The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-29
INDIANA POLITICS.
Interview with Hon. r. ID. f. PIERCE, Ex-
= Congressman from the Eighth District.


New York Special
In speaking of political affairs in Indiana,
Mr.. Peirce said:
THE present being an off year there is but
little stirring i'll the political world in In
diana just now. But as Indiana is a close
State, and has always been made the battle
field in October elections, the present situa-
ton is interesting. The Republican party is
in good shape to achieve success in 1884;
never was better. There is an entire absence
of the divisions that are found in the ranks
of the party in other States. We have no
half-breeds or stalwarts; we are all Repub-
icans, and, above all, we have no bosses"
rs the Democratic party also in good con-
dition?
Both parties are always we'll organized,
and when there is a political fight. it is
hard, earnest stuggle. But there is no mis-
take-the Democrats are having trouble over
the irreconcilable conflict between Hen
bricks and Mcdonald. We hear great deal
OF Hendrickss poor health, but L am in a
position to know that he is fully restored,
and full of fight. 1t is not his intention
ever to let Mcdonald be nominated for Presi-
dent. The talk about the two men not
speaking when they meet is mere nonsense.
Both are gentlemen and know what belongs
to'good breeding. But Hendricks means to
prevent McDonald's nomination, and, there
will Indiana urge one of her statesmen
as candidate for the presidency?'
so far as the Republicans are concerned,
Indiana will not have candidate in an ag
gressive sense. We have two or three men
who would make good candidates, but we
shall not insist on the nomination of either.
l notice. lately, that many questions are
asked about Ben. Harrison, and about the
probability of his being candidate. This
indicates to me that if Indiana should have
the Republican candidate it will be Harrison.
If she presents any name it will be his GEN
eral Gresham is also good man. and both he
and Governor Porter are also spoken of as
possible candidates. General Gresham has
been United States District Judge in the
State, and is widely known for his integrity,
and good character. He was a gallant SOL
der, and this makes him popular. Governor
Porter is strong from the fact that he car
ried Indiana in 1880"
do you believe that the State will go Re-
publican in 1882
81 believe that the electoral vote in 1884
will be given to the nominee of the Republl-
can party, whoever he may be"
ION what grounds do you base this belief?'
I'm 1880 Indiana was strong Blaine State,
with Grant for second choice. 1t went Dem
ocratic last year, but it did so because we
were divided on the temperance question,
which will not enter into the next canvass.
The standing of the party on that question
was NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. ny lEduN HOueSbll uedn-
ing men. We were not for prohibition, but
wished to submit constitutional amend
ment favoring prohibition, which would be
voted on by the people. Many voters failed
to see the difference between the two, and
believing that prohibition was intended, they
either voted against us or stayed away from
the polls l do not think the question will
be raised next year; hence those Republicans
who voted against us last year will return,
especially as it is a presidential year. An
other element which will enter into the con-
test, and which will be in our favor is the
attitude of the Democrats on the tariff ques-
ton"
What is the position of the Republican
party in the State on that question:
1--WE are in favor of protective tariff that
would protect American manufactures. Our
State is fast becoming a manufacturing State.
We have extensive glass works at New AL
bany and we have inexhaustible coal fields.
Hence, without stopping to split hairs on the
tariff question, we are in favor OF tariff
for the protection of our industries;
discriminating tariff on everything manu-
featured in this country. The thing is
growing in Indiana, and | find that nearly
all the agricultural districts are strong in
protection sentiments Now the Democrats
are divided on the question. Mr.. Mcdonald
and Mr.. VOORHEES, are in direct conflict Nc
Donald is free-trader Hence this division
of sentiment as | have stated, causes me to
believe that the State will be Republican"
do you hear President Arthur's name
mentioned as a candidate for 1892"
VERY often and very fayorably. His
popularity is growing in the West and the
impression, even with those who were slow
to do him justice on the outset, is that he
has made very wise, good and conservative
President. He has given US an administra-
ton beyond criticism, and he is growing in
the good opinion of the people of the West. F"