Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-28
JOHNSON rs WILLING
MINNESOTAN READY TO BE
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY

ST. PAUL Mimi, March 2s.-Gov. John
A Johnson of Minnesota yesterday after
noon made a specific declaration that.
while he has done nothing and will do
nothing toward procuring for himself the
democratic nomination for President, he
will not refuse the honor If 1t is rendered
him. The governor made this statement
in letter to Swan ]. Turnblad. publisher
of the Minneapolis SwedishAmerican
Post. who had asked for declaration on
the subject. The governors letter follows:
ST. PAUL. Mimi. March q. 1908
Mr.. Swan ]. Turnblad. Minneapolis. Mimi
My Dear Mr.. Turnblad-Your letter of
March %, in which you state that you
have been subjected to many inquiries as
to my plans in connection with the demo-
cratic nomination for President. / have
for acknowledgment. In reply thereto let
me say:
I do not believe that any American
citizen should be an active. open candi-
date for the nomination to the presidency.
ANY American would appreciate the high
honor which could come to him in being
selected as Standard-be bearer of his party.
While | recognize that the press has had
much to say about me in connection with
this high Office, l have hitherto avoided
any public or private expression regarding
my position.
Would Make Him Happy.
Matters have progressed so far. how
ever. that it seems to me that l should
at least say in answer to your interroga-
ton that If the democratic party of the
nation believed me to be more available
than any other man and felt that by my
nomination I could contribute any service
TO the party and to the nation l should
be happy to be the recipient of the honor
which it would thus confer.
am not unmindful, either. of the high
honor which has been paid me by the peo-
pie of Minnesota; and if the democratic
party of the state desires to present my
name to the next national convention l
am sure l would have no objection But
even If Minnesota were the only state to
declare for me at that time. l should
still feel that the distinction was one of
the greatest which could come to me.
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.
If, however. those who have the welfare
of the country and the democratic party
at heart should feel that l am necessary
in this year of grace. certainly shall
respond to any call which may be made
upon me.
Not to Be Used.
In this connection | desire ii under
stood that in no sense am l to be can
didate for the purpose of defeating Mr..
Bryan nor 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 democratic party should
see fit to nominate Mr. Bryan or any one
else the action would meet with my ap-
DrOyal. and the nominee certainly would
have my unqualified support. as l should
expect his support if conditions were re-
versed.
l have written you fully that you may
thoroughly understand the situation. In
order that there may be no doubt. l
would say. in answer to your question.
that if a nomination came to me l GER
tainly would not refuse ii.
Very truly yours.
JOHN A JOHNSON.