The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-02-23
NOW A STORM
Of INDIGNATION
TomInsOn's Defeat Political Sen
satiOn Of the Day,
WAS THE RESULT OF TRADES
The Governors Action in knitting
His Friend Condemned.
JOHNSTON'S PET LEGISLATION
Was in Danger and He Sacrificed
Friendship on Altar of Egotism.
. ALABAMA's sELF-cREATED CzAR
Maintains Clam-Like Silence and Age
Herald Representative Was Re-
ceived Will Cold Shoulder
e.s and An Icy Stare.
Was in Danger and He Sacrificed
Friendship on Altar of Egotism.
ALABAMAs sELF-cREATED CzAR

Montgomery, February 22.-(Special.)-
The surprise expressed this morning over
Governor Johnston's action in knifing his
life long friend, John w. Tomlinson, has
tonight grown into a storm of indignation.
-, 1t ia the political sensation of the state,
growing in velocity as the inside trickery
of the man comes to light. Prominent men
who have shielded the governor and who
have been his warmest friends are now
talking. .'Why did the governor turn Mr.
Tomlinson DOWN." has been asked a
thousand times today. From those who
keep in touch with the political drift comes
the reply that John Tomlinson's head went
under the guillotine to save the governors 8
pet measure, the Jefferson county commits
sioners court bill, from defeat.
" This explanation is backed up with the
argument that Mr.. Kyle is chairman OF the
judiciary committee 1t is conceded that
he and two or three immediate friends con-
trolled q formidable array OF votes 1t is
said that these gentlemen were wise
enough to see that the governor would ven
ture almost anything to carry his point.
This was apparent at one time when the
friends of the bill were not SO sanguine OF
it's passage For several days the governor
called representatives. one by one, into MS
private Office to sound them on the meas
ure.
1.,f Made Personal Appeal
He made It a personal appeal. This is
verified by the statement of representa-
tive who said that he informed the gov
ernor that he would not express an opinion
until he heard all sides. This representa-
tive voted against the bill.
Mr.. Kyle and his friends, as the story
runs, saw this opening. They took ad-
vantage Of it. The governor saw his pet
measure safe, disregarding endorsements.
political and personal friendship and the
fitness of men. Governor Johnston then
carried out his end of the deal The gov
ernor, 50 far, has made no denial OF these
charges. Some of the representatives are
Withholding Judgment until he makes some
explanation. He has steadily refused to
talk to newspaper men throughout the
day. An Age-Herald reporter called upon
him tonight and requested an interview.
Upon what subject?" he asked, en-
deavoring to appear outwardly courteous,
though apparently agitated.
"Your appointment OF railroad comms-
eioners," was the reply.
IT most respectfully decline to make any
statement to the Age-Herald.'
He did not say that he would not make
a statement, but he declared that he would
select his own medium.
''Does this mean that you will declare
war on the Age-Herald?'
1T hardly think that is necessary" he
said sarcastically as he bounded up the
steps to his private room.
Nothing Against Mr. Kyle
There is very little said against Mr.
Kyle, although some of the older repre-
sentatives are saying that he was elected
as an Independent to the legislature from
Lee county few years ago.
.dogfferentlyPt-
A gentleman who stands very close to the
governor and who yet hesitates to con.
denim him entirely, said today that he heart.
lily agreed with The Age-Herald on the
point that Mr.. Tomlinson should have beer
given notice in time to withdraw. His
friendship for the governor should have en-.
titled him to this. But instead Mr.. Tom
linson was invited into the race by the mar
who should be In position to better take
the governors political temperature than
any man In Alabama. Evidence of this Is
at hand in black and white.
Others are more pronounced In their de.
nuncfation. One representative from NORTH
Alabama, said: 'I do not care to whom
this applies. The man who prostitutes
public office for the purpose of self ag'
grandizement is unworthy of respect" Still
others look upon the governors actions dur
ing the present session of the Legislature
as tending toward a gigantic political ma
chine to carry him to the senate
They are claiming that he has had Of
fees created for men. and not In Response
to requirements; that he has plead for econ
omy, recommended petty "cuts and ther
endorsed measures that over balance hi.
economic schemes. These men were still
'loath to condemn him. hoping in the enc
that his course might prove an honorable
one His action in regard to the railroad
commissioners has astounded them and hi:
erstwhle friends have started the revul
sion Of feeling that threatens his politIca
doom. HAGGARD.