The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-02-10
Former Governor Practically
 Shits His Castor
BIG LOVE FEAST IN SELMA
Numerous Party Leaders Pledge Sup port to Governor Johnston and Ex- press Their High Esteem
 for Him as Man.
BY R. E. L. MEL.

ths -s -s iNi- -
 Selma, February cial.)-Political history was made in Selma last night. The occasion was the practical launching of the candidacy of ex-Governor Joseph F. Johnston for the succession appointment as senator of the United States.
 The former governor had chosen well the time and place to make what will be acknowledged to be the coup de'etat of the political campaign of 1906. Dallas county since he turned the back of hls hand upon the friends that had supported him unfalteringly up to the time when his perseverance, won him success has not been Governor Johnston's friend. It is the home of Morgan, the home of Pettus and the ambitions of the ex-governor have heretofore been in conflict with the posi- tions held by these venerable and hon ored statesmen. The supremest censure, however, that this people charges against him is his revocation of the constitutional convention called in 1898 and even worse than that his enmity to the ratification of the present constitution when he as- sailed that instrument upon hill and dale in Alabama when he ran against Cover nor Jeks in 1902.
 Has Scored Political Coup.
 It is of more than passing moment therefore that he chose Dallas county in which to practically announce his candi- dacy for one of the succession places that he has coveted since 1900 when his ill-timed ambition led to overwhelming defeat. True it is that he did not pro- yoke the expression of good will and confidence and determination to give him support that was expressed at the as- semblage in this city last night, but true 1t Is nevertheless, that he has scored a political coup that will measure up with tho campaign of Napoleon if mili- tary maneuvers and political movements may be classed in the same category.
 Governor Johnston was in Selma as the guest of his kinsman, w. c. Agee. who is himself a bred and born politician. al though he has never of late practiced the arts. MT. Agee invited some twenty-five citizens of Selma to assemble last night at the Hotel Albert to meet ex-Goyernor Johnston Twenty-two of the twenty-five invited guests assembled at the appoint ed hour and were invited into the private dining room of the Albert and seated around beautifully decorated table.
 Calls on Guest of Evening.
 As the menu progressed MT. Agee, the host of the evening, presented Governor Johnston, who in few sincere words. expressed his delight at being nome" again Governor Johnston declared that neither predestination, election dam nation would be discussed during the evening" that predestination was ligious, that election was politics and 6or rail Jp caid he had no pronunciamento to make at this time as to his future course, that he was here on a visit to his kinsman and for the purpose of meeting old friends and the sons of friends of former days. His talk was frequently interrupted by applause. and at it's conclusion MT. Agee called on MT. Isaac Schwarz. who ex- pressed in choice words the pleasure of those present in having the opportunity Of renewing acquaintanceship with Gov ernor Johnston.
 Col w. W. Quarles was then called on to respond to "The Flying Squadron and stated that when that famous fleets work was accomplished it was mustered out of the service, never more to be as- sembled so far as he was concerned, against the object of its last effort.
 Mallory Pays His Respects.
 H. S. D. Mallory was called on to re- spond to Succession" MT. Mallory asked If by succession was meant the next course on the menu, and then proceeded to pay Governor Johnston high tribute as a gentleman and a governor of the state MT. Mallory stated that whether he had agreed politically with Governor Johnston in the past or would differ with him in the future had not and would not prevent his recognizing hls ability and excellent qualities.
 D. M. Galloway, county superintendent of education, was then called upon and related an incident when he first came to Selma thirty-eght years ago, and de- clared that the kindness shown him by Governor Johnston then had always been remembered and he had and would repay him by giving him his support.
 R. E. L. Mel was called upon by MT. Agee to respond for "The Grand old Man of Alabama-Senator John T. Morgan MT. Mel after expressing his unworthi- ness to speak for one so highly honored so greatly esteemed, so great states man as Senator Morgan. stated that all though his efforts had been lent to the political defeat of the honored guest of the evening, their personal relation had never been strained. MT. Mel recalled that the first state convention he ever attended. was as a delegate for Cover nor Johnston and that he followed him to defeat before the One armed hero of the Wire Grass" Perseverance had, however, overcome defeat in that in stance and there was no telling what the future might hold in store now. MT. Mel stated that whether he supported or op- posed Governor Johnstons political ann bitions of the future their personal re- lations would remain undsturbed.
 "Noblest Roman of Them AL"
 Col. w. R. Nelson was called upon to respond for "The Modest Roman of Them All Senator Edmund W. Pettus. Col onel Nelson paid high tribute to both of Dallas distinguished sons and to Gov ernor Johnston. Dr. W. c. Phillips re- sponded to ''The Old Guard and assured Governor Johnston of his support for whatever he might offer as partial turn of his efforts in rldding this coun- ty of the heel of the negro.
 H. H. Stewart spoke feelingly of his regard for Governor Johnston and his hopes of being able to show his esteem. J. H. Lumpkin responded to the senti-
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