The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-08-23
LAdv.] JOHNSTON HEADQUARTERS.
Johnston Addressed Large and Enthu- sIastic Meeting at Whstler-Assur- ance of Victory.

Mobile August Ex-Governor Johnston spoke to a large and enthusiastic meet ing of the citize1s of Whistler this morn ing. In the most foreible and convincing style he punctured the bubbles of mis- representation which have been blown by the penny pipers of Governor Jelks. He stated his position upon the poll tax and other questions affecting the suffrage, in a most satisfactory and convincing man ner. He spoke effectively of the potent part in the marvellous industrial devel- opment of the state which has been play ed by union labor. He showed how, under the rules governing organized labor the condition of the working man has been immeasureably elevated and how, through this improvement in his condition capital has been supplied with a strong and skilled arm with which 1t has accom- pished those great industrial deeds by which the American people have aston ished the world. He spoke of the sturdy American workingman as the solid rock upon which our present industrial, social and political fabric rests, and he said he looked to this fruitful source for every hope which he had for the future of our. state and country.
 He thoroughly reviewed all the acts of his and the present administration of the affairs of the state. He expressed his regret that his political opponent had not seen fit to discuss the question in- volved in canvass with him and said he would be glad to answer any questions which might be put to him by any SUD- porter of Governor Jelks who was pres ent. When it was found that there was not one man before him who was for Governor Jelks this fact was greeted with loud applause. Governor Johnston was listened to very atteIflively and was frequently applauded.
 It is the consensus of opinion that he Will carry Whistler overwhelmingly and Mobile county by large majority. '
 Our reports from the state assure us that Governor Johnston will receive the nomination. We make due allowance Tor the unholy power of the machine, but do not believe that there is a possi- bility that they can compass his de feat. MT. Weakley says that it is pos sible that Governor Johnston may carry ten counties. We understand the ten counties he has in mind and assert that they will net Governor Johnston 10000 majority. We can give Jelks 800 majori- ty in twenty counties and be even in the race for the other thirty-six. They rely on Mobile. They will lose that county by a decisive majority.
 Since August 15 the Jelks forces have weakened materially TOT want or lead CT. They have confined themselves to discussion of the constitution The peo- pie have found it hard to see why the beauties of our fundamental law should make Jelks and condemn Johnston re- gardless of their respective merits. This process of reasoning would have lost to the United States, In their early days. the power and ability of Hamilton and Adams, who bitterly criticised the articles of confederation. It would have obscured the genius of Lee and Joseph E. John ston and lost to the confederacy the en- tire body of old line whigs because all of these opposed the secession of the southern states. Our people chose Gen. eral Lee to fight and not to decide the question of secession. The people of this