The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-09
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

It is to be regretted that the Presidents
message is of such formidable length, yet the
citizen who does not read it from beginning
to end will make mistake. While extended,
it goes directly at the core of each topic dis
cussed, and the reader is not left in doubt
about the meaning of the language used.
That it will surprise the public is quite GER
tain, and nobody more than majority of
those who helped elect him. Unless Mr..
Cleveland is dishonest, and is employing
rhetoric and logic to mask his real purpose,
there is precious little comfort in this message
for the Democratic machine man. Candor
compels the admission that the message is
document of business-like directness, couched
in plain but vigorous English.
On the silver question he proclaims his
views at length, nor leaves any doubt of his
meaning on any point. Public interest will
instinctively turn from the President to wit
ness the effect of his words upon that numer-
GUS portion Of his party that has so energetic
any NCAOuOOu Cuc UullmlCcO COIEdSo VI SiAfCA'
A shell exploding in their camp would scarcely
cause greater CONSERVATION, unless they feel
equal to the task of coping with him. The
Presidents stand taken on this question is re-
assuring, and it is quite probable that his
criticism Of the folly Of piling up millions of
unused silver will have the desired effect.
His greatest efforts will have to be directed
against his own party.
The same may be said Of his utterances
upon the question of civil.service reform.
His reafirmaton Of the opinions he has so
often expressed, and in manner that leaves
no doubt Of his sincerity. can but carry dis
may to that large body of Democrats who
have hoped that he would soon relax and ap-
proach the desired "clean sweep" But in
this instance, as in that of the question of the
continued coinage of silver dollars, the Presi-
dents greatest opposition will come from his
own party. On these two points, in particu-
lar, the contest will be to see whether he is
strong enough to drag his party after him to
the high plane they never cared to gain, and
on which they would fear to lose their char
acteristics as Democrats. II the opposition
within the Democratic party could be mar
shaled by an able and aggressive leader, the
fight would be bitter one, with every pros
pect Of fatal schism.
On the tariff question the President takes
ground long occupied by the Republican
party, and utterly at variance with the views
held by very large proportion of his own
party. The Wattersons Morrisons, Hurds
and Carlisles will read this portion of the
message with great impotence, or they will
swallow the convictions which they have pro-
claimed for years, and make the best of it.
The President is opposed to free trade, and
does not hesitate to say So His recommends
ton that the revenue be decreased by reduc
ing the duty on necessaries will awaken a
good deal Of interest among the cane growing
Democrats of Louisiana, who will look with
ill-favor upon any movement that is likely to
make imported sugar cheaper, and therefore,
greater rival to the home production than
it is.
The Presidents recommendations on other
points are, for the most part, in harmony
with public sentiment. The increase of the
navy, the erection of suitable coast defenses,
the maintenance of friendly relations with
foreign powers, the determination of polyga-
my, etc.. will meet with general favor
The document, as whole, if it is to be &C
copied as the candid utterance of an honest
man, is creditable production, but not Dem
ocratic in any of its essential points. If ad-
hered to- there will be music in the camp of
his followers very different from that heard in
the campaign of 1884.