The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-04-07

sense among the people for reform. and
these reforms demanded by the people can
be brought about through the democratic or
ganization. In that fact lies our great hopes
OF success. Two years ago we were greatly
demoralized. There was universal lethargy
Kerr, for congressman at large, was defeated
oy hundred votes or so. ANY, county in
his old district could have saved him; but
the democracy had lost heart. Our whole
state ticket would have been badly sowed
under had not the fact been understood all
over the state that it was a straight demo-
cratic ticket, nominated by a straight demo-
cratic convention-thati 1t was not an ANAL
gamation. Voorhees, lost his district from
the same cause that Kerr did-spathy."
"a new element is infused into political
calculations now. refer to
THE GRANaERs.
What views have you, Judge, on the infiu-
ence they will exert on this campaign?"
"Weli. can hardly express an opinion"
answered Judge Mcdonald. "But see
clearly" he continued, "that the reforms
they demand are mainly those demanded by
the democratic party, and if they intend to
place their votes where they will do most
good. can't see how they can avoid giving
their ballots to US. Moreover, they perceive
that the evils of which they complain, are
| the outgrnwths of the party in power at
Washington. The Grant party have fos-
tered and encouraged most of the very OPP
pressions of which the farmers complain"
And still they come" 1 remarked
credit mobilier! salary grab! Boss Shep-
| herd and his ring of thieves and plunderersi
and Jayne and Sanborn and their customs
robberiss!"
"Yes," answered Judge Mcdonald with
| emphasis, " just look at it, A more awful
state of affairs could hardly be conceived
and one striking right at the root of our Lib.
| critics, for when a national administration
systematically robs the people of their rev.
enues, what holder step to despotsm
could be taken? L refer to the Jsyne-San-
born exposures"
But the grangers are non-partisan."
| remarked.
True, they are non-partisan-or of all
parties. And in this state they are not YET
in shape to represent their wants definitely
Ihey are like che blind giant; strong, vigor.
Gus, elephantine, but with not a clear view
of the situation o. surroundings, and, there
fore, incapacitated as yet from reaping bene.
mt from their strength. They will be COM
PEELED, in order to accomplish any of Their
SPECIFIC purposes or reforms, to go into DO
hucsl psrties-to elect legislators, congress
men and county officers"
What action on the granger question will
the democratic state convention take, dc
you SUPPOSED"
"Of course 1 can only conjecture" replied
MIR. Mcdonald. Continuing, he said: THE
party cannot champion the order Of
patrons of husbandry, especially, but nc
doubt the platform of our convection will be
very acceptable to the grange-s. And as to
the ticket, 1t will in all probability have q
representative of the grangers on it-not
wholly as granger, but as democrat first
This will be done as an act of Justice and .
recognition of the worthy objects of so large
body Of our patriotic fellow-citizens."
las to congressman, judge, you will have
to contend with the disadvantages OF the
late republican