The Semi-weekly leader. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1905-1941, 1906-06-02
VARDAMAN
FOR SENATOR.
An Estimate Of Him by Ex-AttOrney
General Frank Johnston.

Capt. Frank Johnston, ex-At-
torney General of Mississippi,
was recently requested by the ed
itor of The Leader to give for
publication, his estimate of Gov.
Vardaman and his administration.
Capt. Johnston is an e-xConfeder-
ate veteran, an able lawyer and
an upright Christian gentleman
whose political or personal integ-
rity has never been challenged,
and he is one who has had the best
opportunity for three years to
study Gov. Vardaman at close
range. Before Gov. Vardaman
was nominated he opposed him,
because, like many other good and
true Mississipplans, he feared if
elected Governor, his administra-
tion would prove inimical to the
best interests of the State.
Here is what he now says:
1t will be an honor worthily
bestowed for the people of Mis-
sissippi to send Governor Varda-
man to the United States Senate.
He has made an excellent Cover
nor, and has unquestionabIy given
the State a clean and honest ad-
mlnistration, and his course in
public life has been characterized
throughout by good judgment and
conservatism.
fHe would, at once, take a
position of distinction in the SEN
ate by reason of his strong and
attractive personality and the
high character that he has made
during his administration as Gov
ernor of Mississippi. 1t must be
conceded on all sides that this has
been one of the most satisfactory
administrations that the State has
ever had.
In every instance during Gov
ernor Vardaman's public service,
he has disinterestedly considered
the best interests of the State.
He is a man of straight-for-
ward and direct ways and meth
DDS, possessing great candor and
frankness, and an answering de-
termination to do his duty.
1T would be an appropriate
and fitting testimonial to his worth
and merits, both official and per-
sonal, for the people to elect him
to seat in the United States Sen
ate.
Governor Vardaman would
represent the State in the Senate
with honor and credit to both the
people and himself.
Il think that the people of the
State generally understand and
recognize the fact that Governor
Vardaman, in all that he has done
for the public service and for the
highest interests of the State, has
stood invariably for the best
things during his administration.
1t is my own candid judgment,
formed after a most careful obser-
vation of the events and incidents
of Governor Vardaman's public
life, that be has added greatly to
his own presti0e and distinction
by the dignity and ability that he
has displayed in the high and hon.
orable official position that he now
holds.
1t must be conceded by all
we'll informed and fair minded
persons that he has made a good
Governor. His ability is unques-
toned, his high character is
known throughout the State, and
it cannot be denied that he is in
every respect well equipped for a
useful and distinguished career in
the United States Senate.
According to the provisions of
the present constitution, a Cover
nor cannot succeed himself, so
that Governor Vardaman is inell-
gible to be his own successor as
Governor. ] think that Governor
Vardaman has displayed such fine
capacity and qualities in his Off
cial career, and has served the
State SO faithfully and efficiently
that be should be continued in the
public service, and there is no
position SO appropriate as a seat
in the Senate, where be can repre-
sent the best interests of Missis-
[sippi, and of the South, in that
distinguished assemblage of the
statesmen of the country.