The age-herald., 1898-04-21

this time by following which, our party has survived, and not only survived. MT. Chairman, but has grown to that extent that today. as at no other time in my Knowledge in Alabama, the people of Ala bama are so near united MT. Chairman, l hope that the nominations to be made by the chairman will be accepted as they have always been heretorore. I hope, MT. Chairman, that the motion made by Colo nel Bankhead, and I now move, that 1t be laid the table,"
 MT. Bankhead made an explanation, say ing that he meant no reflection on Ihe chair and that the Walker county transaction was made over his protest. He called for a vote on his amendment by counties.
 There was an instant hush for it was known that this would be a test vote on the chief justice contest. Hon. Cecil Brown amid the misses of the Coleman delegates, arose and moved that the amendment be laid on the table, as 1t was reflection on the fairness of the temporary chairman.
 The vote was then taken, resulting as fol- lows: Yeas, 320; noes, 1S4.
 The convention then adjourned until D o'clock to give committees time to report.
 By Way of Lagniappe
 At 5 o'clock the convention hall was packed. It was half an hour before the body was called to order. During the in- terval the crowd amused itself by calling for the different favorite speakers. Final ly Senator Cunningham of Jefferson, re- sponded to numerous calls and ascended the platform amid vociferous applause. He spoke of the unity of the democratic party the true democracy of the Chicago platform. It was one of his characteristic speeches, overfiowing with humor. In closing he paid a tribute to women, the equal of which is seldom heard. He ex- pressed the opinion that tax of $10 per head on every bachelor over 30 years of age.
 It was o'clock when Senator Cunning ham had concluded, and Temporary Chair man Tomlinson rapped for order.
 John Burns, the Private John Allen" of the Alabama legislature, was called for. He responded and relieved himself gracefully of making speech by intro- ducing Hon. John Thomas Hehin, of Chambers, as Robert Taylor the second. MT. Hefiin kept the crowd in good hu- nor expounding good democratic doctrine interspersed with some of Bob Taylor's most amusing anecdotes. The committee on credentials not being ready to report, the convention was only called to order long enough to adjourn until o'clock.
 The Night Session
 When the convention reassembled at o'clock the committee on permanent or ganization reported Hon. Francis L. Pettus for chairman and Elmore Garrett for sec retary. They were elected.
 The credentials committee reported in favor of the Wood faction from Lowndes.
 Hon. Tenant Lomax, in a well worded ad- dress, presented the name of Governor Joseph F. Johnston for re-nomination. He was chosen by exclamation and a commt- tee headed by MT. Lomax notified him of his nomination and escorted him to the stand. In a short but well-timed speech he accepted the honor,
 Governor Johnston's Speech
 The governor spoke as follows:
 I congratulate you gentlemen of the con- vention, that in this biennial gathering of the democratic hosts of Alabama the faces of many comrades who have rendered gal lant service under our flag reappear once more in our ranks.
 l congratulate you that in the swelling ranks of democracy generous welcome is found for returning populite and wandering gold bug.
 I congratulate you that the splendid plat form adopted at Chicago Is found broad enough to give room for every honest citl- doctrines of our party.
 I congratulate you that the sharp differ ences that divided the white men of Ala bama are rapidly disappearing before the sunshine of democracy that has reassert- ed the time-honored faith of the fathers, and that the party is stronger, more thor oughly united, and more aggressive for the right than it has been in many years.
 I congratulate you that under an admin istration selected by you the laws are enforced, the public credit main tained, economy enforced, abuses reformed, incapable and dishonest officials held to rigid accountability and that the burdens of taxation are being laid equally upon the shoulders of every citizen.
 I congratulat you that the public treas- 4l.D., f hoe in many years, that the cause of educa- ton is making sharp progress. and that the sentiment for better roads is growing.
 In the discharge of the duties imposed upon me, have endeavored honestly to observe the oath that took to see that the laws are faithfully executed. I have given freely of my time and thought and heart to this great task; I have not spared myself and in no instance have ever allowed any thought of self to shake the wavering balance when my duty and the good of the people were in the other scale. No useless expenditure has been too small to demand amputation at my hands, and no abuse too well entrenched to be assailed and de- stroyed.
 The Peoples Money
 I have never forgotten that every dollar of public money diverted from the legi- innate purposes of government is dollar wrongfully taken from the people, believe that, without regard to party, public off, cials were never diligent to understand the law and never so careful to comply with it's mandates.
 The tax commission law, while not all that could be desired, has done much to replenish your treasury and eoualize the burdens of taxation The examination of the accounts of public officers, state and county has disclosed many irregularities, uncovered many difficulties, brought many thousands of dollars into the county and state treasuries, and been faithful in in> structing honest officials as to their duties. No discrimination has been shown in the administration of any law; democrat and republican, populite and opposition, friend and foe have received the most impartial treatment, and been held to the same meas ure of duty and liability.
 For more than year not a case of rape has occurred within the borders of the commonwealth, and not an attempt has been made by a mob to obstruct the orderly administration of justice.
 Subjected to criticism perhaps never be- fore witnessed in Alabama, by political and some wearing the mask of democracy, I am proud that I can stand 1f tnt-