The Indiana State sentinel., 1875-01-26


morning, the legislature OF Indiana met at
noon, and in joint assembly elected Joseph
z. Mcdonald, United States Senator. The
vote taken on Monday gave him seventy
six voices, the exact number requisite to an
election in case all the members Of both
houses. amounting to Representatives. and
senators, were present. Yesterday his vote
was increased to seventy-eight, and, as
there were five sbsentees, his majority was
advanced to five-seventy-three votes being
requisite to a choice. 1t may be said, ia
general way, that the election was remark
ably pure and fair one. Inoeed, it is a rare
thing TO see so important a point honestly
carried by such close vote. For prize so
tempting to personal ambition, there is
generally q desperate struggle, and the
corrupt use Of money is almost
inevitable. During the contest just closed,
however, the independents were in a hope
less minority and tho republicans were not
organized for victory, no prominent caudi-
date fiinging himself into the struggle. The
democracy were strong enough to win liable
to control their strengh. Thus the only
chance for making money out of the election
lay in the attempt to blackmail the
nominees of that party by threatening a
bolt. fortunately the meanness andsdishon-
esty requisite for such an attempt were
confined to one or two members who could
be spared without risk, and Mr.. McDonald.
when approachedip behalf of one of them,
quietly remarked, that If he couldn't go to
the Senate without the corrupt use of money
he was content to stay at home. He would
neither purchase a vote himself nor
allow his friends to purchase one
in his behalf. 1t may be addedth under a
more serious trial than that cauAed by in
dividual dishonesty, Mr.. Mcdonald stood
firm. On Monday night paper was signed
by several well meaning. but enthusias
tic infiationists, propoundinR to Mr.. McDon-
aid, for written answers,several questions
in regard to the financial declarations of the
party platform. To answer in accordance
with his previously expressed opinions,
might cost him some votes: to answer in
accordance with their wishes would simply
stultify himself, and Mr.. Mcdonald calmly
remarked that the caucus which had NOM
mated him had not notified him Of its ac-
WIN VI VI ohy AoobAAShiOho PAoCO0 upoU Min.
He could only refer the inquiring
gentlemen TO his well known utter.
ances and opinions. They have doubtless,
on sober second thought, become aware of
the wisdom OF his course. To yield to their
wishes would have merely shown that he
was man without principles or opinions,
and unfit for the position of Senator. One
incident connected with the election is
worthy of special notice, namely, the at
tempt TO put two prominent democrats in
the field against the party nominee, and
the prompt repudistion Of the measure by
the recognized representatives OF these gen.
tlemeI. The Hon. Jesse II. Reno first
put in nomination William 8. Holman
Mr.. Given, of Dearborn, Immediately with
drew Mr.. Holmsn's name by authority.
Mr.. Reno, nothing daunted. then named as his
candidate the Hon. d. W.Voorhees. Where
upon Mr.. Havens, of Terre Haute, promptly
withdrew Mr.. Voorhees,. The course of Mr..
McDonsld's rivals in thus pledging them
selves Loyalty to his support has been just
and honorable. and the pretentious gentle
men who declared themselves too good to
support the nominee of the caucus may
learn lesson in good discipline from the
leaders OF the party.