The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-17
JOHNSTON ANNOUNCES AS
CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR

hostile political camps almost entirely
disappeared.
That the highest standards of Official
accuracy and promptness was obtained
in handling the public revenues. and that
the expenses of the State government
and appropriations of money were held
down to the lowest point. The great in
crease in expenditures since. aggregating
nearly 100000, warrants the claim Of
economy during my administration.
Expected Endorsement.
''If these claims were measurably true,
I had the right to expect, from Demo-
cratic usage and precedent, extending
back in unbroken links for generations,
that the Democratic State Convention
which met and nominated my lamented
successor would give its endorsement to
my administration: instead of that, it was
reviled and passed by as unworthy of
honorable mention: from this action
now appeal to the white Democrats. to
the men who love justice and fair deal
ing. to say, by their votes whether an
administration whose policies have been
approved and followed and ratified by
my two successors in office. and whose
laws remain unamended in the statute
books shall have the endorsement of the
people: or whether the unjust and parti-
san action of that convention shall be
permitted to stand as a reproach to my
public service, my name and my chill
dren.
THE answer Of the people to this ques-
ton is the only qualification can come to
me by my nomination and election as
Governor. beyond that which must come
to every man from the honest and faith
full discharge of duty.
MY honorable competitor is appealing
for his nomination on the ground that it
is Democratic precedent. But four men
in all the history of the State have been
called to the office of Governor by the
death or the resignation of the Governor
elected by the people, and not one of
these was ever elected to the office: but
no precedent exists where Democratic
State Conventions ever refused to en-
dorse Democratic administrations where
laws and policies were retained and car
ried out. except in the single instance
where it was denied me.
The New Constitution.
Compelled by the forms of law to ac-
cept the new Constitution, it should be
carried out in good faith until amended,
by an honest and fair vote, when expert
ence may show that amendment is neces-
sary. Considering the vast number of
new officers that are authorized to be
provisions introduced into it, it would
seem of vital Importance. that instead of
being put into operation and effect by it's
so-called friends, who seemed to think
an increase of officers and salaries so
necessary, it seems to me that II should
he put into operation and tried by the
friends of the people. whose first consid-
Grafton would be the public welfare. and
whose chief aim would be to secure hon
est and fair primaries and elections. so
essential to our peace and prosperity,
and that economy in administration. State
and county, which the condition of the
people and the growing necessities of ed
ucation in the common schools that this
Constitution makes so imperative.
Since reaching manhood | have never
failed to support the nominees of my
party, sometimes one or the other have
been distasteful to me, but feeling that
the prosperity of the people depended
largely upon the success of Democratic
principles and that this could be had
through organized action, l have felt it
my duty to yield my personal inclination
and disappointments to the general good
1 have always felt that when the Demo-
Gratis of Alabama had an honest and
fair chance to express their choice in Sc
lection of candidates and had this choice
should cheerfully accept the result; and
am glad that progress has been made
this year in that direction. and l doubt
not the result will be fruitful in good
now and hereafter.
THE people are to be sincerely con-
81 atuIated upon securing an opportunity
to vote direct for their nominees and
upon the safeguards thrown around an
honest count of their votes. All fair men
must regret, however. that such a short
time was given as to prevent fair can
vass of the State and presentation of the
issues so as to reach the body of the
voters and the unfair advantage this
gives those who have been long in the
canvass.
In No Combination.
81 shall enter upon the canvass for the
nomination for Governor without having
entered into single combination. or
having directly or indirectly made a sin
gle promise of Office or reward to any
one My hands are unshackled and my
conscience free of obligation to any one.
If I am nominated and elected I shall
enter upon the duties of office free to
serve the best interests Of the people and
/ pledge myself to give, so far as | can,
to every citizen of the State rich or poor.
humble or proud. corporation or individ-
ual. the rights secured 10 them by the
laws of the land. and to oppose the multi
plication Of offices and the increase of
salaries whether State or County. and to
secure so far as possible to every quail
fed voter the right to cast and have hon
estly counted on> equal, uncoerced and
unbribed vote in every primary and cleo
ton for the sele"tion and election of his
public officials. In the discharge Of NJ
duty no sentiment Of revenge and no re-
membrane of personal wrong or inius-
tice shall influence my conduct 7 shall
cndeavor to he the Just Governor Of all
the people, and Of every inch Of terrific
~ within the domain of our State.
Il am sure that my old friends, always
generous. will rally to my support and I
shall welcome with gratitude the support
OF the honorable and fai- men, as it vas
II cir privilege 10 he opposed mo in the
past"
When the adjournme mt came and doors
were opened. it was stated that there
were no doubts but that ? lively cam
paign would be made.
From expressions heard It is not i'm
nrrtabIo hut that fight will he made
in each Of the Congressional Districts.
gentleman who was in the conference.
stated tn The Advertiser correspondent
mat Congressman Sid Bowie, in the
Fourth District, would have strong op-
position. 1
Waller Calls on Johnston.
Charles F. Waller was a caller m Cap
tain Johnston at the latter's homo to-
night The campaign was discussed and
activity will he begun by Monday. In
the meantime. all preparations will be
made for the tight
Charles E Waller said to The Adver-
tiser correspondent tonight;
~ - A.. s.n.Alnrnnn in the conference