The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-31
CURRENT PRESS COMMENT.

IF the Democrats in the House fancy they mako
campaign capital by following the example recently
by the Ohio Legislature they certainly mistake the
sentiments of the people. 1t is not claimed that the
civil service law is perfect and that under the
law impossible But it is claimed and known that
the law is good vigorous step in the right direction
step that no party afford to nullify. Public
opinion forced the stalwart administration to ndorse
this reform and public opinion will scourge the party
that goes back on it.-Washington Post (Dem)
HERE lin Iowa is a very good illustration Of the
folly of resorting constitutional tnkering in this
matter If public opinion demands prohibition, as APP
pears to be the in Iowa, Legislature that will
order it can be elected and no more can be accom-
plished by constitutional provision. The Supreme
Court ra1npled Justice in the outrageous fash
ion when it declared the amendment void; but, the
other hand prohibition might be in force if
the agtators had been content to let the constitution
alone and put up with statute--St. Louis Glooe-
Democrat
WHETHER Porter was moved to disobey orders
from his regard for the interests of the Confederaey
from his hatred of his superior officer the ofense
of INSTRUMENTATION remains the same and there is no
graver breach of discipline which soldier com
nit than insubordination the battlefield, in the
face of the enemy and at a critical moment. The
suits remain the same. He PROLONGED the war an
other year and to that extent hell 4 the Conderacy.
Its debt of gratitude remains the whatever may
have been the nature of the services performed the
manner in which they were rendered.-Chicago Trib-
THE way to stop the crime Of polygamy is to pun
ish those who commit that crime and those who par
tcpate in the guilt by defending harborng and pro-
tecting the criminals The way to punish them is to
apply measures that will hurt Twenty years fool
ing with the tufts of grass business is quite enough.
Its only effect has been to render the Mormon concern
more nsolent, more defiant, more confident in def
ance Of the civil authority in the character Of
tended agency of heavenly authority, commissioned
of Jehovah to reestablish in America the disgusting
and infamous morality of the socalled Old Tesla
ment.-Chicago Times.
THE States might be safely left to legisate exclu-
siyely on divorce if they would only observe simple
uniformity; but while divorce in some States is dis
couraged BY wholesome restrictions and in South
Cardinal not allowed in others it is made easy on
hppant pretexts. It is growing up into custom for
persons living in State to apply for and di
vorces in another, frequently without the knowledge
of the other party-and this is breeding a shameful
laxity of marital relations. A national divorce law
would prevent this and be barrier fraud in separa-
tions but it is certain that public opinion in the
t,v is not ripe for such measure at present.-St.
Louis Republican.
THE railroads have not settled jail their controver
sizes. If they behave foolishly there may be more
trouble. But the lone Of the market yesterday gave
to hope that most Of the managers of important
properties disposed TO conservative and
cliatory action. If tho public concludes that it
place confidence in their efforts, the Investment of the
vast accumulation of idle capital sub
stantial improvement not only in securities but in
many industrial enterprises which have been waiting
for revival of confidence No one can positively
predict the future with safety but the visible signs
certainly seem little favorable than they have
beca FOR some time p:s5.-Now York Tribune.