Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1899-12-01
THE HINDMOST MAN
Won Ills Sympathy and lie Voted
for Him First and Last.
MADEJOHNSON GOVERNOR

| lUI ITO TIuouity -"H OAV HUI
| Down in Tennessee Travellers
| Tell Their Experiences.
The train was leaving the station al
Paris. Tennessee. INA s.s,Assss
''Who was that distinguished look
ling man to whom you were talking"'
asked an old gentleman, as his travel
ing companion resumed his seat in the
car by him.
"Ex.Gov. James D. Porter, our late
Minister to Chilli" answered the
younger man, his face lighting up with
pleasure at the remembrance of the in
teresting conversation he had with the
gentleman just returned from South
America. II have known him." he
continued, lever since 1874, when l
was student at the State University
at Knoxville. He and Horace Maynard
canvassed the State for governor, and
began the campaign at that place,
Maynard's home. Filled with boyish
enthusiasm, proud of the handsome
representative from my section, and
feeling that Maynard, in the midst of
| friends, had somewhat the advantage,
1 cried out several times during Mr..
Porter's speech, 'Hurrah for West
Tennessee The speaker observed me,
asked my name, and has, since then,
recognized me whenever we met. He
once introduced me to some of bis
friends as the boy who gave me the
first hurrah. Z"
That reminds me of an incident
which occurred in my youth, said the
deeply interested old gentleman.
"No matter how bitterly some may
denounce Andrew johnson, shall
always think of him with pleasure and
gratitude.
"When about 1s years old, my father
decided to send me to Center College
at Danville, Kentucky. A few days
before leaving home. attended, at
Huntingdon, our county seat, meet
ing where delegates were selected for
the gubernatorial convention which
was soon to be held in Nashville. 1t
was known that would pass through
that city on my way to Kentucky.
and as it was not entirely convenient
for the delegates chosen to attend,
their proxies were entrusted to me. l
was instructed to give them to an in
fluential Democrat who could use them
in the convention for the candidate be
deemed most suitable.
went by stage to Nashville where
my father expected me to spend the
night with friend of his and then
leave early next morning for the ad
joining State. Instead of following
the instructions given me, I avoided
his friend, went to the hotel, and next
day attended the convention in which
l was privileged to take part.
In the roll-c call of the counties, re-
ported myself as ready to vote for
Carroll.
"There was some objection to that
beardless boy but proved that was
authorized to act by the proxies which
l held.
hox ovnrifoc or
the candidates, sympathy inclined me
to vote for the weakest man. The bal
loting was kept up some time, but
Carroll's vote did not change.
Some one came to me and asked
brusquely, I thought. "Young man
for whom are you voting ? "For the
hindmost man, II answered, Andrew
Johnson!
Just keep that up! Just keep that
up!" he said with an encouraging
nod.
The tide finally turned in favor of
my candidate. johnson was declared
the nominee, and the exclamation
'Carroll's vote has done it!' filled me
with joy.
Immediately after supper at the ho-
tel, went to my room worn out with
the unusual excitement Of the day, and
tormented by the thought, what will
father say when he hears what have
done ?"
"A gentleman to see you sir, an
nounced the waiter.
Show him up l said quaking in
wardly at the rebuke which my faith
er's friend-for was sure it was he
had come to give me.
| The door opened and in walked the
gentleman who had given me his ap-
lproval that morning. To my amaze
ment, he introduced himself as An
drew johnson.
My young friend, said he, in voice
that sounded sweet to me. you have
done great thing for me today. The
nomination was given me because Car
rolls votes were cast, without waver.
ing for ''the hindmost man." Should
get to be Governor of this state it
will be due to your steadfast adher-
ence to me. If I can ever do any
thing for you please let me know!
Years passed by. In school work and
afterwards in preaching the gospel
had almost forgotten the incident.
You know he went from the Guberna
torial mansion to the United State.
senate. During the war my only broth
er was captured in Louisville and sen
fenced to be shot as spy. On hearing
'it thought of Mr.. Johnson's 3 promise
and went at once to Washington tt
see the Vice President, the only per
aon that 7 knew could aid me- then