The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-07-19
BIATANT DEMOoRATIn HYPonRIsY.


Dogberry selected neighbor Seacoal as con-
stable of the watch because he was Thought
to be the most senseless and fit man for the
place. The Democratic State convention
probably selected its platform committee for
like cause The work of the committee is
most unique. The platform is fearfully and
wonderfully made. It is a sort of Noahs ark,
and contains little of everything. Political
literature does not furnish its fellow. It is
stuffed with good things-for the Republicans.
II is evidently a piece of patchwork. 1t is
the work of many men of many minds,
and its only merit is its infinite variety
It is full of blunders, contradictions, and
condemnations of its own party. Its trainers
were certainly not conversant with the history
Of recent State Legislatures At least it is
charity to suppose so. In more than one
instance they brand, with heavy hands, their
disapproyal and condemnation of certain
State legislation, which the records show to
have been the work of Democratic assemblies.
They have made such sinners Of their mem
cries as to credit their own lies. The eleventh
plank reads:
I'll. We approve of the action of the late
Democratic Legislature in preventing parti-
san Governor from politically reyolutionizing
the benevolent institutions Of the State, which
he had already commenced by the nomination
of his party friends to fill the vacancies about
to occur in the boards Of directors of said in
stitutions"
Hypocrisy can no further go; it has reached
its ultimate limit in this resolution. There is
brazenfaeed impudence in every line of it.
Such blatant hypocrisy can deceive nobody.
The history of our benevolent institutions is
toowell known. For long series of years
prior to 1879 they were managed solely in the
interest of the poor unfortunates, who are the
proper benefciaries of public benevolence.
Parties kept their hands off. They were not
regarded as the spoils of party victory. Both
parties were always represented in their man
agement. While State administrations
changed from time to time, in the varying
were permitted to affect the benevolent in
situations These remained undisturbed, and,
as consequence, their efficiency increased
from year to year. Superintendents were Sc
lected on account of their abilities and quail
fcations for the special work expected Of
them. And they were retained through sue
cessive administrations for the same reasons
The reputation Of Drs. Everts, McIntire and
Churchman gave added reputation to the State,
and strengthened its good name abroad Their
names were familiar as household words
and they were recognized in the lit
erature of their several professions
as experts. Under their management,
Indiana ranked high in public philanthropy,
and Of right pointed with pride to its beneyo-
lent institutions All this has been changed.
It remained for the Democracy to make these
institutions the football Of party politics It
was the Democratic party, that, for partisan
purposes and in utter disregard Of the inter
ests of these institutions, and their wards,
revOlutiOnized them. In 1879 that party CON
troIled the Legislative and executive branches
Of the State government. The Democratic
assembly on March 6, 1879, passed an act
radically changing the management Of these
institutions That act was approved by a
Democratic Governor. The old superintend-
ents were turned out and Demo
rats installed in their places.
zhangsz were mads in every