The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-15
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.

Preparations for the Campaign of 1886.
TO the Editor of she Indianapolis Journal:
The Democratic party is again in power, and
I'VE can view with a critics eye coming events as
they pass by.
Will the Democratic pretense Of civil-service
reform.simply illustrate the old motto, ITO the
victors belong the spoilsl7
Will the party which in times passed walked
an friendship with secession, slavery and other
national evils now discard the old dogmas and
show forth by its acts what has so fairly prom
ised-' economy, honesty, purity and reforml'
1t was for still better conditions the people de-
manded 'change" Now, if the Democratic
party can lessen taxation, improve the public
credit, pay to the nations creditors and defend
ers all just debts, protect all citizens by fair and
equal laws, adjust the relations of labor and cap
.ital, and solve all the vexed problems of discon-
tent will be ready to give due credit,
The work of a critic is easy while that OF the
5'reforner' is difficult
The Prohibition party neither in scope nor
spirit has yet formulated any definite law which
would compass permanent cure of intemper-
ance and not violate any OF the lnallenable rights
of the individual
The evil was manifest and in, I trust, con-
,scientions search for political remedy the ex-
itreme votaries of total abstinence have in the
name of temperance assisted the anti sumptuarles
into power. An abstract duty performed in a
rash and impetuous manner often leads to ad
verse concrete results [ do not see how sup
porter of national or State prohibition, while
coolly reasoning upon the effect of keeping
ticket in the field, could do otherwise than de-
sire anti-sumptuary success when voting the
ticket. The issue was plainly defined and the
Prohibition faction chose to be counted on the
other side, and have succeeded to the gratifica
ton Of their leaders. See proclamation of ma
oil
The independent Republicans in narrow and
pharisaica spirit, chose to be respecters of per
sons rather than to champion principles They
inflicted few wounds without the power to heal,
and may sin more.
The stalwarts voted their petty malice and as
sisted to court disaster.
The Greenback party is gradually losing its
power aud Importance, save as fusing political
factor.
The scratchers simply did the bidding Of the
other side and acted as sharp-shooters upon their
own felow-soldiers who on picket duty.
In many personal fight upon candidate a
scratcher flies in the face of every member of the
party whose servant the candidate may be.
The Prohibition, independent Greenback,
scratchers have aided the old champion of seces-
sion, slavery, polygamy, State supremacy and
solid South to seize the helm of what is termed
the confederacy.
A mongrel party of critics will now in turn be
the subject of criticism by the Republicans.
The friends of Republican principles should
perfect self abnegation organize in every pre-
cinct for the campaign of 1886. The time to
commence one campaign is at the close of
smother.
Let us correct past errors, and prepare for the
campaign of 1886
Republican principles are sound, and ought to
be Endorsed by the people. The boilers, scratch
ers and Independents do the party much HARM
and it may be not without cause. would like
to inquiry why9
In conducting our conventions let us ever keep
N view concrete picture of abstract fairness to
AL. Local discussions should be allayed, and
personal ambitions gently curbed. [ believe
this can be done by free, distinct separate Sc
lection of each delegate by ballot and a choice
of candidate arrived at by free, fair majority
ballot of the delegates selected. The inquiry
should not be so much who wants a nomination
as who ought to be nominated. No fair-minded,
sensible level-headed Republican can bolt or
scratch candidate thus selected.
Before the next campaign opens let the mem
bers of the Republican party discuss matters of
form, as well as principle, and good results will
follow Apply little talent and tact to the
matter of organization and nominations, and the
rank and file will say amen.
S, P. THOMPSON.
RENSSELAER,, Ind Nov 13