New-York tribune., 1902-07-24
ALABAMA POLITICAL PROSPECTS
EX-GOVERNOR JOHNSTON SEEKING RE-
NOMINATION-HIS COMPETITORS.

NOMINATION-HI COMPETITORS.
Birmingham. Ala. July q (SpeciaD-Joseph For
ney Johnston. twice Governor OF Alabama. is once
more seeking the Democratic nomination for the
office and IL he successful ne will be elected. He
stands good chance. but has for opponents W. d.
Jelks present Governor of the State; L. r. Mus
grove. OF Walker County. and A. f. Caffee, mem
ber Of the State Railroad Commission. According
10 the plans OF the Democratic party in Alabama
the nomination IS be made by primary, which
viii be held August 25 the election occur in
November. All white who pledge 10 support
the nominees and who declare that they voted the
Democratic county and State ticket IN the previous
election will he allowed participate in the pri-
mary The candidate receiving majority of the
votes cast In the primary will be declared the
nominee. but If no candidate receives a majority
OF the votes cast. then the two highest men are to
run the race over. This gives Captain Johnston an
opportunity of getting the nomination matter
how badly the primaries are conducted against
him. II is likely. too, that not being in with the
regular Democracy. rather the machine De-
mocracy." the former Governor will get
substantial assistance toward the nomination.
Former Governor Johnston bitter opponent
the present constitution of Alabama. The con-
stitution adopted several months ago. and Its
principal object to exclude the negro from the
ballot boxes in the State. The constitution
makes registration imperative. and whenever a
register challenges it is somewhat difficult
TO get certificate. The qualifications such
that few negroes in the State register at all
and therefore are completely cut out of the right
of franchise. While Captain Johnston has
special love for the colOred and max
ing a fight for them, he opposed to the
constitution for several reasons. believing that
other conditions stipulated would tend TO
white men 10 lose a right to franchise just because
they Were poor or might not be able 10 read or
write.
An unfortunate campaign waged by Captain
Johnston after leaving the Governors chair in that
he took heart enough to oppose United States Sena
tor John L. Morgan for re-elecJion. This in
1891, and Captain Johnston saw his first decided
defeat. The adoption of the new constitution
hardly be called defeat for Captain Johnston. for
II Is admitted that the vote would have been other
wise had there been
Johnston when Governor induced men of wealth
TO come to the State both tnQuiring and afterward
investing. He had the credit of the State in good
condition. When he left the office. however be-
cause or his future aspirations, the succeeding
state Democratic convention said not a word either
in Endorsement against II. This Johnston has
taken TO heart and in his announcement for the
nomination again says that he desires the people
to give their Endorsement.
Joseph +. Johnston bOrr in 1S43 in Charlotte
" e.. and removed to Alabama in 1855. He was
four years in the Confederate army, going In as
private ana coming out as captain of the 18th Ala
bama Regiment. He the staff OF his
brother General r ID. Johnston, who lives in this
city. captain Johnston shot five times during
the war. He entered active politics in 1872 in re-
Democratic Executive Committee for two terms in
Dallas County. He asked for a reward at the
hahdS or the people In 1890, when he sought the
nomination for Governor. The convention nCmi-
Circuit and District Court In Middle and North
AIahana, appointed by President Roosevelt.
Jones was elected IN 1894 Johnston asa:n sought
the ation, but II went to ". -. Oates Who
was elected; In 1896 Johnston was nominateS
against r. ii. Clarke, of Mobile and in IsaS Se
was renomtnated and reelected