The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-13
JOHNSON LEADERS
 GETTING PLATED Air of Confidence At Bryan
 Headquarters MORE LETTERS WRITTEN Chairman Smith Says He Does Not Know Whom to Address to Ar
 range Debates With
 Bryan Men.
MORE LETTERS WRITTEN

The interview of Senator Johnston given out last night in Washington, coming from Birmingham man at the nations capital, where he is feeling the public pulse in the most advantageous center, gives the followers of Governor Johnson new confidence in victory. The news made smiling faces at headquarters grow broader. Chairman A. G. Smith said in relation to the Senator Johnston inter- view:
 'tOf course we are delighted, but we know that man of Senator Johnstons intelligence and good sense could not think otherwise. We were confident of victory before, now we are absolutely positive. The intelligent voters of Ala oama are working up to the situation and the Johnson wave is gaining momentum ana gaining strength every day. Serenity at Bryan Headquarters. The same contented feeling seemed to reign at Bryan headquarters. Colonel Tomlinson said that good news was com- ing in from every direction. showing that the Johnson move amounts to nothing. He was especially pleased with a letter from Probate Judge J. c. Kumpe of Lawrence county to the effect that his
 
 column.
 He also received a letter from J. N. Granade, who has never before favored Bryan, saying that he expects a large Bryan vote at St. Stephens and vicinity P. A. Floyd of Montgomery wrote that the Bryanites are not all dead in that neck of the woods, asking for some but tons with which to placard the Bryan men. MT Tomlinson feels confident of every point except GadSden Secretary J. Asa Rountree of the State Bryan club was also in a good humor "I have been too busy" he said, planning the campaign, getting out Bryan litera- ture and corresponding with my friends to answer the letter asking me to act as speaker in a joint debate. However, I in- tend to write them letter today, which will be printed in all the state papers Alabama is going for Bryan. I have received numerous letters and telegrams from all quarters which are very encour- aging"
 Joint Debate Planned. Despite the fact that local Bryan men decline to take part in joint debate, it is probable that a big debate will be held in Birmingham Saturday night. The other faction in the Bryan following is going to invade Birmingham, and put in speakers here to combat the Johnson men. Saturday night will see the wind-up of the campaign with rousing meetings in each of the big cities.
 Meantime the public speakings are be- ing held in every quarter of the state. P. O. Stromme spoke Monday night In Gull man to large audience. He reported great enthusiasm. James Davidson, who has been spending several days In the country, declares that prospects for the Johnson candidacy are everywhere good.
 Smith Writes Another Letter.
 A letter of Chairman Smith addressed yesterday adds ginger to the race. Hon. K. B. Brice, Troy. Ala:
 Dear Sir: am in receipt of your let ter of May II, in which wou denomi- nate my offer of joint debates to Hon. John W. Tomlinson and Hon. J. Asa Rountree as singular challenge.''
 l do not understand fully what you mean by singular challenge" I have always thought that in political matters it was proper, if a joint debate was desired, for representative of the candidate desiring to have the de- bate to make known his wishes to the head representative of the other party, and it appeared to be from the resolu- tions passed in the state indorsing Hon. John w. Tomlinson for delegate at-1arge, by the various Bryan clubs, his presidency of such clubs and the  Is receiving for elector- -at-large by the Bryan supporters that these two gen tlemen were at the head of the Bryan forces in Alabama, and I think that they are so recognized, or at least have heretofore been recognized as such leaders, therefore, when I desired to get up a joint discussion 1 addressed my letter to Col. John W. Tomlinson. MT Rountree has not yet answered. Mir. Tomlinson, as you perhaps know by this time, declined to have joint de- bates. This did not seem to please part. at least of his following, and last night I received a telegram from MT. D. M. Galloway, at Selma, request ing a joint debate at Selma. 1 wired him, inviting his speakers to Opelika on Wednesday and Birmingham on Saturday night. Today I wired him that Hon. Sid J. Bowie would divide time with him at Selma. My attention was thus turned from the Hon. John w. Tomlinson, as a leader of the Bry- an forces, to MT. D. M. Galloway at Selma, and I hoped that he would get up speakers and send to Opeika, and to have speakers here next Saturday night.
 It is impossible for me to deal with so many people in this campaign on this subject. If you desire joint de- bate and will take the matter up with MT. Galloway and have him represent the Bryan forces in getting up Joint debates, we will accommodate you as far as possible.
 This letter is an explanation of my telegram tonight as follows:
 "Please communicate with D. M. Cal loway Selma My letter follows" and I now confirm that telegram. Yours truly A. c. SMITH
 Chairman.
 Chambliss Keith has written an open letter to MT. Smith, in which he de- clares his opposition to Johnson, and declares that Bryan should be elected because the air is pregnant with the idea that he can and will be the next