The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-02-23
Thomas A. Hendricks.

The current of political opinion indicates
beyond doubt that Thomas A. Hendricks
will be the Democratic candidate for the
presidency. The signs OF the times further
Clearly promise that the Democratic nominee
these conclusions has not been hastily made,
nor dictated by personal prejudice or state
pride. The political situation OF the coun-
try at the present day is such that the move
ments and actions of political parties should
be extremely cautious. The people realize
this and in looking forward to the coming
)liticsl canvass, there appears an impera-
tive necessity that no mistakes shall be
made. The results of the war of the rebel
lion eutailed upon the country new respon-
sibilities and obligations hitherto unknown
to our political history. The party in power
has proven itself incompetent to meet the
exigency. 1t has failed in wisdom and
st Ate smanship. 1t has lacked foresight .rd
dis ,retiop. 1t has eDgendered and fostered
corruption and dishonesty. Born OF passion
aud prejudice, nursed into life amid the
clash of arms, when peace came and ipar-
cisl burdens oppressed, It became powerless
to conserve the true ends of govern
ment, and instead of rstrenchment
and economy to meet the demands of the
hour, plumber and plllsge rAlded the treas
ury, and lawltss hate guided in political
action. There now comes a cris s, a turning
p liut, 10 which the virtue, Intelligence and
true patriotism OF the country is to be t sted.
The times point to a loftler devotion to the in
itutions Of our country, even in the mart yr
spirit of '76, or, on the other hand, to the
succes of Capitalization, the invitation to
the grasping hand of ambition, and the con-
trolling domination of that worst of t. ran
mics, thu money power.
The people regard the situation with solici-
tude aud anxiety. Liberty is really at
stake, property is imperiled and absolute
slavery of the masses threatened. The pros
spect and hope of change alone restraints
from open protest to the ruinous
tendencies produced by the policy of the
Republican party. The people demand a
change. They look for it, and they mean to
labor for 1t. They are stirred by mightier
spirit than p arty prejudice. They fear more
the consequences OF unwiss political action
than they do the party lash. There Is a
silent undercurrent of political thought
that will be earnestly active when the hour
nf action arrives. The times demand men
Tor the occasion. The people seek in a can
didate for the presidency a representative OF
the current thought and determination for
reform. Thew find in Thomas A. Hendricks
that representative. The character OF the
rnaD, as honest and capable, is unimpeached,
With political history, not unknown to
he whole country, he stands out to-
lay rs the best representative of the true
ideas Of reform that will bring back the gov
eminent tt it, ancient mooriDgs. With q
veil cultured mind, with broad and com.
prehensive views of political economy, with
a mental grasp that realizes the true situs
ton, and with that courage and patriotism
| that rises above the mere man of ambition
to the conscientious statesman, he at once
challenges criticism and constrsins admira
ton, and these qualities point him out a.
the most fit leader Of the people In the re
form that must come.
Small men have misconceived Mr., Hen