The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-11-24

The Sentinel has already thrown forward
its opinions on some of the principles that
ought to govern the democracy of Indiana
in the choice of a Senator and wishes to urge
an additional consideration on the impor-
tant subject this morning. Even men who
differ with this paper in requiring adher-
ence to the platform of 1874 must
acknewlege that mere loyalty to that plat
form is by no means of itself a quslifics-
ton Tor the senatorship. 1t may be like the
age of a horse running for the Derby, an es-
sentisl for entry but no one can claim that
it can be OF any avail in winning the race.
other qualities, such as speed, endurance,
good blood and good management must do
that.
The democracy, in choosing a senator,
should consider his record, bis opinions, his
reputation, and, above all. his real charac-
ter. They are not seeking for a man who is
to assume, like Senator Morton, the position
of a party autocrat in the state, but
they are looking for some one
whom they are about to intrust
to a great extent with the responsibilities of
a leader, and above all things they should
take into account the candidates fitness for
leadership. They want a man without Nor
toms ambition, but with strength of mind
sufficient to counteract Morton's influence.
They do not require brillisncy so much as
steadiness of character. They should have
some one as trustworthy as the north star,
not a man who may veer round to any side
of a question, through desire for popularity
or to oblige a personal friend.
1t is we'll to insist on spotless
purity Unofficial life, or past consistency in
politics, or a record which the party press
may use for purposes of attack instead of
being perpetualIy pushed to defend it-but
the essential qualifications are stead
~fastness and trustworthiness. The very
word Senator conveys an idea of
dignity and solidity. The fine old Roman
story of the venerable men who sat amid
the ruins of the city, in such majestic calm
ness, that the invaders paused in reverence
before them, has left a sweet SAVIOR even
about our modern senatorship.
The Sentinel is not alone in its opinion
on this subject. The question of choosing
a senator for Wisconsin is now under con-
sideration among the republicans of that
state, and in discussing the claims of Matt
Carpenter, who is the most prominent candi-
date, a Milwaukee journal makes the fol-
lowing clear and striking statement of the
rules which should govern in the selection
of a senator. Written without any view to
an application among the democracy Of In
diana, it should come with the full force of
all impartial judgments. Our contemporary
says of the qualifications for the senator
ship:
1t should be asked:
Not:
Is 4 he he } fnssn Sno aana ~free-handedq
Is he glib on his feet?
is he "devilish smart?"
Is he genious in making ''the worse appear the
better reason?"
But:
Is he earnest and steadfast?
Is he an economical and conscientious custo-
dian of The public interests?
Is he profound and statesmanlike and dill
gent in his study of great questions?
Does he possess a nigh standard of public duty
and the bravery to live and act up to 1t?
If Mr.. Carpenter can stand these latter tests,
then, perhaps, he above any other ought TO go
back to the United states senate. If he cannot,
then surely there are In Wisconsin,, among the
men WHO are cSmPeeentiy ana am IL noIofaDry
or among lawyers who are more quietly
devoting themselves to their profession
and conscien tiously and efficiently discharging
the trusts which it imposes, many men who
would reflect upon this commonwealth more
honor if less notoriety than the gentleman who
is playing so bold a game TO secure his re-elec-
tiCn to that place.
Z This sound and wholesome piece of
political doctrine nothing further need now
be ADDED.