The age-herald., 1902-02-26
Washington Day bYDay

Private advices from Alabama continue to strengthen the contention repeatedly made in this correspondence and as for back as the third week of December. that the general clements of political discon- tent in the State. including the men who opposed the ratification of the present constitution, will make a determined ef- fort to secure control of the State govern men by electing as Governor a man after their own hearts and Legislature which will in part nullify the constitution, and will elect man of their own to succeed General Pettus in the United States Sem ate.
 The indications are the strongest that former Governor Johnston will be the can didate for both the governorship and the Senate; for a movement powerful enough to elect him governor would be powerful enough to gain control of the Legislature. While in the position of governor-eect he would be elected Sena- tor. but as his term in the Senate would not begin until March { 1903, he would continue until that date to perform the duties of governor.
 It seems certain that the combined clements opposing the present order of things will try to secure control of the State convention of the Democratic party and in regular order nominate Captain Johnston for governor and complete the State ticket. The various nominees would therefore constitute the regular Demo- cratic ticket, and as they would be en- tirely regular all Democrats would have to support them at the polls. Hence the real danger to the present party organiza- ton lies in the counties-in the efforts al- ready being made by the opposition to se- cure the election of a majority of the delegates to the State Democratic Con vention and the nomination of a majority of the party candidates for the Leglsla- ture. Failing in either or both these par ticulars of nomination, what will the op- position do?
 Those who adhered to the party organi- zation in its cam paign for the ratification of the constitution will have no trouble in answering the question.
 Information sent to Washington from various counties leaves no doubt that the general conviction in Alabama is that Captain Johnston is a candidate for Governor. He probably cares nothing for the Governorship except as it may materially aid him in realizing his dear est ambition-the office of United States Senator.
 The Governorship of Alabama is at best thankiess. wretchedly underpaid, exacting task, which has, with the soli- tary exception of Houston. closed the po- litical career of every man who has held it during the past 50 years. Houston was elected to the Senate after having been Governor. and he held the office but ten months, and without having to any ap- preciable extent exercised it's duties.
 It is true that the reputation made as Governor was largely Instrumental In elevating Judge Jones to the United States bench, the most desirable honor any Alabamian can reasonably hope to at- tain; but 1t must be remembered that Judge Jones was peculiarly and most admirably qualified for this honor and that vacancies on the United States bench very seldom occur.
 Thus 1t is fair to assume that such practical business man as Captain John- ston is not very intensely desirous of an- other term as Governor. We all know for he has told us so and proved it, that he very much desires election to the United States Senate. And nobody planes him. A Senator is the most powerful man In legislative position in the world. Reading or travel will inform any citizen on this point; and no one needs to come to Washington to get information that a Senator is here an official Of extraordi- nary privileges and power.
 But the fact of the highest importance to Alabamians at this juncture Is that the Democratic party as organized in framing and adopting the existing con. stitution has got to strive with mighty energy and great wisdom to retain con- trol of the State government and elect United States Senator in harmony with it's doctrines and purposes. Doubt as to this will mean disaster to political con ditions prevailing in the State at this time.
 For many weeks ice and snow have made the streets of Washington extreme ly dangerous. and if there could be print ed a tabulated statement giving the names and addresses of all persons who have suffered painful injuries in conse- quence of this disgraceful condition of the streets it would i'll pages in the newspa- pers. Snow and ice have combined with vaccination to put innumerable arms in slings to say nothing of the famed legs. No effort whatever has been made to clear the streets of this danger. except that each householder has been required to clear the sidewalk in front of his or her door, and a few days ago regiment of men were put to work clearing Penn sylvania avenue and few other main thoroughfares for the coming of Prince Henry. All day Sunday scores of men with dozens of carts were laboring in '.the avenue" with the result that there was a clean road for the Prince on Mon- day.
 There is no record of any previous ex- perience of such prolonged terrible wealth. CT. During the four days ended Saturday night frightful wind storm, accompan- jed by heavy snow and sleet, ragged in Washington. and for time completely isolated the capital from the outside world. During that period nobody ven- tured out of doors except to perform most urgent duties The condition of the streets was appalling. One woman was killed. horse maddened by the storm