The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-26
POLITICS AND POLITICIANS.
The Issues Which Senator Sherman
Thinks Are Before Republicans.
The South Solid for Free Trade-POlitical
Status of General Gresham and His
Relation to State Affairs.
co,ons, r A. Burr, in Philadelphia Press.

Sherman upon important topics. Perhaps the
character of the visit accounts for the freedom
with which he spoke of public affairs and OF the
men who mix and mingle in them. Certainly
there was none of the reserve in speech or that
stiffness in manner with which he has been so
often credited. He was candid, without gush,
and dignifed without the color of coolness
good deal of his conversation was upon the
interesting phases of his long and eventful
public life, but great deal more was upon
pending political questions, the attitude OF
parties thereon, and opinions as to the present
condition of the party of which he is level
headed leader. Speaking of its future, ne said:
eyes, the heart of the country is still with the
Republican party, and it will elect its presiden-
tial candidate again this year, unless some fatal
mistakes shall yet be made. We are upon the
threshold of a very severe campaign, and if we
win must have unity of purpose and cordial good
feeling between all the elements that make up
the party organization. We ought not to make
the mistake of reviving past differences or of re
newing the controversies Of former years
have faith that the convention will recognize this
necessity and do its work with elaboration and
Judgment. There seems disposition all around
to do the best thing for the party. and with this
spirit and good candidate we will win"
Toward what man or visible aspirant is the
honor tending"
'HThe discussion of the chances of individuals
is not essential. We can elect any good candl-
date, and / have no right or desire to give the
convention any advice to its action in this re
gard. Our platform of principles and the issues
we shall present are only all important"
'What will be the vital issues of the canvassF
'"The tariff and the Southern question. The
attitude of the Democratic party upon the
economic questions, as well as the action of the
present House, has clearly marked out the tariff
as the leading issue, and the passage of the Nor
rson bill, which, assume, will get through the
House, will very sharply define the standing of
the two parties upon this question. The Repub
Hcan party has a consistent record In favor OF
protection, and it was a mistake to have marFed
it by the reduction made in the bill passed by
the last Congress. Especially is this true of the
attack made upon WOOL an industry in which a
million farmers are interested We felt the
effect of this legislation in Ohio at the last
election. The true Republican position is to
stand firmly for protection, and leave the tariff
agitation to the Democracy
About the Southern question: was sug
gested.
Eyes. this Southern problem should, and no
doubt will be next to the tariff, our most i'm
portant issue,n returned Senator Sherman. '"rhe
South has thirty three electoral votes that come
of the right of the negro to vote, and yet this
right is Systematically denied Any one of the
Southern States, all of which have increased
representation in the electoral college by reason
of the right of the black man to the ballot may
elect President and may also, at any time
carry the political power of the country into the
South again. The evidence already taken in the
Southern cases this year proves deliberate and
premeditated assault upon the blacks at Dan
vile, Va, for political effect The story of out
rage in Mississippi is fully as bad, and yet any
of these States may, by such methods get and
keep control of the government of this country
The question must be boldly met, and the
sooner the better. This year we will have a
new phase of 1t. There will be a
united South against the business as well as
political force of the North Despite their
terial interests, they will follow free trade
President and party. often against conviction,
because of their ambition to get control of the
national administration. There is strong pro
lection sentiment in the South but it will not
appear in a presidential year, and it will for a
long time, perhaps always be Democratic"
''Can the South ever be divided upon the tariff
question:
mot in presidential year for very many
years yet to come. There will be districts here
and there that will send protection members to
Congress. but they will be Democrats. Nearly
every interest of the Southern States will be set
aside for blind adherence to the Democratic
party. In a canvass where every manufactur
ing industry in the North depends upon protec-
ton, these people will follow party pledged to
free trade, or tariff for revenue only, as you
please"
"This, then, will show solid South against
the North upon new issue, that comes home to
the workman as well as the capitalist
Exactly SO; and such situation must be met
this year 1t will. or should, enlist the labor of
the country. which is not often aroused by sent
ment Their future, perhaps more than that of
all others, depends upon a revision of the pres
ent order of things in the South. The timid
members of our party understand that this issue
is forced upon We do not make it, only
meet it"
''Will there be any trouble about carrying
Ohio this Year,
IT think not We have a peculiar constitu-
ency and its political turns have been con
sistent They were about the same during the
war as since. Our people exercise their own
judgment and vote when they please and all the
political machinery cannot bring them to the
polls unless they desire to come Yet the history
Of our campaigns shows that they can always be
relied upon in an emergency. In this canvass it
is very important to carry Ohio, as it is the only
October State of Importance. A good candidate
can do it.
''Will your State present your name"
II am in no sense a candidate, and would not
make an effort for the nomination. l would not
express my opinion as to who should be delegates
from my own district or what their action
should be- -Four years ago / thought it best to
be candidate. | believe that the logic of events
at that time justified such action. The reasons
1 need not state. Now there is no such condi-
ton and l would not enter a contest even for the
Endorsement of my own constituency. Many
of my friends write me complaining letters be-
cause refuse to make such an issue. Believing
that the convention, when it meets, should be
Free uninstructed, and in shape to do the very
best thing for the whole party. have counseled
my friends to that end. united and enthusi
astic party is more important than one man, and
hence l am for bending every energy to the first
purpose, and am not candidate"
General Gresham as Lawyer and Politician.
Morris Ross. in Philadelphia Times
II is difficu1t tn Give general estimate IF
Gresham as lawyer while a particular esti-
mate would be but the testimony of admiring
friends or vengeful enemies, each equally worth
less. His law practice never, so far as L know
was prominent enough for general estimate
In its early years it was in the little country
village of Corydon, which by the last census had
not 800 inhabitants. In its later years it passed
into the small town of New Albany, which, in