The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-07
Speech For Johnson.

P E. Stromme of Minnesota delivered an address at Rebie hall this afternoon in the interest of Gov. John A. Johnson of Minnesota, who has just announced as a candidate for the presidency or the United States.
 MT. Stromme arrived in the city about 12 o'clock and the meeting was called to order about 12;30 MT. Stromme was in- troduced by John H. Williamson. In prefacing his remarks, he stated that he was aware of the fact that Governor Johnson was not so wen known in this part of the country, but he stated never theless that he had been sent down here because he did know something about the man who has done so much for the state of Minnesota He stated that as a mat ter of fact Governor Johnson was not an old politician far as the literal meaning of the word went, but on the other hand he was good one. Governor Johnson has served two terms as gov ernor of Minnesota and prior to that time he served as state senator.
 MT Stromme stated that Governor John son had been elected to the office which he now holds the first time even after every effort had been made by the repub- licans to defeat him. and he was the only democrat that did go into office. The first time he defeated his opponent by 5000 votes and the second time he went into office with a majority of 75,000 votes.
 He stated that some of the papers had seen fit to attack Governor John- son about his nationality and some pa- pers had gone so far as to say that he had no right to aspire to such a high office as the presidency, simply because he happened to be of foreign eXtrac- tion
 MT. Stromme stated that Governor Johnson was born in. the state of Min nesota and he came of Swedish parent age. He stated that remarks had also been made regarding his lowly birth. He said this was right, Governor John sons father filled a drunkard's grave and he was buried by charity. In re- ferring to the fact that some people had stated that Governor Johnsons mother was a washerwoman. Mr. Stromme stated that it was an abso- lute fact and he also stated that she washed well and she also helped to take care of the little family. How l ever he did not believe that such things 1 as these sh ould be held against a man ! and he further stated that according ! to his belief it only went to show that { Governor Johnson had proven himself ! a mighty big man.
 He said any man that could rise above circumstances such as sur ! manhood and climb to the office he now occupied, evidently had the right kind | of stuff in him and he did not be- lieve that any fair minded person would for a single minute hesitate to help man of this sort to any office to which he aspred. MT. Stromme re mark ed that as far as he was con. cerned he did not believe there was bigger or better man in the countr! than w. J. Bryan, but he said he dis not believe that he could win, and fol that reason the Johnson supporter! 1 were desirous of putting up a mar whom they believed could carry tn, democratic party to victory
 His remarks were listened to yer, attentively but the general sentimen in the city seems to be for Bryan.
 Musical Treat.
 The musical entertainment given at tn
 Elks' hall this evening by Mrs. H. w l O'Neil, Miss Corrie Handey and MT James O. Boone of Birmingham was in deed one of the musical treats of th season.
 The entertainment was given for thu | benefit of Trinity Episcopal church, ant | while the audience was not a large one | it was thoroughly apprecative. l Mrs O'Neil has a soprano voice of wide