The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-01-05
The Republican state Convention.


A significant article appears in the Jour
nal touching the postponement OF the Re-
publican State Convention from the time
heretofore determined upon, the I'D OF Feb
rusry, until after the adjournment of con-
gress. The policy of this movement is so
plain that we wonder the writer of the
article did not come out and tell the whole
story. The plan of having two state CON
ventions is simply for the purpose of boost
Ing up Morton for the presidency, while it
avoids the necessity of making any platform
that might prejudice his interests in the
national convention, or anticipate unfavor-
ably to the interests Of the Republican party
the possible action of third party in this
state on the finance question. The fact is,
| he Republican party dare not assemble in
convention in this state and make a plat
form or nominate a ticket, and this is
we'll known to the party leaders.
But Mr.. Morton urges his indorse-
ment for the presidency, and this
the leaders do not dare to refuse.
Hence the plan of the Journal to have the
convention as .emble here on the I'D of
February and appoint delegates to the
national convention form a state central
committee, and transact other business
that can properly be done at that time"
What the other business is needs no further
suggestion than that made above-to in
dorse Mr.. Morton for the presidency. Then,
when this is done, the delegates can return
home and after it is known what the finsn-
ciaI situation is, and what policy the party
is to pursue, they can return and make a
platform In accordance herewith and nomi-
nate state candidates, without prejudIcing
Mr.. Morton's interests. But this could not
be done now. The party, in the face OF the
sentiment of the people of this state, could
not take position favorable to the resump-
ton bill, and they could not resolve against
it and not imperil Mr.. Morton's chances
with the hard money Republicans of the
East. 1t is an unfortunate situation and
there is no way out OF ii but to hold two
conventions, one to indorse Morton, and
the other to do the proper work of the con-
vention.
What do the people of Indiana think of a
party that fears to assemble and assert its
principles. What do the Republicans of the
state think of being brought to the capital
to simply indorse Morton and 60 home,
thereby confessing that they have no princi-
Piles that will conflict with his aspirations
/ tor the presidency? What does the
Buchanan party think of this plan to an
ticipate and save the thousands of Repub-
licans of the state, like those
the Evansville Journal represents,
who will not trust the Repub-
lican party on this question of greenbaeks? ?
Surely this plan brings a reproach upon the
party, and will bring the party into con-
tempt if it is pursued. As we read the Re
publican state exchanges, we have
not discovered any special clamor-
ing for two conventions. The plan
has doubtless had its origin here.
though first published at KokoTco fol- effect.
There is large body of Republicans in this
state who do not sympathizs with Morton,
and the postoffice affair here has not de-
creased the number of his opponents in that
party. They rejoice to see his power broken,
and they will not be dragooned into this
sort of toadyism. Neither will the green
back Republicans of this state, who now
propose third party, be in great haste TO
coalesce with time-serving policy pro-
posed by the Journal. If Mr.. Morton desires
the Endorsement of the Repu blican conven-
ton, let him state his position on this
question. If he wishes to go before the
national convention as candidate, then lei
the country know where he stands. Especi.
ally should he let the Republicans of this
state know. But this double convention
plan ssvors of fraud that the Republicans
of this state will hardly indorse.