The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-15
POLITICAL ISSUES In OHIO.
Views 20 Senator sherman on the
Work OF the Convention.
The Ticket and the Platform Sufficient to
Insure a Spirited and Interesting Cam
paign-The Democratic Leadership.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

MANSFIELD, o., June 14.-Your CORE
spondent has had an interview with Senator
Sherman at his home here The Senator is
we'll pleased with the result of the State con.
vention, and in response TO an inquiry as to
the work of that body said:
Yes, was well pleased. The ticket Is
strong and the platform clear and definite.
There was one plank that suggested dema-
gogy, it seemed to me-the one calling for
reform in the convict labor system-but
otherwise, no exception is to be taken to it,
Tor 1t defines Republican principles in terms
so direct and plain that it must not only com.
mend itself to the party at large, but from
the start it leaves no doubt with regard to
the issues to be fought this summer. The
convict labor clause embodies good enough
idea, but l question if it is practicable.
Prison work now completes with outside
labor. Contractors go into the prisons, and on
paying comparatively trife are able to turn
out work so cheaply that free labor suffers.
There ought certainly to be some way of cor
recting this but labor is part of the penalty
imposed on convicts, and the industries OF
Ohio have become so diversified that 1t Wilt
be very hard to find anything for convicts ia
do that will not encroach on free labor. II
they should stop making saddlery and shoes
they would turn to something else on which
free labor is probably engaged"
Twill you regard the campaign as tina
| skirmish for next years battleP'
THE tariff undoubtedly will be the great
issue between the parties next year. In my
opinion the outspoken declarations of our
platform on this issue foreshadow what the
national platform will declare. 1t is the
great issue between the parties; each is COM
mitted upon it; there is no doubt how each
stands We shall give it prominence this
year. The liquor question will not be
sighted. We are united on that and so far
as voters may be interested mainly in State
affairs we shall confidently expect to con-
vince those who may be doubtful that
our position is right. 1 think we shall
be able to do that so early in the campaign
that. after ALL the tariff will overtop every
thing else in Importance. Our farmers are
very much interested in it, wool growers be-
ing especially exercised"
THE TARIFF ON WOOL
you don't look for the insertion in the
national platform of the clause adopted at
| Columbus demanding restoration of the
former duty on wool?''
1--WE could hardly hope for that But that
clause affects very large and powerful in
terest here. All our farmers are concerned
in it. They will demand its discussion.
That will carry the general subject into the
campaign. We can rely on Democratic ac-
ton in Congress to keep it before the coun-
try"
Then you anticipate Democratic attempts
at further revision?'
II haven't doubt of it. They will begin
early In the session and keep digging at it to
the end, but without accomplishing any
thing except to keep the subject stirring and
the people restless"
Then, can you expect success in your
effort to have the wool duty restored?'
81 think it doubtful at present, although
we shall try. A bill to restore the duty
would invite endless amendments, and per-
haps at last be defeated, with one branch Of
Congress Democratic The reduction was a
stupid blunder."
You have noticed doubtless that criti-
cisr has been shot Mt you and at the Re-
voted for the tariff bill, because of this OBJ
noxious schedule?'
81 have noticed that the Democrats are
trying to create false impression about it,
and that there seems to be widespread mis-
| understanding, which will be corrected,
| however The schedule was adopted by
union of New England with the Democrats
l have been blamed, and Mr.. Mckinley
also, because the conference committee, on
which we served, reported back this sched-
ule with the tariff bill. We both fought the
schedule in conference, but were outvoted.
Mr.. Morrill, and Mr.. Aldrich sided with the
Democrats. l pleaded with Mr.. Morrill, to
| help u.s. saying that we would aid only our
opponents to the injury of the farmers by
allowing such schedule to stand, and since
it was the only schedule that directly af-
| fected the farmers wanted him to join
me in taking care of their inter-
ests. He replied that Vermont
was ceasing to be a wool
growing State; that they we're raising sheep
there now to kill and for breeding, and he
saw no reason why he should vote with me.
1 fought the schedule, also, in the Senate,
when it was under separate consideration.
But New England and the Democrats were
too strong for us. 1t was one of the most,
stupid pieces of political folly into which
men with boards ever Numbered. was as
free in expressing my opinion in the Senate
about this as am now, but was powerless.
Nor was my feeling or opinion at all modi-
fled when the BILL whole, was put on
its passage in the Senate. l voted for it, not
to signify my acquescence in the wool sched-
ule, which had always condemned but be-
cause of the multiplicity of interests in
| VOWED, and as the best means then available
| to secure n reduction of taxation and of sur
| plus revenues. The Democratic papers, I
observe. are loudest in censure. 1t may not
be much Of an argument but it is an an
| tn fl,nt,, far the firm