The Irish standard., 1904-11-12
JOHNSON ELECTED.

Inc electlOn or JOln "A. Johnson as
governor of the state Of Minnesota, is
one of the most remarkable feats that
has ever taken place in this country.
While we confidently expected that
Mr.. Johnson would be elected, our
confidence was based upon the results
of previous elections, where the presi-
Dental majorities did not exceed
$4,000. Had it been known that
Roosevelt's majority in Minnesota
would be close on to 125,OOO, it might
safely be said that there would be no
one so optimistic as to expect the cleo
ton Of the Democratic candidate for
governor. His election is due to two
causes:-First, the admirable charac-
ter Of the man and the strength of his
campaign, and, second, to the politi-
cal revolution against the Republican
candidate and his methods.
While much of Mr.. Johnson's
strength is positive, due to his person
ality, his integrity and ability, yet it
would be folly for any one to assume
that he could have been elected
against any Republican no matter how
mediocre, against whom there was no
revolt. Never in the history Of the
state has the Democratic vote been
proportionately so small. That Mr..
Johnson could win under such circum-
stances is great tribute to the man
and his campaign.
Minnesota has made distinct gain
in electing him governor. We believe
from what we know of the man that
his administration Of state affairs will
justify the extraordinary tribute that
has been paid to him. No man, and
certainly no man Of Mr.. Johnson's
moral fiber could enter upon the duties
of his high office under such circum-
stances as he will without being deep
ly moved by the confidence that has
been placed in him and the tribute
that has been paid to him.
We hope that the difficult position
which MI. johnson will occupy, as the
sole Democratic officeholder in the
state administration, will not be made
more difficult by inordinate Emporium
ing on the part Of place hunters. OF
course, under our system of govern
ment, one Of the burdens that q sue
cessful candidate for Office must meet
is the satisfying of his friends and
supporters by the distribution of
patronage. Where party is success
full generally throughout state the
problem Of a proper distribution Of
patronage is not so difficult as it is
in state like Minnesota, where the
minority party gets very few of the
county and city offices. The manner
in which Mr.. Johnson will meet this
first and great task will have much
to do with deciding upon whether or
not his administration will be success
full. While We would be among the
last to advise Mr.. johnson to disre-
gard his political obligations, yet if
his administration is to be successful
and popular his political obligations
must be paid in way which will
render the very highest attainable
public service to the state.
We believe that Mr.. johnson is a
man of much ability and entirely
worthy of the confidence that has been
SO generously bestowed upon him by
the people of this state. Bringing to
his opportunity rs he will much abil-
ity and the best counsel Of his best
supporters we believe that he will do
very much for the state of Minnesota
and it's politics and in so doing will
render the very highest service to the
Democratic party.