The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-23
THE G0VERNoRSHlP.
Sound Doctrine Enunciated Relative to the
forthcoming Campaign.
From the Mobile Register,

From the Mobile Register,
The Register is informed that Col. John
D. Roquemore of Montgomery, has favora-
bly, responded to a call of his friends to
become candidate for nomination for gov
ernor of the state next year, in opposition
to Governor Johnston. While knowing that
our information Is direct, we hope it Is
not true and that the colonel has not def
nitely made up his mind on this subject or
that he will reconsider it and withdraw
from the position. fight against the re-
nomination of Governor Johnston at this
time would be unfortunate for Alabama
and for the democratic party in this state.
There is a tendency manifest everywhere
toward reconciliation, and the sinking OF
past differences. The hope of the most
patriotic of our citizens is that democrats
may get together again on questions that
are of vital Importance to the state.
We differ widely as possible with
many other democrats on national ques-
tons. AS we now understand our thoughts
1t would seem impossible for ever to
acknowledge as right those assertions of
policy which our reason tells us are wrong
economically, politically and morally; but
there is much that we will do for Alabama
and for the party which has been identified
with her well-being and upon which her
prosperity depends; and we are satisfied
that the accomplishment of good results
depends altogether upon union in the
party.
How that union is to be brought about
we must leave to the dominant faction
to suggest but we have not yet reached
the point where we despair of the efforts
: that will be made in that direction. tor
example, we have no right to assume that
because we differ with other democrats on
the question of national finances we are 10
be shut out from our fathers house mere
in Alabama, yet the candidacy OF any man
in opposition to Governor Johnston Woulu
go far to close the doors, without hope or
their being re-opened.
We do not mean to say that primary OPP
position is not legitimate. There have been
several campaigns where democrats nave
striven for nomination to the honors 10 DE
given by the people; but, just at this time
such opposition would not be regarded anu
it would not actually be a display OF iauaa-
bic ambition for office on the part OF
candidate but an effort to overthrow the
present governor: to obtain from the party
a vote of lack of confidence in him ana IN
his administration. Such an effort Woulu
widen the breach in the party, ana deledt
the object that many OF the most worthy
citizens of the state have had long at
heart
We do not pose as the friend OF Gov
Johnston or of the national policy Wnlcn
he has so earnestly advocated. we nave not
failed to make plain where we nave dl-
fered with him; and we must continue 10
do so as long as he gives us occasion, put
we have no prejudice, and we are not pima
TO the fact that there is probably no crf'r
man who can carry the party or any con-
siderable part of the party and he can, II
he will, make possible that union OF FORCES
which is essential 10 TIE success OF tile
state reforms which Alabama ought to
have.
Besides, there is a democratic prece-
dent that should be observed. Unless a
governor has done something that is dis
creditable to his high office or to his party,
he Is entitled by precedent to renomina-
ton. Not to give it to him, If he wishes
it, is to pronounce judgment against him,
such a Judgment as Gov. Johnston has not
deserved. His conduct in overhauling the
accounts of the county officials alone should
be his passport to denomination, and, if
do not mistake the temper of the peo-
pie of the state. it will be so.
We sincerely deprecate the proposed can
didacy of Col. Roquemore, as useless as it
is unwise and unpatrotic. The interests of
Alabama are broad enough and important
enough to offer a basis of union of all her
democratic sons and her advancement
least of all by those whose professions
would indicate that they entertain the high
est ideals of citizenship and are ready to
sacrifice themselves for the sake of prin-
ciple. The principle to be considered in the
coming campaign is the states best inter-
ests, and not the national question, which
cannot be affected by what is done In Ala
bama in 1898. 1t is possible, of course, that
extreme men may make the financial ques-
ton the test of our state democracy, but
until they do so, no man need fear that his
right of private Judgment as to national
questions will be denied. By all means let
us unite for the good of the whole state
and discourage any one who seems ready
to run to meet the trouble half way.