The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-30
Ex-Governor Will Serve Full Term.
NO SERIOUS TALK OF OTHERS
He Will Be Chosen for Nearly
 Eight Years. /
Election of Senator to Succeed General Pettus Win Be Held Next Tues- day, With Joint Session Fol.
 lowing Day.


 election of Former Governor Joseph F. Johnston to the United States Senate to succeed Edmund W. Pettus. In the House of Representatives. in the Sem ate chamber and in the rotunda at the capitol. 1t was taken for granted that he would be voted the place with out a show of opposition.
 There never was tho slightest doubt but that he would be elected and so unanimously elected that the opposi- ton wouldn't count. for the present unexpired term of Senator Pettus, the term which expires on March 1. 1909. This was all taken to Dc foregone conclusion. There was some quiet talk among the members that there might be doubt as to the former Gover- nor's claim for the full term. which begins on the same day and which runs over until 1915.
 There were some of the lawmakers who discussed the point involved as to whether the nomination for alter nate senator in the primary carried with the nomination for the long term as well as for the short term. A small number of the members took the posi- ion that did not But their talk was taken to signify that they were mak- ing .pints. and discussipg-. .pints," Just for the fun of 1t. <
 Then it was thought that there were perhaps two or three hopeful aspir- ants who were believed to be looking on from afar and wishing somebody would start something" The names of one or two members Of the Alabama delegation in Congress figured in this talk, but nobody considered 1t of much importance. It was looked upon as in- teresting political gossip with a few members being in earnest and one or two hopefuls. strainIng their ears, listening for something to happen.
 But at the capitol the whole thing was regarded as closed incident It was held tha the primary nomination was for the succession to Senator Pettus.- even as the primary nomination given to Senator Bankhead was con- firmed for the place held by Senator Morgan.
 In short. the opposition to the form CT Governor has not any time assumed any definite shape. Men who have been opposed to him in all his poli- tical ambitions. yesterday at the cap- itol took 1t for granted that Governor Johnston would be elected to hold a seat until March 4. 1915.
 Four or five members of the House and Senate may possibly abstain from voting. They may not be present when the ballot is taken or they may go far enough to have their vote recorded in opposition. But this. according to the opinion that prevailed in all quar- ters, even among the former oppon- ents of the Governor. would be the ex- tent of the opposition.
 Governor Johnston remained at his room at the Exchange h hotel through out the day. He did not go near the capitol. but he saw a number of his friends. He did not know whether any organized attempt would be made against his election and he was looking over the field to be prepared for the fight if 1t should some.
 T hope there will be no fight" he said in the lobby of the hotel. T did not come down looking for a fight. and I hope nobody will bring me a fight. But If they bring it-well, I never lodged a fight in my life"
 Friends of the former Governor de- clared that no organization of their forces had been made because no or ganization or canvass was necessary. There was nothing to do. they said. but to watch the situation to find out what form the opposition would take, if 1t took any form. At present, how ever, they said. there was nothing de- finite in the opposition. which was so slight 1t was only discernible.
 The former Governor will go to Selma to attend the funeral. He will probably return and remain in Mont gomery until his formal election takes place.
 The two houses will meet separate ly Tuesday and vote separately to fill the vacancy in the Senate. On We'd nesday joint session will be held for the completion of the formal cleo tion.