National Republican., 1884-06-21
The Parties in Indiana.

struggle in Hoosierdom. Along with Now
York the state will remain the decisive ele-
meut necessary to democratic success. Hence
regard to the nomination Of strong, popular
state tickets attracts general consideration
among politicians throughout tho country.
So far as the republicans arc concerned this
work has boen done, and we'll Done Every
man on the ticket has personal qualities that
add TO the general strength Of the ticket 1t
is almost sino qua non that the head of an
Indiana state ticket should bo good can
vasser and debatcr, and no ono who has
watched Mr.. CAlkins's career In congress will
doubt his ability to meet all the requirements
of the situation. Nearly every member of
the ticket was . good soldier, several having
carried muskets as "high privates in the rear
rank"
L. r. Shel, the nominee for state treasurer,
served four years as q private, and came
home to win distinction as rarity in the
shape of an ardent, enthusiastic Irish Catholic
republican. For long time he stood alone,
a sort OF political rara avis, but to-day
"Rhody" has the satisfaction of knowing that
Irish republicans are numerous in Indiana,
and that a. o class they have been markedly
recognized in his nomination. Similarly,
Bruce Carr, nominee for auditor of state, 10
exceedingly strong as the special representa-
tive of the powerful army Of school teach ors,
with whom his bright, cordial ways and
unlimited capacity for making friends has
long mado him a special fsyorite without
regard to party affiliations.
In fact, it may truthfully be said that the
republican state convention made its selec-
tions with q rarely sagacious view to meeting
oil currents Of local and class preferences
without failing in any instance to nominate
men Of unimpeachable character. Aside
from the general popularity and fitness Of
Major Calkins, his nomination removes y long
complainod-of grievance in the strong repub-
lican counties Of northern Indiana, in that
for the first time in tho history of tho party
the head OF tho ticket has been taken from
that section of the state
| On tho democratic side considerable do
gree of indecision seems to prevail. 1t is one
of tho features of Indiana politics that, while
the democrats frequently carry the state in
the "oif years." the republicans have always
carried it in presidential compaigns since
1860, except in 1876. In view of this political
record the democrats feel compelled to place
some ono of overshRdowing popularity and
ability at tho head Of their ticket, and, now
ticket is recognized this necessity is more
keenly felt Holman, Gray, Turpio, ant
others of the second rank have boon RELOCATED
to the background in the search for Moses
of greatSr strength. Senator Voorhees, wa
for whilo marked out as tho man to make
the race, but the eloquent senator knows the
value of good thing in hand, and does no
wish to give up his higher position 10 endure
the terrible physical and mental strain aud
uncertain issue Of such contest.
1t has boen announced, however, within
few days past that the democratic problem
has been solved, and that the sought fo
leader has been found In the person OF ex.
Gov. Thomas A. Hendricks. Undoubtedly
. his nomination would DO in measur
D dramatic, for it would give the party in In
t diana chance TO redress in small way tn
1 much bemoaned wrongs done in '76 by heart
D less republicans to tho excellent Messrs
o Tilden and Hendricks. But it is question
7 able II this sentimental consideratio
o would materialize in votes drawn froI
{ sources outside of the party limits.
d There is no evidence in the records of In
: diana politics showing the possession of sue
exceptional popularity by Mr.. Hondriok
l. that the republicans need be in the least dis
l mayed at the prospect Of his nomination
= on the contrary, all tho evidence is to tn
% effect that his strength in Indiana is simpl
's the strength of his party. Conrad Bake
70 easily defeated him for governor in 1868, an
5 respectable, honest gentleman though he wa
v no one would have dreamed of claiming an
b great degree of ability or popularity {,
N Baker, and Hendricks was certainly at IL
= zenith of his state popularity at thu
ID time He boat Gen. Tom Browne fe
g hundred votes in 1872 simply becau
n it was tho latter's misfortune to oher
l. a set of fanatics who ohanoed to be numeror
r enough to render thslr determination to mai
an example of him effective in close contes
1t was this race more than anything else tn
gave Hendricks his reputation for extraord
n. nary popularity, but should not be forgott'
to that another democratic state officer, who
a namo Is now remembered by few, was electC
III at tho same time by greater majority thI
in that awarded Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks
a a mild.mannOrsd, pleasant gentleman,
ks good abilities, somewhat decayed thou
20. through sympathy with worse decay