of friends called to greet him and con-
gratulate him on his return home 10 look
after his interests. which have not Jared any
too well while he was away. Mr.. johnson
said to the Journal correspondent:
MY coming back to the district at this
time is no surprise. The reasons for my
coming, as you know. are that L have been
maligned and traduced ultil in pure self
defense l was compelled to come. Some time
lated about me. Mr.. Watson, through his
agents, has been guilty of some very ques-
tionable work, and 1 propose going to Henry
county Tomorrow morning there to meet
him before the people and compel him TO
either refute the lies in circulation or prove
that all that has been said is true.
want to know where he stands. The issues
to be discussed are not those of a public
nature. but l mean simply to confront the
cha rges made against me- and IL is due me-
my family and my friends that i should do
so. The question with me Is not one OF go
ing back to Congress, but whether or or. not
II did not intend 10 come home until 1
found the campaign in Henry county was not
being conducted on the high plane that 1t
should be- During the campaigns in Union
and Fayette counties ! was importuned by
my friends to do SO, but refused, as my
public duties demanded that / stay at my
post in Washington /. as you know, was
engaged as chairman of the elections COM
mittee No. 2, in several contests affecting
the seating of members whose rights were
disputed, but on Thursday we shaped up the
last case, which cleared up the docket of ary-
thing requiring immediate attention, and as
cMded that as my honor as a gentleman
was being daily traduced by set OF men
devoid of all principle, my best course of ac-
and there, before its intelligent citizens. de-
fend myself from calumry at the hands OF
these men. Mr.. Watson mad hao thngs All
his own way during my absence. and now
will have a few things to say to the people
Of Henry county.
HAS FAITH IN THE PEOPLE.
AS to what he expects from Henry county
Mr.. johnson said: II have faith in the good
people of Henry county. and think it is
reciprocated / have no fears as to my can
didacy at the hands Of my Henry county
friends, but do feel, in justice TO them aud
myself that it is high time something should
be done to silence the tongue of slander, that
has not only touched me, but those closely
connected with me-"
Referring to the articles which appeared
In the journal this morning. Mr.. Johnson
said:
'.I recognize in the articles from Winches-
ter, Rushvlle and Shelbyville, which APP
peared in the Journal this morning, the fine
Italian hand of some of the warm personal
friends of Mr.. Watson, who seek 10 distract
attention from the real issue OF the canvass
in Henry county this week. But know
enough Of the effect of such articles 10 know
that l will get fair and impartial hearing
and just verdict let IN Henry ot county hsra as
the question was submitted to. the people"
Mr. Johnson is in excellent health, appar-
emily and is in nne condltion 10 make some me
reports from his work there will be awaited
ali over the Sixth district with the most
intense interest. This Is considered the most
exciting primary campaign that has ever
been waged for Congress in this district,
without exception, and the rather complicat-
ed condition that the race has assumed
makes the outcome all the more interesting.
Mr.. Johnson denies every charge that has
been brought against him as maliciously
nection with the circulation of the stories,
II Is told on reliable authority that none
of them in circulation in either county
of the district until he had made his ap-
pearance there in person, on his campaigning
tour. Mr.. Watson, so far as known At this
time. has not accepted the challenge issued
in Henry county, and either refute or prove
the charges which the enemies of the latter
have put in circulation.
IL is predicted here that in case Mr. Wat
son should by any means succeed In secur-
ing the nomination an Independent candidate
will be put into the field against him. and by
a combination between the friends of Mr..
Johnson and the Democrats. the Independent
can be elected over him. This would not be
feeling that Mr.. Johnson has not been fairly
treated in the canvass. and that in such case
the support of his friends y not due to his
opponent. The Republican majority In the
district is not large enough to make this i'm
probable, 1t Is said. but 1t Is not anticipated
.has MT 'rgiSon I'll ~ouu ii sT.t az III iasu. s1en r
that.
Stephenson for Appellate Judge.
Special to the indianapolis Journal
NOBLESvnLE. Ind, March 22-Hamilton
county win present to the State convention
the name of Judge r. r.. Stephenson as a
candidate for Appellate Judge. This matter
has been considered for some time by the
Judge and his friends but his final decision
to become candidate was made but yester-
day. He will have the hearty Endorsement
of this county and many other adjoining
counties. where he has held court so often
and with such eminent success and satisfac-
ton. Judge Stephenson Is one of the most
popular circuit judges in the State. and, on.
account of his fairness and ability. has been
called upon TO try some of the most important
cases in the State. One-third Of the business
of the Hamilton Circuit Court during his
term of office mas been on change of venue
cases to this county. The celebrated Nc
Donald will case was tried here, and the de-
cison of this court was affirmed by the Su-
preme Court. For a quarter of a century
the Republicans here had no representative
on the State ticket, and they believe they
are entitled 10 some recognition for their
and the State. Fifteen hundred to two thou