The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-07
PUBLIC coNFInENoE REou1s1

n.
At no period of the present generation
have productive industries been so depressed
as in the recent past. At no other time
within the generation have the producing
classes, whether of the field or shop, been
compelled 10 accept the small reward for
their labor.
The 500, eco coo bushels of wheat compris-
ing the crop OF 1884 commands less by
$4,000. COO than was received for the 42O 00O-
600 bushels produced in 1888. The corn crop
of 1854, aggregsting 500, 600, 900 bushels
does not sell Tor within 100000 Of the
price realized for the 1883 crop of 100000
Geo bushels. On these two products alone
there has been a shrinksge of 500, 100000 in
selling value within a year.
Indiana is in the foremost rank of cereal
producing States. Indiana farmers who are
represented BY our present Legislature are
losers by this reduction on two grains alone
Of at least 50 100000. These extraordinarily
low prices scarcely, however, illustrate
what has been the aggregate shrinkage in
values of the full products of producing
abOr
TWAS dissatisfaction with this condition OF
unrequited labor which largely contributed
to the late political revolution in the Nation,
and it was a potent factor in returning the
unparalleled large Democratic majority to
the present Legislature.
The determination Of the General Assem-
bly, to provide for the completion and con-
duct of the additional asy lums for the in
sane, together with other commanding calls
for appropriations, imposes upon this Demo-
cratic majority the necessity of laying upon
the already sorely pressed taxpayers the
heaviest tax assessment (on State account)
they have bad laid upon them in almost an
age and at time of inability TO pay such as
the people have never experienced. This
does not present. we submit, the most 1atter-
ing prospect for satisfying and holding the
people to their late judgment at the polls.
To say the least of the situation, it calls for
the exercise of the most delicate discretion
and the most sober judgment on the part of
the responsible majority. An untoward
blunder, whether of commission or omission,
by our Democratic representatives, would
be nothing less than a crime against the
lately triumphant Democracy of the
State. Already are Republicans attuning
their voices for proclaiming Behold the
fruits ofDemocratic victory-the largest Dem.
ocratic majority of record-followed by the
heaviest taxation of record. By their fruits
ye shall know them,' ETC., etc.
We would not, however, have the Demo
cratic majority in the slightest degree shirk
any responsibility demanded by the humane
measures in progress for the Providentially
afflicted In the State. A straightforward,
manly performance of duty in the premises
is the only course worthy of the traditions
of the party. If only the taxpayer is salts
fed that he is paying for the promotion of
these divine charities, and that what he paws
will be safely preserved aud faithfully dis
tributed to these purposes, he will not re-
pine over his contribution.
But we would urge upon the Democratic
majority in the Legislature aud upon our
Democratic administration the paramount
need OF sllaying whatever spprehensions
recent agitations may have aroused among
any part OF the people. We would respect
fully urge that nothing be left undone which
may assure sxpayeIs that the large sums of
money to be raised will be absolutely safe,
so that every dollar shall go to the uses for
which il is intended. Public confidence on
these matters is our strongest assurance of
being able to maintain the majority we have
secured.