The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-19
GOV. JoHNsToN's CANDIDACY
It is Pitched Upon Personal
 Plane.
Rlrmingham News.

Birmingham News.
 In the announcement by ex-Governor Joseph F. Johnston of his Candidacy for the gubernatorial nomination the ex- pected has happened. That he has strong friends and warm partisans no one can deny. That they are numerous enough to give him the nomination The News
 He pitches his campaign upon a per sonal plane and outside of the immedi- ate circle of friends a personal grievance cannot be expected to- arouse enthusiasm. His demand for vindication for the req son that the platform of the last State Democratic convention failed to endorse his administration is a spacious plea. Ex-Governor Johnston's record as Gov ernor of Alabama has passed into his- or defeat can change 1t for better or worse. New conditions and problems confront the, people of Alabama. Cues tions have arisen which transcend the political aspirations and personal griev- anees of any individual.
 It is not a time for factionalism nor mere striving after office for the politi- cal power and prestige which may there by he gained. The slogan with all citi- gems should be Alabama first"
 With the adoption of the new Consti- tuition the State took on new political life. Insomuch as Governor Jelks stands for the new Constitution and It's attend ant train of reforms chief and foremost
 
 better politics. he stands for a principle which appeals to the patriotism of all Alabamians.
 His promise that in the accomplishment of these reforms no white man would be disfranchised has been redeemed to the letter, On the other hand the direful prophecy of ex-Governor Johnston that the new Constitution would disfranchise thousands of white men has failed of fulhllment.
 No white man that has offered himself for registration has been denied the privi- lege. If there are white men who have not registered the fault is their own and not that of the new Constitution.
 The administration of Governor Jelks may well bear comparison with that of ex-Governor Johnston. Never has the Convict Department been better managed. Never has the State been in better finan- ctal condition. Mayer has been the public moneys more conscientiously and pru- dently disbursed. Never has there been a stronger or more fearless upholder of law and order than the present governor. He has not used his office for the attain ment of personal and political ends He has been the governor of no clique nor clan no faction or favored few, but d governor for all the people How much stronger is the precedent therefore for his endorsement than for the vindication which ex-Governor Johnston seeks. It is a precedent which ex-Governor Johnston himself once invoked and to which hc appealed not in vainy
 The News does not believe that the peo- ple of Alabama are unmindful of the ser vices of GQovernor Jelks or unapprecia- tive of his faithful. intelligent. patriotic discharge of great public trust. It be- lieves that the Democrats of Alabama will endorse his administration at the ballot box, thus placing their seal of commendation upon a faithful servant and ensuring for the State a continuance of that policy which has reflected credit and honor upon Alabama.