Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-14
FORMER LEGISLATOR
ASCRlBES POVERTY
TO REFUSING BRIBE
HIS VOTE WAS DECISIVE IN
DEFEATING PEABODY
Declined Offer of $4,000 Cash, and
Says RE Has Been BIackIisted
by Railroad Companies
Ever Since

In romance the hero who refuses a
$4,000 bride and does what he thinks
is right always wins in the end, but
William Beaumont Johnson, sick and
cared for by his devoted wife out of her
small earnings, lies at the Casa Palma
mouse, 534 Wall street, and knows that
his refusal of princely bride was but
the beginning of misfortune which has
logged him ever since.
Mr.. Johnson, however, says he would
rather be poor and honest, and has
shown his sincerity by refusing, while
"a member of the Colorado legislature,
a bride of $4,000.
A visit to his room bv a Herald re-
porter revealed the fact that he is
very i'll and in destitute circumstances.
He is suffering from a complication of
kidney and rheumatic troubles, and is
practically confined to his bed. His
wife works at anything she can get.
In his own words the history of Mr..
Johnson is as follows: "My political
career began in Chicago, where I was
alderman in 1889-90-91 and '92. I saw
enough of politics while in Chicago to
satisfy me that / wanted no more of it.
but when 1 removed to Denver, Colo.
was practically forced to renew it
again. In 1904 was made a, member of
the legislature, and there had a chance
to show my colors and vote according
to my convictions in a three-cornered
fight for governor. 1t was a fight to
the finish, during which I refused sew
enteen 1000-dollar notes offered me as a
bride to vote for Peabody, as my vote
would give the decision in his favor.
I said then and there that I preferred
to be poor man, and I absolutely re-
fused the offer-and it was a tempting
sight to see those seventeen 100O-dollar
bills ready for me if I would but say
the word. But my vote virtually dc
c1ded the election, and Peabody was re-
feated.
'"Then my trouble began. I had been
a railroad man, holding good positions,
but was spotted by the railroad Off
Gals for my refusal to vote for Peabody
the railroads were in favor Of him
my movements were continually
watched, and 1 have been snubbed at
every turn since that time.
Il have had good credentials ready
with me, but they have served me no
good purpose with the fact laid up
against me that I didn't vote for their
man.
IT came to Los Angeles. about two
years ago and was turned down by the
railroads, as previously. I sought an
other line of business and soon became
interested in an apartment house in
Los Angeles. While engaged in this
business l was married to my present
wife, my first wife having died in Chi
cago.
ga change placed me in the position
of gardener for G. p. Hurditch at Hol-
lyw'oOd, who represents the Information
al Vineyard company, and is now in
London in the interests of the compa-
ny. Mr.. Hurditch sold his place in
Hollywood last September, and it was
planned for my wife and me to go to
Fresno, where I was to take charge of
his interests there. But while we were
getting ready to move I was taken very
i'll and have been practically confined
to, my room since that time.
'My weight, which is usually 215
pounds, is now reduced to 148 pounds.
I am the sixth Of nineteen children,
and twelve of them are alive, averag-
ing 200 pounds apiece. Our aggregate
weight would mean more than a tom
Mrs. Johnson is at present engaged in
hotel, working at night and sleeping
during the day. Aside from this. she
cares for her husband out of her mea-
ger wages. Mr.. and Mrs johnson have
been too proud to let their condition
become known among their friends,
who would doubtless have come to their
assistance. 1t is now hoped that some
friend may find a more suitable posi-
ton for the faithful wife. where she
can care better for her husband