Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-07-21
JOHNSTONO OUT
AGAINST
JELKS
FORMER GOVERNOR OF ALABk-
MA AGAIN ASPIRES TO THAT
oFFlCE-WARM CAMPAIGN IN
PROSPECT.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. July 1.-THE fight
between Ex-Governor Joseph F. Johnston
and present Governor William D. JeIks
for the Democratic nomination for gov
ernor Of Alabama, promises to be the hot
test political battle this state has known
IN number Of years. The action Of the
conference In the city yesterday IN fore
ing Johnston into the race, was antfcipat-
ed by him, despite the fact that he seemed
desirous OF having some one else lead the
nght against Jelks, and his plans for the
campaign had been pretty well mapped
out, II is believed. Prior to the conferennA
II was reported and believed that L n
Musgrove would be endorsed for governoR
and that the strength of the Johnston
forces would be thrown TO him hut this
idea was quickly dropped shortly after the
conference began and an overwhelming
sentiment developed IN favor of Johnston
making the race himself It is probable
that Musgrove win also make the race
and that he viii go in upon the dfspensarv
issue advocating the adoption Of that
system in Alabama
In coming out for the governorshin rSan-
tain Johnston issues an address to the
people OF the state. in which he reviews
his previous administration and points out
that the financial condition of the state
was established ION sure and lasting fo4In-
dations,' and that the educational inter-
ests were furthered and much new capital
brought into the state. He says also that
the highest standards of official accuracy
were obtained in handling the public reve-
nues and that appropriations were held
down to the lowest point.
Continuing, he said: ''If these claims
were measurably true, I had the right to
expect. from Democratic usage and prece-
dent. extending back in unbroken links
for generations. that the Democratic state
rso,vfrr .fos,
lamented successor, would give endorse
ment to my administration. Instead Of
that. it was reviled and passed by as I'M
worthy of honorable mention. From this
action now appeal to the white Demo
Gratis, to the men who love justice and fair
dealing to say, by their votes, whether an
administration whose policies have been
approved and followed and ratified by my
successors in Office and whose laws remain
unchanged on the statute books, shall
have the endorsement Of the people, or
whether the unjust and partisan action OF
that convention shall be permitted to
stand as a reproach to my public service,
my name and my children. The answer
to this question is the only qualification
that can come to me by my nomination
and election as governor, beyond that
which comes to every man from the hon.
est and faithful discharge Of duty
Attention is called to the fact that dur
ing the history of the state only four men
have been called to the Office OF governor
by reason of the death or resignation OF
the governor elected by the people. He
claims Governor Jelks cannot consistently
ask the nomination upon the ground OF
precendent as not one Of the four who
entered the Office under such conditions
were ever elected.
TIL new constitution Is discussed and the
fact pointed out that It creates many new
offices Commenting upon the instrument.
he says:
ut seems to me that It should be put
into operation and tried by the friends OF
the people, whose first consideration would
be the public welfare, and whose chief aim
would be to secure honest and fair prima-
ries and elections, so essential to our peace
and prosperity, and that economy in adj
ministra ton, state and county, which the
condition OF the people and the growing
necessities of education In the common
schools that this constitution makes so
imperative"
In conclusion. he reviews in brief his
personal record as a Democrat and says
that he enters the race with hands un-
shackled and with conscience free OF obi
CATION to any one, and that II he is elected
he will enter upon the duties Of the Office
free to serve the best interests Of tn peo-
pie. -
While other candidates may be in the
race throughout, the fight will be between
Captain Johnston and Governor Jelks and
the political atmosphere viii be hot
enough from now on.