The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-04-14

have curious fashion of sticking to tradi-
tional parties. The democratic and repub.
llcan organizations are not likely to be
swept out OF existence in a hurry.
OPEN REFORM.
A GLANCE AT EXISTING EvILs-sRcREcY AND
SCHEMING-THE REAL REMEDY.
To the Editor of the Sentinel:
SIR:-Never, probably, in the history OF
the country, has the public mind been in
such an unsettled, added condition as at the
present. The press-the independent portion |
OF lt-has been for two years past exposing
fraud after fraud, rings within rings, financial
jobberies, official EN- mbezzlements-exhibit |
a most astounding condition OF rottenness,
involving citizens of high and low degree,
the honored in collusion with the dishonored,
all working together in robbing by ingenious
and fashionable devices those whom they
are wont to patronizingly designate
as the dear people," This work
of exposure has been well DONE because
1t has been found profitable, and late devel-
opments suggest the inquiry whether it is
not becoming studied policy with some
gentlemen OF the third estate to quietly
countenance frauds In their inception for the
purpose of creating sensation" by-and- by
in the exposure of them. As it is always far
easier to criticise and decry a wrong than to
suggest an efficient remedy, and as the mud
died mind is most impressible to sensational
effects-thereby enhancing publishers prof
its-but little has as yet been done toward
curing the dire disease, and cleansing the
political System. Ulcers have been probed and
have discharged profusely of their vile cor
ruption until the sight of it has become
most disgusting. 1t is quite time that these
gaping wounds should be cleaned and
closed, and the body polite be subjected to
a severe course of constitutional remedies.
But let us first diagnose the disease, that we
necessarily endangering the patients life.
Human judgment is not infallible, but
venture the suggestion that one of the pri-
mary troubles IS
TOO MUCH SECRECY.
1st. We examine the primary caucuses
and find them manipulated by few schemers
who have quietly and secretly laid the wires,
and set the triggers, just little in advance
of the meeting. I'd. We have the nomina-
ting conventions OF the various grades
county, district, state and national, all in
their order, engineered by leaders OF more or
less ability whose plans are developed in
secret. The whole system is one of bargain
and sale. Influence and money are pitted
against other influence and mOneV.
the shrewdest het d and the long
est purse are winners in the game.
AH this is pursuant TO definite policy;
certain ends are to be compassed and it is
becoming to be pretty we'll understood that
the public interest is not always consulted,
indeed is often the least consideration. 3.
| Officers elected under the system we have
suggested will bear watching, aye, it is im-
perative that they must be watched, lest their
conscientious scruples shall give way to
supplementary Inducements" This neces-
| sity develops an active lobby, where a large
share of our legislation is coDcocted, where
\ bills are prepared in secret, ambig-
| uously phrased in the technical lam
| nt hn lau
sage by plant tools in the public body.
From this source emanates the legislation
which is proving so disastrous. Under
such conditions the schemes of unscrupu-
| lous railway managers and public plunder-
! ers may be and are especially favored. Hon.
est men, if perchance one can pass to his
legislative seat through such devices, and
| dangerous ways become unconsciously i'm
| plicated by the shrewd management of pro-
fessional wire pullers, and are then forced to
silence. The press, loyal to the party in
power, is subsidized to silence, while the op-
position press dare not speak too plainly lest
there may be retaliation. When it shall
have come, then turn to enjoy the feast of
fat things. Does not the observation and ex-
perience of every intelligent voter Justify he
showing have made? And if so, does not
common sense clearly dictate the remedy to
be first applied7 Thesecrecy of the primary
caucus must be abolished. So long as it is
tolerated and offers facilities for abuse it will
| be abused. LEAD us not into temptation"
may well be the prayer of honest men. No
1 integrity is SO sound as that which can not
| be exposed to temptation. When the
primary meetings shall be attended
1 by all the voters, when sufficient time shall
| be taken for the discussion of all the issues
4 involved; when the prearranged program
4 shall be regarded with suspicion and dis
1 that il is just here that his influence is most
potent and shall comprehend the full meas
ure of his responsibility, then may we hope
4 for and have reform-a genuine, unadulte-
rated article
But we are not likely to reach the goal
any sooner Through the agency of secret So
iccieties. The
4 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY,
the sovereigns of industry, the advocates OF
justice and independent grangers with their
ielaims of super -benevolence and educational
advantages, fai atly shadowIng the MONEY!
making and political, purposes of all these
organizations will only serve the ends ol
their originsteus, by dining their pockets
with the farmers hard earned greenbacks
and elevating, fer a brief season, men of in
ferior ability TO positions which they are not
competent 10 in, and will finally dissolve
into thinair, leaving a disgusted constituency
w0noenDg how they were so easily gulled
Real reform can only come through the
fullest exercise OF free speech and full dis.
elssion. Association, open and above board
is especially desirable. Just and liberal
opinions can oaly be formed after consulta-
| tfon with another, and the most careful de-
liberation. The relations of Eociety. whether
social. political or commercial can only be
remo&eled by the mutual and kindly coop
Grafton of all parties in interest. The stir.
ring upof partisan strife as between kin.
dred Industries, the encouragement OF class
spirit is to be deplored assd shogld be heart
lily discosatenan ced. The press has an i'm.
portaut work to perform in exposing the
wrong anG advocating the right. When it
shall have eomprehended that there is more
profit as well as honor IN serving fhe inter.
ests of the people rather than of the party, a
long step will have been taken in advance,
and, Us final resalt, free government may
become fact rather than delusion.
CHARLES w. GREENE.
IEryANAPoLIs. March 23d, 1874.