The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1916-09-22

II
men of that body. With each sue
ceeding session he has carried great
er responsibilities land in the last
session he not only held important
places ON committees, but to him
was assigned the duty OF examining
all bills to see that they were SO
worded that they would convey the
meaning intended by their authors
and yet conform to the legal require
ments to make them stand the test
Of attacks in the courts. In this work
Mr.. Johnston's task was very heavy,
and he performed such service to the
state as few men in Idaho could do.
In the long fights for prohibition
in this state, Mr.. Johnston always
stood solidly for closer restrictions
until the present climax was reached
In extending the powers of the execu-
tive and the judiciary. He has al
ways kept his word inviolate, and
has always been respected accord
ingly His enemies have persistently
circulated reports that he was ad-
dicted to strong drink, and that he
was frequently under the influence
of liquor when making speeches for
temperance or prohibition. Whether
or not any of these charges are true,
we are unable to say, but whenever
the writer has dropped in at the |
lower house during his visits to Boise |
in legislative sessions, he has OBJ
served that Mr.. Johnston was at his |
post taking an active part in dis
cussions and maneuvers, and IL he
was under the influence of liquor it
was always demonstration of ability
and a refutation of the theory that
liquor dulls a mans sensibilities,
During the civil war and soon after
the battle of Shiloh, committee
waited on President Lincoln and
charged that Grant was habitually
drinking, and they wanted him re-
moved from his command. Lincoln is
said to have heard their plea and
then enquired what brand of whisky
Grant drank, and added that he want
ed to supply that kind for the whole
army, hoping they would all fight
as Grant had fought. .. I'D
1t is said of Justice Morgan, of
the supreme bench of Idaho, and
formerly minority leader in the house
of representatives against Mr.. Johns
ton as majority leader, that some
body remarked in Morgan's presence,
that Mr.. Johnston was half hot (half
drunk) most of the time during the
sessions. and Morgan instantly re-
piled, IF that had only been true
might have made some Roadway
against him. Il
With all of Mr. Johnston's ability,
with all of his faithful service to
The state, with all of his toll and
standing firm for his convictions as
% right and wrong and carrying out
lis pledges and meeting his respon-
'ibilities to his home county with E
devotion, with his fine in '
light into futures, we feel that we :
must in justice to our readers and s
heir desire for the simple and exact :
ruth as to candidates, make an hum 7
lie explanation and acknowledgment !
# the weakness that was apparent
n his official career, With the facts
o far as we know them, placed be-
ore our readers in fair and candid Il
tatement, we shall leave it to them v
o decide If they can, just how and {
there to draw the line in delivering t
heir vote of approval or administer g
1g their reproof at the polls. d
The further discussion of Mr.. g
omissions record will be found in
lbseuuent issues of this DaDer