Omaha daily bee., 1909-09-22
GOVERNOR JOHNSON IS DEAD
Minnesota's Chief Executive Expires
Early Tuesday Morning.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR FUNERAL
Prominent Figure in weatern Poll
tics and Regarded by Many as
a Probable Presidential
Candidate,

ROCHESTER,, MINI, Sept 2-Governor
John A. Johnson, three times elected
governor of Minnesota, a candidate for
the democratic nomination for president of
the United States in 1908, and looked upon
by many throughout the country as the
probable national standard bearer in 1912,
died at St Mary's hospital here at 1925
o'clock this morning, following an opera
tion last Wednesday.
After battling against death for almost a
week the governors life had a peaceful
ending. Grouped about his bedside when
the end came were Mrs. johnson, Miss
Sullivan, her personal friend; the attending
physicians and two nurses.
The last thing Governor johnson did be-
fore lapsing into unconsciousness one and
half hours before his death, was to take
his wifes hand and weakly whisper: We'll,
Nora, I made a good fight but 1 guess
I've got to co. Then as the last CLEAN Of
intelligence began 70 flicker ne pressed her
hand gently to his cheek in a parting
caress.
Mayor Thompson then issued a proclama-
ton declaring the town to be in a state of
public mourning and flags were flying at
half mast from the city buildings, school
houses and many private buildings
Bdy Taken to st. Paul.
ST PAUL, MINI, Sept. 21.-One of the
most remarkable tributes ever paid to the
memory of a public man in Minnesota was
accorded the late Governor Johnson to-day
From the hour that the governors death
was first publicly announced by the tolling
of school bell in Rochester, all usual
public activity was abandoned. All banks
stores and offices were closed and the
buildings draaped In black and purple
crepe.
Governor Johnson's body was escorted to
the special Chicago, Great Western train
by a throng OF citizens from every walk
of life. On the train were Mrs Johnson,
a few of her personal friends. state Off
GERS and friends Of the late Governor. As
the cortege passed down the street leading
to the station. the escort lined upon on
either side with barred heads and the hun
dreds of people around the depot showed
q like respect. Mayor Thompson had pro-
claimed 1t a day of public mourning. The
mayor and councilmen acted as pail
bearers,
All the way along the route to st. Paul
flags were at half-mast and the buildings
draped with crepe. At Zombrota the entire
population Of the town appeared to be at
the station A touching feature was the
appearance of a large number of school
children lined up along the platform, each
provided with the national colors, which
were pointed downward. Similar receptions
were accorded the special train at other
points along the route
Arrangements for Funeral.
Upon its arrival in st. Paul the train was
met by detachments Of oil the local com
panies of the National Guard and an escort
of police. In spite Of a heavy downpour
of rain, a multitude of people swarmed
around the train and the procession to the
state capitol, with the militia acting as
escort was witnessed by thousands Of
people.
Upon arrival at the capitol the body was
placed In the rotunda, where II will lie in
state until tomorrow afternoon. -Four COM
missioned officers Of the National Guard.
four sergeants, four corporals and four