The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-11
TOMLINSON AND ROUNTREE Johnson Men Have Chal-
 lenged Them. WANT JOINT DISCUSSION Say They Are Recognized Bryan
 Leaders. Two Johnson Men, If Challenge Is Ac- cepted. VIII Invite Them to Dis- euss the Availa bility of Gov.
 Johnson and kr. Bryan
IT JOINT DISCUSSION

Birmingham, May 10.--(Special)-- Hon. A. c. Smith, Chairman of the Alabama Johnson Campaign Committee today addressed letter to Hon. John w. Tomiinson. president of the Ala bama Bryan Club challenging MT. Tomlinson and J. Asa Rountree, Secre- tary of the Club, to joint discussion of the availability of MT. Bryan and Governor Johnson. two two Demo- crats representing Governor Johnson.
 In his letter Chairman Smith says that the Johnson Campaign Committee recognizes Mess Tomlinson and Roun~ tree as the two leading supporters of Mir. Bryan in Alabama. He says that the Johnson Campaign Committee has been informed that Mess. Tomlinson and Rountree were selected by MT. Bryan to choose the personnel of the Alabama delegation to Denver.
 The letter of Chairman Smith Is as follows:
 Hon. John W. Tomlinson. President of
 the Alabama Bryan Club:
 Dear Sir-Numbers of Democrats in this State with unbroken records for party loyalty. desirous that there should be a full discussion of the ques- ton underlying the contest between Governor John A. Johnson. of Mtnne- sota, and Mir. Bryan for the Demo- cratic nomination for President. have expressed the wish that there should be arranged a series of joint debates between yourself and Mir. J. Asa Roun- tree, representing Mir. Bryan, and two Democrats. espousing the cause Of Governor Johnson. to be held during the coming week upon the question of the respective availability of Governor Johnson and MT. Bryan for the Dem- ocratic nomination. We recognize you and Mir. Rountree as the acknowledged leaders of the Bryan forces in Ala bama. and moreover. as you and Mir. Rounoxee are candidates for delegate from the State at large and elector respectively in the interests of Mir. Bryan. we feel assured that you are de- sirous of discussing this paramount question upon the decision of which, in our opinion, the victory of our party in November is dependent.
 We are pleased to note that you bavas expressed satisfaction at the fact that Governor Johnson's name has been presented to the voters of the State in order. as 1t Is reported, that it may be shown to the Democracy of inc nation. that the party in Alabama considers Mfr. Bryan, the most avail able candidate, notwithstanding his two previous defeats.
 We take it for granted that you are willing to meet us in friendly discus sion as N1 his ability 10 win' 1T given a third Domination and an early ac- ceptance of this invitation by yourself and MT. Rountree, or either, will be Appreciated, as 1t Is highly desirous that the meetings should be thorough ly advertised. A series of friendly meetings of this nature VIII De or great benefit to the party In stirring up that activity in our ranks which is indispensable to success.
 Awaiting your reply, l am, with high regard for yourself and Mir. Rountree,
 A. G. Smith, Chairman of the Johnson Campaign
 Committee.
 'It will be a whirl-wind finish
 This Is the way Forney Johnston. who Is taking a deep interest in the cam paign being made in AIaoarhs ln tle interest of Governor Johnson or Minne- sota. when asked as to the closing
 Not less than thirty-five speakers have been secured and others are promised in the next day or two" he continued.
 a showing will be made Tn the primary on the 18th inst. Mayor-elect Lawler and MT. Kane of St. Paul. Minn., two very prominent Democrats and good sneakers, will be here Tuesday, and will take up the work and assisting the cause. Telegrams are being received from all parts of the country urging us on."
 Every clerk in the headquarters es- tablished in Florence hotel will be urged to activity during the week and the mails will be flooded. Every weekly paper in the state may carry something of the candidacy of Cover nor Johnson before next Saturday. A G. Smith and his lieutenants are work ing hard and no time is being lost in the cause.