The Western Democrat

A BUSINESS MAN FOR GOVERNOR.

One item we omitted in our notice of the Charlotte & S. C. Railroad last week, showing the importance of having business men, and not politicians, to fill important stations.—Mr. Johnston was not the first President of this road, but a gentleman was selected in South Carolina, he was not a business man, the road was badly managed for the stockholders, and the consequence was the stock depreciated largely, and at one period the whole road could have been purchased with six hundred thousand dollars. At this juncture Wm. Johnston was made President of the road, he went to work with his accustomed energy, and in a short while the stock went up to par, and at this time it will sell for a premium. The road could not be purchased to-day with sixteen hundred thousand dollars—having advanced under Mr. Johnston's management, one million of dollars!

We submit it to the people of North Carolina to say, if Mr. Johnston would not make just such a Governor as the State with her extensive Rail Road interests, demands at this time? It certainly would. If our Railroads and Public Works are not managed much better in the future than they have been in the past, the people who pay taxes will be ruined!

One word more in reply to the Standard, upon the subject of this Railroad—Mr. Johnston does not keep his office in Columbia, but he keeps his office in Charlotte, where he has kept it for many years. Why the Standard made this frivolous charge, we leave the reader to judge.

Wm. Johnston was a farmer's son and he was inducted in that honorable vocation while he was a boy. He has won success and distinction by his energy, fidelity and administrative abilities displayed in all the positions which he has filled.
—Statesville Express.