The Washington herald., 1908-05-18

Opinion is widespread among Demo-
cratic politicians in Washington that
Gov. John A. Johnson's visit TO the Capt.
tai last week gave a decided impetus to
his boom for the Presidential nomination.
1t Is predicted that the Minnesota gov
ernoF viii gain more strong friends in the
party when he returns here this week.
He is due to reach ST. Paul to-day. and
will leave there tonight 10 keep speaking
engagements in Virginia and Alabama,
stopping over in Washington on his way
South
The most decided advance made by Gov.
Johnson was in gaining the support Of
the North Carolina Senators. Simmons
and Overman. Neither Of them has an
nounced openly that he is for johnson,
but as result Of Johnson's visit both
have declared that they are in favor OF
sending uninstructed delegations to the
Denver convention.
The significance Of the action OF the
North Carolina Senators lies in the fact
that their State was supposed 10 be
wildly enthusiastic for Bryan, and the
understanding was that Simmons and
OveTman were restrained from declaring
against the peerless leader only by the
knowledge that IL might have an unhappy
effect upon their political futures.
Expect TO Win Alabama.
Alabama is 10 have Democratic pri-
maries tomorrow, and while the state
was regarded as Overwhelmingly for
Bryan up 10 a short tirae ago, the John
that their man will make a splendid
showing, Senator Johnston, Of Alabama,
has come out for Gov. Johnson. and his
stand Is likely to have a marked effect
upon the voters.
Thousands OF copies Of the interview In
which he expressed d preference for John
son over Bryan have been distributed in
Alabama Senator Johnston is an Old-line
Democrat
According TO Senator Johnston. one OF
Gov. Johnson's strong points is his ability
as a mixer.
It was this ability which impressed
everybody who met Johnson during his
visit.
But the Johnson boomers are not alone
IN active work to prevent Bryan from
capturing the nomination. The George
Gray political bureau here gave out
statement last night in which il is said
that Gray headquarters will be opened
to-day in the Commonwealth Hotel in
Harrisburg in preparation for the Demo-
cratic State convention Wednesday. It
is asserted by the Gray boomers that this
convention viii have much 10 do with
deciding the Democratic nomination for
the Presidency.
no formal claims are being made by
Judge GTays friends. but they say that
he will have a majority OF both the
State and district delegates. THE con-
venton, II is declared in the statement
given out last night promises 70 be one
of the most momentous IN Pennsylvania S
recent political history
Lenahan for Chairman.
Congressman John T. Lenahan. OF
Wilkesbarre, one OF George Grays
stanchest supporters, viii probably be
temporary chairman Besides the vir-
tually solid delegation from the coal eoun-
ties, the big Philadelphia delegation and
most Of the delegates from the north
western counties viii vote against any
proposition 70 instruct the national dele
gates.
with Pennsylvania in line for Judge
~ Afr c&R AiA1 AZ tNtt4S EANFIks ne VIII nave
at least IS delegates after Wednesday.
the total being as follows. Pennsylvania,
IS; New Jersey, q; Delaware. s.
"ln addition TO this. he will In all prob
ability have the votes OF Maryland and
other Southern States, as well as a fair
share Of the delegates from New York
and New England. Maryland is being
organized for him by the George Gray
League Of MARYLAND -
The Maryland branch OF the Gray boom
has sent out d circular letter TO thou
sands Of Democrats in the State in which.
after reference 10 the formation OF the
George Gray League Of Maryland. II is
said that the members are not ex-
pected to make any pledge other than
the expression Of their present belief that
the Democratic party needs a man OF the
Gray stamp 10 lead IL 10 victory"