The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-07-21

of which by both parties have been frequent.
Now, will the Tribune publish thisview Of il
MIR. ARTHUR's LETTER OF AccEPTAEcE.
The letter of acceptance of Mr.. Chester A.
Arthur, Republican candidate for Vice Pres
ident is much more honest production
than that of General Garfield. 1t is better
written, does not dodge the questions Of the
day, as does that of his chief, and represents
his party in q much more frank, hearty and
manly way. He is stslwart, and he says
So He does not beat about the bush, but
affirms boldly that 1t is the business of the
General Government to assume the conduct
of elections. Nearly one-half of the letter
flaunts the bloody shirt, but not in words
which have a double meaning, or which can
be misinterpreted. He is in this thoroughly
Republican. He believes the questions of
the war are the1ive issues, and he therefore
puts them forward for discussion. He
launches his maledictions at the Democratic
party in a straightforward way that will gain
respect for him with that party, because he
shows that he is politically good
hster, and people like this class
of men. His reference to the civil
service plank is thoroughly characteristic.
He knew that he was compelled to walk
over dangerous ground, but nevertheless be
takes firm and quick steps, 1t is disagree
able Job, and he is anxious to have done
with 1t. So he first Endorses the principle in
general way, and then proceeds to explain.
He Is in favor OF a reform CT the civil service.
but he Is opposed to the enactment or en-
forcement of any laws looking to that end.
1t doubtless seemed good joke to him that
he was nominated upon a platform which
made demand so utterly preposterous, and
he seems to have determined to carry out
the joke with as much seriousness as he
could muster. He thinks public officials
should be honest, able and faithful. which is
all very well as a policy OF his party in
platform or letter of acceptance. But he
combats with vigor the theory that the pos
session of these qualities may be ascertained
by rules or after any system whatever, and
really RENTS the entire question to all the
evils W hich have inhered 1T for fifty years.
He has an opportunity to give Hayes and
Sherman a blow and he does not neglect ii.
officers should be permitted to take any part
they may choose in the manipulation of
primaries or caucuses. This portion OF his
letter reads like Senator ConkliDg had put it
in, as doubtless he did have something TO do
with it, either in suggestion or execution. 1t
is impossible not to admire the dash and
bravery Of the man. and to respect him, how
holitflipo HE oapdidocv nav aaapo He
takes a holder position on the financial
question than Mr.. Garfield. He lsuds
resumption as everybody does now. but goes
further by taking strong ground against the
silver dollar as now coined, by saying that 1t
must be brought up ito the test OF the worlds
fixed standard" On tariff he is evidently
revenue reiormer, but In this he evades the
issue, as probably most OF the political docu.
ments OF the year will, and be carries water
on both shoulders with some success.
His letter concludes with screech on So
called rebel claims, concerning which the
only possible criticism is, that it is untrue.
His utterance will not, OF course, cut any
figure in the campaign, but, none the less, it
better represents his party, and would stand
the hard work of the canvass better than
Mr.. Garfield's. 1t may yet be in order to
reverse the picture by hanging the head OF
the ticket as a dead weight upon the tail.
Mr.. Arthur merely represents the record
and the purposes of his party and when this is
said all has been said. while Mr.. Garfield has
his own personal record, his Phariseeism and
his shutting and evasion to carry in addition
to the record and purposes of the Republican
party. With the appearance of the letters of
General Hancock and Mr.. English the
issues of the campaign will be fairly made
up. 1t may safely be assumed that they
will put the canvass upon higher plane
than have the Republican candidates.