The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-07-19
The Hon. FRANKLIN Landerr.

Two years ago the Democracy of the
capital district selected Franklin Lsnders
as their candidate tor Congress. He I'D
served term In the State Senate at time
OF great public peril, and had so conducted
himself as to command the confidence OF
the people, but his public life had been too
short for him to be generally known
throughout the state. The district was Re-
publican by large majority, and only the
ssnguine and hopeful members of his part y
believed his election possible. His competi-
tor was a man of large public experience.
OF respectable talents and good personal
character. No breaches, therefore, could
be made in the Republican lines on &C.
count OF the want o. ability or integrity In
his opponent; nevertheless, Mr.. Lsnders
entered the contest as one not without
hope. He infused into the canvass all the
determined to win il success were possible.
he made q close canvass of the district,
saw that his party was properly organized;
that its full strength was utilized, sao
that every Democrat went to the polls on
election day. A political leader no more
than a military commander can succeed in
battle unless his forces are properly
organized, drilled aud handled, and
he who is best able to do this is
the man who wins. No candidate
for Congress in Indiana two years ago or
ganized bis dis riot so well as Mr.. Landers
did the Seventh. In addition to his ability
an organizer he proved himself an effec-
tive stumper. In his contest with Gen.
Coburn he showed himself debster OF no
! mean pretension, He discussed the ques-
ton at issue with ingenuity aud force, and
never allowed his competitor to get the
be ter of him in argument. He addressed
the people in language terse and easily
derstood. Without being an orator, as
tire word is usually understood, he is one
of the most effective speakers tbsg ever
took the stump in Indiana. He beat Gen,
Coburn at the polls, and in due time went
to Washington. There are many men
who, when they are elected, forget the
pledges they made tire people on the hust
4
dsmned upon the stump. Not so with Mr.
Lenders. He has besn faithful to The
pledge be made when q candidate, and bal
never given q vote inconsistent with the
doctrines he then advocated. This has en-
desred him to the people, Tor they love I
man WHO will do wnst he says and vote a
he talks. Mr.. Lsnders has proven himsel
to be such a man, hence his popularity
His fidelity to principle has been such q
to attach to him many men not identified
with the Democratic party, and he IA
been able to hold his parry friends Will
this was being done.
When Mr.. Lspders was nominated fc
Congress in 1874, the Journal aud tn
News, as we'll As most OF the Republican
politicians of his district, endesvored u
make the public bslievs he was al
ignorant boor. AS soon the can
vsss wss fairly open they changes
their tunes, and declared him to b
an Ingenious and cunning dem sgogue
When it closed they were forced 10 admi
that they had misjudged him, Tor he hs
proved himself able TO beat one OF tn
strongest men of the Republican party, 4
. district where the Democracy was lsrge
in the minority. To-day they understsn
him better, aud know that there are bu
few men OF his power and force of chsrs'
ter 10 the state. Should be be capdidst
agsiu, his opponents will not De sps {
msk6the mistake they did two years sg'
for they know his Matte as well as b
bottom. They kno that what he undel
takes to do he does, and tnat when b
! makes a rece, he m axes IL to win. He