The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-04-01
GOV. JonNsTON AND THE PARTY

From the Montgomery Advertiser.
1t seems clear that Governor Johnston is
opposed to the call for a constitutional con-
vention, Notwithstanding it was made a
party issue by the state convention
Wednesday.
The Atlanta Constitutions special from
here in yesterdays issue contains the fol-
lowing statements:
1T looks very much as if the question
whether or not there shall be a constitu-
tional convention would fail If 1t We're to
be submitted to the people now. Its friends
think things will be in better shape in July
but many people disagree with them One
of these is Governor Johnston.
80 believe the movement will grow
weaker instead of stronger, he said to me
tonight. The governor is credited with
fighting new constitution. He says that
is not true, but he has been against max
ing 1t a party question.
1.-THE men who were most active today
in opposing the formal Endorsement of the
party were leading Johnston men, but the
efforts of some of the governors enemies
to make 1t appear a defeat for him are not
warranted by the facts"
Now the Constitution has always been
very friendly to the governor, and he has
constantly used its columns to express his
views. Its Washington staff correspondent,
Mr.. Joe Oil, was here and reported the
CoHNentlOn. Inc quoted interview, there
fore, can be depended upon as reliable, as
coming from friendly source.
1t will be observed that the governors
expression is stated as having been made
Wednesday night This was evidently after
the action of the convention in endorsing
the call as a party measure. He spoke in
the light of that action.
And what did he say? 'I believe the
movement will grow weaker instead of
stronger What does that mean? Plain
ly that he wants it to grow weaker; that
he hopes it will fail. And what is that
equivalent to? Clearly to a bolt of the ac-
ton of the state convention. He declares
distinctly that he believes the democratic
party is going to fail in the undertaking it
has positively entered upon, in what it has
officially determined to be in the interest
OF the party and the people. He wants
the party to fail in its undertaking. He
pretends not to be fighting a new constitu-
ton, and yet he admits that he has fought
against making it party question. What
more effective way~has there been of fight
ing a new constitution than of trying to
prevent the party form shouldering the
movement? How could it succeed with
the dominant party divided or lukewarm
upon it?
1t is very plain that if a new constitution
is to be made, it will be without his help.
If he does not openly fight it, he will knife
1t from under cover, as Chairman Lowe
floor of the convention.
What development? The governor, the
ofi1clal head of the party, boldly asserting
that movement endorsed and undertaken
by the party, will grow weaker! Does it
not mean that he expects his attitude to
contribute to this weakening? Isn't he
planning to weaken it? Isn't he boiling the
state organization on a vital issue at a
critical time? What else do his utterances
mean?
We don't think the governors belief will
be verified. The movement will grow
stronger. Three things will do this:
Flrst-The personnel of the prospective
conventional strong, able, patriotic set of
men, taken altogether.
Second-The platform of the state con-
vention-a conservative instrument incor-
porating every demand that the peop,e
have voiced, and removing every reason
able ground for fear.
Third-The open opposition to, or secret
kniflng OF, the movement by the govern
ment and his appointees. The people will
take 1t because of the enemies he has made
Ihey will believe it a good thing, because
the governor indicates that the movement
Is not to his interest, because they will be
confident that the new instrument will not
be produced by his manipulation or dicta-
ton.