New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-08-09
DEATH Of JOHNSTON
|MPER|LS TARIFF BILL
Leaves Democrats in Senate
with Only One Majority on
the Measure.
GOVERNOR TO ACT AT ONCE
Will Either Call Special Elec'
ton or Summon Alabama
Legislature in Extra
Session.
From The Tribune Bureau J

Washington. Aug. Senator Joseph +.
Johnston. Of Alabama, one of the Confed-
crate war heroes in the upper house, died
a: his apartment a the capital early this
morning # pneumonia. He was seventy
years Of age.
Senator Johnston's death will tempo
rarily reduce the majority of the Demo-
Gratis in the Senate TO such point that
the fate Of the tariff bill will hang on a
single vote
Until Senator Johnstons successor Is
selected the alignment on the tarn Dill
will be as 10 A.. the two louisiana SEN
atcrs being arrayed with the Republicans.
II one other Democrat should oppose 'he
bill Il would be defeated by vote OF -
to a. Democratic leaders are confident
however. that their lines will remain IN
broken.
Senator Johnston was Ill only few
davs. and his death was comparatively
unexpected. Although he had been IN
poor health for some time. he attended
sessions Of the Senate until August l.
Anxiety was felt over his condition. pu'
the last day or two he appeared 10 De
recovering He was not consldered III
imminent danger last night by his phN-
sicians. but gradually weakened AFTER Hi'u-
night and died this morning.
senator Johnston. who was elected SIX
wears ago 10 ill the vacancy caused by
the death Of Senator Pettus. served with
distinction and was wounded several
times during the Civil War. His regular
term expires March 8. 1915. Much OF MS
attention during his term in the Senate
he devoted 10 military affairs and he was
chairman Of the standing committee at
the time of his death. Senator Chamber
lain or Senator Hitchcock may succeed
him in this capacity.
Knox Probable Successor.
IN the absence of his colleague, Senator
Bankhead. his death was announced by
Senator Overman. and the Senate adj
iourned Immediately. The funeral VIII
be private. in accordance with the wishes
Of his family. It was said to-day that
d Governor O'Msal. L anthorized 20 appoint
a successor. will designate John K. hnoN'
If Annistor Representatives Clayton
! Hobson and Hehin are mentioned as pos
sible candidates. It is understood that
! REPRESENTATIVE Underwood prefers 10 re-
/ main in the House.
! The Senate paid tribute to Senator
! Johnston's memory through resolutions
| and an immediate adjournment OF TO-
| days session.
Senator Overman, addressing the Sen
| ate briefly. said he would have asked FOR
a public funeral from the Senate cham
ber hut Senator Johnstons family had
asked that no such action be taken
I 80 1nnninfG6 4
committee to represent the Senate at the
funeral IT. Birmingham.
The House also adopted resolutions pre-
scented by the majority leader, Mr.. IN
derwood. and adjourned out OF respect 70
the Senator's memory.
Montgomery. Ala, Aug. s.-Governor
O,Neal issued the following statement to
night:
Il expect 10 order a special election at
once 10 fill the vacancy in the United
States Senate caused by the death OF Sen
stor Joseph P. Johnston, of Alabama
While this is my present intention. con-
dftions at Washington may make IL neces-
ssry 10 call an extra session OF the Leg
isIature TO fill the vacancy 81 once. / am
not. however. inclined 10 Ihink that an
extra session would be inNe expeditions
than a special election"
Because OF Alabemas election laws II
in feared this election might not result IN
naming a successor before the mai vote
On the tariff bill now pending IN Con-
gress
Attorney General McRsynolds ADVISED
. Governor ONeai by wire tonight tha'
the Governor would be entirely within MS
rights in ordering special election to MI
the vacancy caused by the death Of sena-
Yob