The sun., 1908-03-28
JOHNSON is WILLING TO RUN
SAYS NO MAN SHOULD ACTIVELY
SEEK THE NOMINATION,
But That II the Democratic Party Thinks
Him More Available or Better Fitted
for the Presidency Than Others He
VIII Put No Opposition In the Way.

Him More Available or Better Fitted
for the Presidency Than Others He
viii Put No Opposition In the Way,
ST. PAUL, Mimi. March 27.--Gov. John A,
johnson gave notice to-day Of his willing
ness to stand htohed' while Democrats
boom him for the Presidential nomination.
The notice Is given in letter to Swan j.
Turnblad, editor Of Swedish paper here,
Mr.. Turnblad, who is an influential Swed-
ish American and life long friend Of the
Governor, Is one Of the chief johnson boom
ers He wrote the Governor some days
ago asking that his views be put in writing
for a public perusal To-day he received
the following reply;
"MY DEAR Mr.. TUREBLAD: Your letter
Of the 2Sd Of March, in which you state that
you have been subjected 10 many inquiries
as to my plans in connection with the Demo-
cratic nomination for President have
for acknowledgment
"In reply thereto let me say that do not
believe that any American citizen should
he an active, open candidate for the nomi-
nation TO the Presidency,
ANY American would appreciate the
high honor which could come to him in
being selected as standard bearer Of his
party.
while | recognize that the press has
much to say about me, in connection with
this high Office have hitherto avoided any
public or private expression regarding my
position.
Matters have progressed so far, however,
that it seems to me that should at least
say in answer to your interrogation that
il the Democratic party Of the nation be-
leved me to be more available than any
other man and felt that by my nomination
| could contribute any service to the party
and to the nation, should be happy to
be the recipient Of the honor which it would
thus confer.
Il am not unmindful. either, OF the high
honor which has been paid me by the people
Of Minnesota and il the Democratic party
Of the State desires to put my name to the
ueXt national convention am sure | would
have no objection; but even II Minnesota
we're the only State to declare for me at that
time, should still feel that the distinction
was one Of the greatest which could come
to me.
Il have done nothing and will do nothing
in the way Of organization to bring about
this end, and shall not he a candidate in
the sense of seeking the nomination.
"If however, those who have the vel
faro Of the country and the Democratic
party at heart should feel that am neces-
sary in this year Of grace certainly shall
respond to any call which may be made
upon me.
SIN this connection desire il understood
that In no sense AM TO be a candidate
for the purpose Of defeating Mr.. Bryan
or any other man; that the only consider
alton which would induce me to allow
the use OF my name would be the feeling
that might be necessary to the cause,
If the Democratic party should see fit
to nominate Mr.. Bryan or any one else the
action would meet with my approval and
the nominee certainly would have my un-
qualified support, as | should expect his
support IL conditions we're reversed.
Il have written you fully, that you may
thoroughly understand the situation. In
order that there may be no doubt I would
say in answer TO your question that il the
nomination came to me certainly should
not refuse It. Very truly yours.
JOIN A. JOHNSON
In the meantime the johnson campaign
for the Minnesota delegation to the Demo-
cratic national convention Is going on and
the friends OF the Governor nope 10 get at
least share OF the delegates. The Bryan
leaders say that anything short Of a full
delegation would be black eye for John
son and that he would not dare TO take a
divided delegation TO the national con-
vention
The johnson men reply to this that Grover
Cleveland did not have his State behind
him in 1892 and that he was nominated de-
spite the radicals. They make no secret Of
the fact that the same forces that brought
about the nomination Of Grover Cleveland
are solidly arayed in favor Of Johnson's
nomination, and say this influence will be
as patent in 1908 as II was in 1892.