The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-27
THE OHIO sENArORsHIP.
The Battle of the Democratic Giants-Pen-
dIeton Full of Fight.
f. A. Burr, in Philadelphia Press.

f. A. Burr, in Philadelphia Press.
The new Democracy" was proper desig
nation for the present order of things in
Ohio, for the old guard has almost entirely
been overthrown, and the newer force is de-
termined to make its victory complete.
Even Thurman, who for so many years was
the single man who could command all fac
tions and, like old Neptune, still the turbu-
lent sea, now finds himself shorn OF his
power. He still commands the respect of all
factions, but the 'kids" who are now on top
are not inspired, as the Democracy once was,
with his antique dignity and broad states
manship. The Intrusion Of his name into
the senatorial fight, therefore, has no great
significance, and by some is supposed to
mean simply that he desires to keep his
name before the public in view of the presi-
dental possibilities of next year. He is sur
rounding his movements and expectations
with great deal of mystery But it is sifted
through friends that his main object in re-
turning home is to be within range of the
battle, to join the general cry of his party
for harmony, and, if possible, to figure as
one of the instruments by which that result
may be compassed.
Pendleton is in no such pacific attitude.
He is in for the fight and is full of it. The
temper of the contest has become so sharp
that he doubtless would be willing to make
any com bination to defeat the aspirations of
Mr.. Payne, who represents the new and Wig
orous growth of the party. The difficulty is
that Pendleton's power for making danger
Gus combinations is gone. A man is not in
prime condition to control the field against
his rival with more than three-fourths of his
party against him; and the coEtest is now
simply the field against Payne. The intro
duction of the Thurman mystery into the
contest has had an amusing effect upon a
large crop of alleged statesmen scattered
through many counties, who are hoping that
it may mean such block as can be broken
only by new name. There are no less than
half dozen of these dark horses browsing
around on the outskirts who hope to be
caught by a compromise. There is always
an unusually large herd of these animals in
Ohio. They have been the bane OF its poll
tics for many years. Compromises have de-
stroyed many parties, and dark horse has
always proved bad one.
1t will be gratifying to the country that
there is no chance in this contest for the sue
cess of any such weak men. There is an APP
parent determination to elect one or the
other OF the positive candidates No man
will be chosen who has not force enough of
mind and character to command following.
Since Mr. Paynes election has become fore
gone conclusion, unless the situation can be
violently recast, there has been a great deal
of talk about a com bination with the Repub-
lcan minority to elect Mr.. Pendeton. His
friends argue that, as be is TO be slaughtered
on account of his parentage and advocacy OF
the civil-service reform bill, the Republicans
can afford TO join with a few of his friends
who may be induced to remain out of the
Democratic caucus and thus defeat the fac
onship OF Republican principle. This is
all very well as an argument for Mr.. Pendle-
ton, but the mere suggestion has been
quashed all over the State, and the semi
official announcement has been made
that in no event will the Republicans sup
port Mr. Pendleton or any other Democrat.
They will make their own nominee and
give him their own complimentary vote,
Governor Foster will, doubtless, receive this
honor.
This senatorial contest is doing much to
develop the spirit and purposes of the two
parties for the coming presidential cam
paign, In many years Of association with
Ohio politics and politicians | have never
seen such unanimity of purpose among
party leaders. The desire for perfect har-
mony is the moving principle OF them all.
The overwhelming defeat of Mr. Pendleton
will be due, in a very great measure, as much
to the desire of all Democrats to destroy the
factional quarrels i'll Hamilton county as to
his advocacy of civl-Service reform. 1t is a
mistake to suppose that the bent of the con-
test is against Mr.. Pendleton personally,
although there is no doubt that he has lost
the confidence of his party by denying them
the spois. The fruits of success are what the
Ohio Democracy want. Without them vic
tory is not its own reward.
The Republicans, as we'll as the Democrats,
are now shaping their course for the coming
presidential campaign. They, also have
some severe differences to SETTLE The ele-
ments of opposition to Governor Foster are
petulant and strong, But the character vi
the coming campaign is to be such that
neither his friends nor his opponents can af-
ford to display any ill-will. As this is the
only October State, both parties there look
upon it as the pivot upon which the presi-
dental battle must turn. Therefore the con-
test here will be severe, and must be CON
Quoted upon the most practical methods
with no friction inside the party organiza-
ton. As Governor Foster is recognized as
the master of party management in the prac-
teal school of politics, he is expected to take
the charmanshlp of the State committee and
direct the Republican forces Like all posi-
tive men, Foster has strong friends and bitter
enemies in the party Much the same differ
apparent in the Republican. But both will
be obscured, at least for the time being, and
within the next three months the parties will
be put in shape for the most important polit-
ical battle ever fought in Ohio. Money and
supreme effort will guide the forces of both
parties,
Neat Compliment to the Creator
correspondence Denver Tribune