Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1908-04-17

his career in the legislature. hut he was
laying the foundations of u knowledge
of craftsmanship and politics that fitted
him well for the opportunity that came
in 1904. when the democratic nominal
ton for governor of Minnesota was
literally thrust upon him. Two years
before, the democratic nominee for
governor in Minnesota had been defeat
ed by q plurality of nearly 5G,4S7. Only
once in forty years before this time had
the democrats elected a governor in
Minnesota. So uniformly had demo-
cratic candidates gone to defeat in this
normally republican state. that rs Il rule
party leaders who accepted the demo-
cratic nomination to Office took it far
more from Il sense of party loyalty, and
from n feeling that they should do what
they could do to keep up the party
organization, than with any hope of
success. Even those who from their
friendship and acquaintance with Mr..
Johnson realized his capacity for max
ing friends and enlisting supporters did
not dream that he had any hope of sue
cess. But, much to the establishment of
his friends. as well as his enemies, the
republican candidate was on the defen-
sive from the very start, and, notwith-
standing the tremendous handicap of n
presidential year in Il republican state,
with all of Theodore Roosevelt's popu-
larity with the rank and file Of the
voters regardless of party. Johnson WAS
elected by Il plurality of about 5000;
while Mr.. Roosevelt carried the state by
Il plurality of 1Gl, 900. Rarely. if ever.
has has there been such IA striking
demonstration of personal popularity
and vote-getting ability.
Then followed two years of such sue.
cessful administration Of the Office of
governor that Johnson. re-nominated i'll
1906, carried the state by a plurality of
nearly ~. 900, and this too in the face of
the fact that the metropolitan press of
Minnesota, being republican, with two
exceptions, opposed him as tiercely and
bitterly as was possible in view of his
splendid administration of the duties
of his Office and his evident popularity.
These two striking victories made
Governor Johnson far more than a state
celebrity. They attracted tn him the
attention Of dcmocIats everywhere and
Of people generally observant Of political
He was much sought after
for addresses on occasions of national
in many states and these
addresses invariably strengthened the
of all who We're following his
,arcer, even in Il most casual way, that
he people of Minnesota had discovered
l man of great worth and unswcrving
integrity.
Wherever Governor johnson has
gone. he has impressed men as being a
of the Lincoln type. He has the
of making many friends and
enemies, and yet, us his record
he is in no sense Il trimmer.
never conceals his opinions OH public
questions, is always frank and out
spoken. There is no trouble with him,
rs with some politicians and even states
men of ccrtaiu stamp, to tell where he
stands. His capacity for getting results
without friction is most remarkably
demonstrated by his success in securing
legislation in Minnesota, although con-
frontcd by Il Legislature overwhelmingly
republican. 1t is doubtful whether
Governor johnson could have been more
successful in securing the passage of
measures recommended by him had his
legislatures been democratic. Practi.
cally every important Legislative enact
ment recommended by him in his vigor-
GUS messages of 1905 and 1907 has be-
come law.
\ = 4 = = Il : II 4 = y
"The Man from Minnesota" believes
in the Immediate revision of the tariff,
to the end that articles now controlled
in America by illegal and immoral com.
binations may he deprived Of their tariff
power to rob the community" He be-
lives that tariff revision is one of the
most important works for the correction
of the abuses that are plaguing the
country.
He believes that the maintenance Of
government by the people involves the
least interference by federal power with
tho domestic affairs of the states con.
sistent with efficient national admin
istratiOn.
He believes in the constitution. For
a president" he says. ''to go outside
the constitution, even to accomplish Il
bcneficicnt purpose, is to enter the road
that leads to the destruction of re-
publics."
He is opposed to the government own
crship Of railways. by state or nation,
but, rs his acts show. is II strong he.
lever in just and rigorous regulation.
He is oppressed to oversee expansion.
He Is opposed to great military cstab.
lishmcnts, but believes that the size of
the American navy must necessarily he
determined to oin extent by the naval
activities of other countries.
He is opposed to ship subsidies.
"Iou can't kill combinations he says.
N1.N - H.. -. +