The Indiana State sentinel., 1879-12-03
IpaiIy sentinel of saturdavl

DAILY Sentinel of Saturday.
Senator Mcdonald left the city yesterday
afternoon for Washington in order to be in
his place when Congress meets ne 1t Monday.
Knowing the anxiety of the public to have
his views upon the political questions of the
day, a Sentinel reporter hunted him up and
succeeded IN getting him to talk awhile for
the benefit of its readers He started the
interview by asking the senator his opinion
as to what Congress will do the coming
session.
Senator McD.-I don't anticipsts a re-
newal of the struggle of the last session over
the election laws. The Issues In regard to
these laws may be said to have been made
up. The Democratic members have made
every legitimate effort possible to repesl
these laws, and the Republican members
have been determined that il should not be
done. Without twc-thirds Democratic
msiorify, they must remain on the statute
hooks until the executive depn tment OF the
Government is changed. Democratic men,
beTs have expressed their de termination
that no money shall be appropriated for the
execution OF these laws; therefore, the issues
upon this question may be reg rded as made
up and the case passed over TO the people
for trisl. The appropriation bills will bs
passed substantially as sgreed TO at the extra
session. covering ell legitimate Governments
expenses and omiltirg anything to pay for
the execution OF the election laws.
Rep.-Will any general m asures OF leg;t-
ton come before Congress at the approach
ing session?
senator McD.-Yes. 1 do not see WHY
this should not be a working session. There
are many questions of general interest that
have remained in the background that
ought to be brought to the 'front.' The
financial question should be left severely
alone. Our currency has worked into
good condition, and with the Continual In.
crease of our coin balances, which has been
brought about partly from our mineral pro-
ductions and pa ly from the balance of
trade which has been in cur favor, it must
continue TO remain good. Thsre will be no
necessity tor any legislation on the subj. ct.
until 1t is found, if such should be the fsct
taat the present volume of percurrency is
redundant; in which event it should be- rs-
duced by retiring the Issues of the National
banks. While do not think there will be
anything like compete te revision of the tar
i'll at the coming g. ssion, 1t should b, mod
ned and placed more nearly on a revenue
basis The unjust discrimination against
the West ought to be stricken ont; as. for in
stance, under the present tariff, salt used in
curing fish pays no duly, as there is draw
back on IL Tor the full amount of the duty
paid, while every pound of II used in cur
ing beef and pork pays a duty While /
do not .es'-e that fishermen should be bur
dened by a tax on salt, | see no
reason why beef and pork should not be
equally exempt from taxation. Then our
regis,ery and navigation laws need revif-
ion so as to encourage the increase OF our
commercial marine which the war almo.t
destroyed. These and other unjust dscrim-
nations against the West should not bs ST.
lowed to remain. So, you sea, there is am
pie work for the session without making it
political one. 1 think, too that ir should be
comparatively short one, and that its gen.
eral course should be in favor of retrench
ment and reform, that tbs people NAV en-.
Joy the full benefit OF the business revival
as free as possible from governmental bur
deus.
Rep What are your views In relation TO
the presidential outlook?
Senator McD.-I do not look upon the
late elections as in anywise settling the
presidential contest of next year.
Republicans are, undoubtedly. elated at
their success, which is mainly to be
attributed to a revival Of sectional
animosities. With a generous people thess
feelings can not be.lastipg; and sooner or
iateI tney VIII react upon those who stimu-
lated them. Ii Republicans continue in ths
belief that they possess the power to elect
president on mere party grounds they viii
nominate one of their leading politicians
most likely Sherman or Blaine-but, IL thew
become alarmed. they Will take shelter
SA~A VIZ SNPpooCA Vi 0eQ6Tdl
Grant. In that event the country viii have
to undergo fearful trisl, as it will Fave to
determine, for the first time, whether or lot
one man shall be president for life NV
belief is that in such a contest they will be
beaten. 1 think our chances for elect,ne
the next president are better than theirs no
matter woo their candidate may be-
Rep-Whom do you think the Democrats
should nominste7
Senator McD-My present opinion is that
rrtf a ha
forget, for the next four or five mon tbs tba,
IL had anything to do with selecting presi-
dental ticket, as | think much of the edge
OF the sectional issues will be taken off by
that time. 1t Is very certain that our presi-
dental candidate ought to be ahle TO carry
Indiana and TO unite the Democracy of New
YORK, as these are the pivotal States and
such candidate would be strong all over the
country. II Is not necessary to saw hat th,.
nomination OF Mr. Hendrcks would insure
the vote of Indiana tn the Democracy.
for there is no int lleent man VINO
doubts IT; and have heard no good reason
given why he could not get the united vote
Of the New York Democracy H is a life
long Democrat, and IN character and ability
he is the equal OF any man in our party.
Rep.-When and where do you think our
National convention should be heldY
Senator Mod do not think We should be
In haste to hold our convention: and am
decidedly OF the opinion that IL should be
held in the West. have no chvs,e ss 10
the place; Cincinnati, Chicago. Stint LOUIS
or any other Western city h.ving the ability
70 accommodate the people who will be
there would suit me.
Looking at his watch, and seeing that the
hour for his departure was near at hand, the
distinguished senator asked 10 b. excused
from further talk, and the reporter, after
thanking him for his courtesy, took his hat
and walked away.