The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-09-02
ST. PETER WELCOMES
THE NEXT GOVERNOR
Citizens of Ali Political Creeds
Unite to Give the Nominee
Enthusiastic Reception
(By a Staff Correspondent


ST. PETER, Mimi, Sept. despite
rain, which fell in torrents, the din of
thunder and the flashing of lightning
which shattered barns and demolished
trees, rendering it hazardous to walk
upon the streets, st. Peter tonight ac-
corded its citizen, John A Johnson,
Democratic nominee for governor, a
welcome as enthusiastic as that ever
received here by candidate upon his
initial home coming after nominat-
ing convention. And ST. Peter is the
home of three former governors, be-
SIDES many who have held high office
both in the state and nation.
AS the train bearing Mr.. Johnson
approached the station crowd num-
ber1ng several hundred roared hurrahs.
Everywhere was enthusiasm, as in
dripping garments the crowds rushed
to the platform as the candidate for
governor stepped from the train.
Hello, John.' was sounded from a
hundred throats, as with familiar.
nearly handshakes the people of ST.
Peter greeted him in whose honor they
were present.
Citizen to Citizen
Smiling and calling each by his
first name, the Democratic nonli-
nee greeted his friends and neighbors.
1t was as citizen to citizen. There was
naught of politics in. the demonstra
tion- st. Peter had defied the elements
to welcome a st. Peter man and the
Welcome was one that, under the cir
cumstances, was greater than st. Pc
ter mad ever accorded one of her sons.
The public demonstration to. wei
come Mr.. Johnson home was held in
the court house. The gathering was in
formal and among the crowds that
hl1ed the large auditorium there were
representatives of all political creeds,
and all were equally enthusiastic The
address of welcome was made by Rev.
Louis Hall, of the Presbyterian church.
Mr.. JohnSons neighbor and pastor. He
spoke irrespective Of politics, and as a
citizen welcomed the Democratic NOM
1nee in the name of ST.. Peter.
No Personalities
Mr.. Johnson's response was brief. He
declared that it was not his intention
to touch upon politics at such a time,
but, after thanking those present for
the honor accorded him. he said:
IL have entered this campaign to win.
am confident I shall win But it shall
be only by honest, straightforward
methods if am elected, and I want it
known, now and for all time, that there
shall be no personal quarrel between
Bob Dunn and me. so far as am con-
cerned, this shall be campaign Of
platforms a campaign of principles
and devoid absolutely of personal con-
siderations.''
Mr. Johnson spoke on in a general
way of his friends here, they including
the old, the young, in fact, every per-
son in the city. st. Peter has always
been his home, and whatever the fu-
.ture has in store for him politically,
he expects to continue his home and
friendly relations here.
AS Mr.. Johnson turned from the
platform after finishing his remarks
the crowd burst into cheers which re-
sounded for many minutes, while with
one accord there was a rush for the
front to shake the nominees hand.
If the enthusiasm manifested at to-
nights demonstration is any indica-
ton. Nicollet county will give Mr..
Johnson an overwhelming majority at
the polls. Republicans, Prohibitionists
and men of all political creeds were
present, and all were outspoken In this
prediction.
Republican Support Assured
One man, L. Hermanson. Repub-
lican, came eighteen miles from New
Sweden to bear the tidings that his
district, which is strongly Republican,
was unqualifiedly in favor of the cleo
ton of Mr.. Johnson, a man known and
admired. There was present at the
meeting G. r. Davis, Republican mem
Der of the national house of represent
atives, who said:
"Nicollet county stands by its sons.
1t stood by me. 1t will stand by Mr..
Johnson and will give him a big COM
plimentary vote"