The age-herald., 1899-08-29
THE GOVERNDRsAIP

THE GOvERNoRsHIP
 From the Bessemer Weekly.
 It is some time before year from now when the successor of Governor Johnston to be several pronounced candidates in the field.
 Among the first to announce was "Our Jess." as Congressman Stallings very much likes to be designated by his fellow citi- zens. Stallings is typical politician; and one might add of the old school or that division of the old school who were ad- dDcted to "still hunting," and to the tricks and twirks of the trade that appealed to popular interest and support Any adher- ence to any definite standard of political principles never seemed to worry him. He was hail-felow-weIl-me with the hum-
 blest as we'll as the most exalted. Any little changes of views to adapt himself to conditions never seemed to bother him. An instance in his career may be recalled. The first time Bryan was probably ever in the state was under the auspices of Staflings. Naturally he wanted to make capital out of 1t. Bryan, by his eloquence and statemanship, had just risen to na- tional prominence. The proposed trip with Stallings was largely exploited by the lat ter through the Associated Press. He was to deliver a speech at the Greenville fair. A beggarly crowd met and listened to him there, notwithstanding it was a speech worthy of an audience of ten thousand. Stallings was piqued and we suppose mor tifed at the Smailness of the crowd, and in the queer perversity of human nature seems to have vented his spite on Bryan, and has made some inane exhibits of him. self accordingly. as witness this letter sug- gesting Richardson. of Tennessee, as a suitable subject for the national democratic leadership in place of Bryan.
 There was so little reason, so little oc- casion. so little propriety in the suggestion that it fell worse than still-born. It caused the people to distrust the sincerity and judgment of the congressman.
 Speaker Charles E. Waller is also said to be candidate; but the speaker showed so little decision and acumen at the extra session of the general assembly that he cannot command much of a general popu- lar following.
 Clements, of Tuscaloosa, is said to be candidate. We don't know much about him. He may be good man, but he don't seem to be widely known or popular. So far Jefferson county seems derelict in political assertion. The Empire county that pays the taxes of the state ought to furnish the governor Dr. Cunningham is talked of. but he does not announce. It is said that he has antagonized both the dispensary and the anti-dispensary inter- ests. and that he is too much controlled by corporation interests, and hence is not fea- sible.
 Now, we want to ask in all conscience, whats the matter with John W. Tom1in- son?" Genial, courtly able and true, he has antagonized no man, nor clique, nor interest. As true to principle as the needle to the pole he never permits his selfish in- terests nor orerweening ambition to swerye him from his loyalty. He enters into no combinations. identifies himself with no clique or schism to advance his personal ends. He is a lawyer, a statesman but above aaQ a citizen and a patriot, true to state and fellow man.
 Another end gained by Tomlinsons can didacy would be the unquestioned align ment of the county and state in behalf of democracy as now interpreted and cham pioned by William J. Bryan. Bryan is but man. but we believe that as a man he is enthroned in the conscience of the great democratic party of the country as the embodiment and personification of its living principles. its accepted leader, and without a rival. We want to see no treach- cry to Bryan in Alabama. The democratic candidate for governor and his more inti- mate following should be above the sus- picion of treachery, disloyalty or even doubt. Who could so well and appropri- ately meet the requirements as John w. Tomlinson?