Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1908-03-28
JOHNSON IS WILLING
Governor of Minnesota Writes Letter
to Swedish-American Post.
IN THE HANDS OF PARTY
Will Accept Nomination If He is
Regarded as Available.
WILL RESPOND TO ANY CALL
Considers Endorsement Of His Own
State a Great Honor.
WILL SUPPORT THE NOMINEE
Would Expect All other Party
Leaders 10 DO the Same should
lie He selected 60 Bear
the Standard.
WILL SUPPORT THE NOMINEE

ST. PAUL March 27.-At the suggestion
OF Mr.. Ed A. Stevens secretary of the
democratic state committee, letter was
writton to Governor johnson by Mr.. Swan
J. Turnhlad publisher Of the Swedish
American Post OF Mnneapolls, on March
% asking him TO state his position In re-
gard 10 the nomination for the presidency.
Today Mr.. Turnblad received Governor
Johnson's reply. II follows:
''sT. PAUL, March 27.--Mr. Swan j. Turn
blad. Minneapolis: My Dear Mr.. Turnblad-
Your letter of the I'D inst, In which you
state that you have been subjected to many
inquiries as TO my plans and status In con-
nection with the democratic nomination for
president, I have for Acknowledgement.
'In reply thereto let me say that I do
not believe that any American citizen
should be an active, open candidate for
the nomination 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 posi-
tion Matters have progressed so far how
ever. that II seems to me that / should
at least say. i'm answer to your interroga-
ton that II the democratic party of the
nation believes me to be more available
than any other man, and feels that by my
nomination l could contribute any service
to the party and 20 tho nation l should be
happy to be the recipient of the honor
which Il would thus confer. / am not un-
mindful, either. OF the honor which has
been paid me by the people of Minnesota
and II the democratic party of the state
desires to present my name to the next ma
tional convention ! am sure l would have
no objection, but even If Minnesota were
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 be a candidate in
The sense OF seeking the nomination.
III however, those who have the well
fare Of the country and the democratic
PARTY at heart should feel that am
necessary in this year of grace, 1 GER
tainIy shall respond to any call which
shall be made upon me. In this connec-
tion / desire It understood that in nc
sense am / to be a candidate for the pur-
pose Of defeating Mr.. Bryan or any other
man; that the only consideration which
would induce me TO allow the use of my
name would be the feeling that l might
be necessary to the cause If the demo
cratic party should see fit to nominate
Mr.. Bryan or anyone else the action
would meet with my approval and the
nomiree certainly would have my un-
qualified support as / should expect his
support If conditions were reversed.
II have written you fully. that you may
thoroughly understand the situation. In
order that there may be no doubt, would
say IN answer to your question that II
a nomination came to me 1 certainly
should not refuse 1t. Very truly yours
JOHN A. JOHNSON