The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-24
Turns Backward Somersault
While the Hotel Guests
Cheer Clever Work.
NOT CERTAIN BRYAN
HAS SAFE MAJORITY
Party Needs a Winner, He De-
clares, Platform Being More
Important Than the Man.
Taft's Chances Hurt
by the Force
Bill.
BY n. w. SIMPSON.

| Bill.
BY n. w. SIMPSON.
LID POINT. VA, May 2s.- Tak-
| ing his first salt water plungs
in the hotel swimming pool
\/ this afternoon, Governor John
A. Johnson. OF Minnesota, per-
formed an athletic stunt so truly
remarkable for a forty-seven-year-
old amateur that distinguished
party of Richmond people look
ing on had to cheer without knowing
the Identity OF the tall figure in blue.
He slipped quietly into the place with
1.-THE desire OF avoiding notoriety, the
stock suit fitting him as snusly as his
birthday garb. Before the crowd real
Eized that 1t was to see national
aquatic artist. the Governor mounted
the springboard. Reversing the plan
usually followed by high divers, he
lcried to his companion to chase away.
land then turned a backward son1er-
sauit going high into the air. and hit
| ting the water with the grace and
dignity OF a star.
AS the crowd applauded, the Gov
ernor swan about with long overland
strokes. Delighted with his cleverness.
he challenged his friend to duplicate
| the feat, though the best he could do
was to strike the water flat. Then to
4 show him how easily it could be done
/ the Minnesota executive turned ans
1 lother
Doubts Bryan's Majority. Is
After remaining in the water for
hfteen minutes he came out refreshed
and hungry for a bite. In the hotel
Hobby he discussed political questions
/ bo1 NTH a
spondent of The Times dispatch.
When asked If his name would be
presented to the convention In the
event that two-thirds of the delegates
were pledged or instructed for Bryan,
Governor Johnson declined to give any
pointed answer. though he intimated
that he did not believe the Nebraskan
would have nominating majority.
What the party wants is a win-
liner" he said. with great deal Of en-
! phasis on the last word. "It many
/ Democrats think Mr.. Bryan Is the logi-
cal candidate and winner, then nomt-
|nate MIN; II they think can win and
nominate me. am prepared to put up
the fight of my life for election.
think it party wisdom to send unin-s
structed delegations to national con-
ventions That leaves the delegate
free to discuss all available candidates;
then nominate the best man."
! He was asked directly about the re-
| port that Senator Daniel would nomi-
nate him In Denver.
TT is indeed gratifying to know
4 that Senator Daniel is friendly toward
me-" he replied. but no selection has
been made. don't know who will do
me the honor OF placing my name be-
| fore the convention"
Il a H1.-
| passed the Crumpacker bill he was
not surprised. Should it pass the SEN
ate and receive the signature OF the
| President" he remarked. "it will un.
doubtedly mean the defeat OF Secretary
/ Taft in the Chicago convention." Then
| he Went on to talk about his trip down
the James and the duty OF the govern
ment to make liberal appropriations to
! deepen the channel. What impressed
/ him most, however. was five min
utes' glimpse OF Shirley" adding that
hereafter he could appreciate Virginia
history more keenly.
Many Notables Saw Him.
Nearly one hundred visitors fror,
Richmond happened in here to-day.
They came in three special cars. tho
guest OF President William H. White.
of the Richmond, fredericksburg and
/
Johnson was splashing the water Mr.,
White. President George w. Stevens.
OF the Chesapeake and Ohio; Judge
Waddlll. District Attorney Lewis. Lieu
tenant-Governor Ellyson and others
strolled on the swimming pool plat.
form. -.
They watched him. but when he
found that he was the object OF more
curiosity than friendly interest he
modestly retired. Later he chatted
with Governor Ellyson, though he did
not take part in the luncheon festiv-
tiles.
That's the first time ever got into
salt water" said the Governor. "Ie
shows that have been sticking pretty
close to the Great Lakes. wanted to
take longer swim, but lacked the
opportunity
This morning he went to Phoehus
mobile. first spending some time around
the fortifications, witnessing guard
mount, Nobody knew him. He called
the turns with the precision OF q
trained military officer. Indeed, there
are not many things with which he Is
not familiar.
This afternoon he chartered boat
Tuscaloosa to deliver the commences
ment address before the students OF
the Alabama University, Just the other
day Alabama Democrats showed In
their primary that Mr.. Bryan was their
choice over Governor Johnson, all
though the latter Is going among
them, as stranger expressed It here,
TO convince them of their mistake. HIS
address will be nonpolitical. the sub
ject being landmarks OF American
Liberty"
Blll VIII Beat TAFT.
.The Crumpacker bill" said the Cow
|ernor, seems TO be an attempt to res
lvive the old Force Bill. which so bit-
lterly intensified the feeling batween
Northern Republicans and Southern
democrats. minded Republicans.
as we'll as practically all Democrats In $
I the North condemn any such effort.
which appears on Its face to hayS
been put on as a rider to divert Az
ttlen from the bin to require political
parties 10 mako public the names oe
stheir big campaign contrihutors,t4 90