The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-20
The Voorhees, Shanklin Controversy.

10 the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal.
In the Enquirer of Nov. Is is a gushing letter
written, for publication, by Hon. d. w. Voor-
bees, one OF 1ndiana's honored, yet 1 regret to
say. for the credit of State, not very honorable
repre- sentatives in the United States Senate
This letter seems to have been provoked-for
there is an ugly vein of manifest ill-temper run
ming through its entire length-by some recent
structures published as editorial in the Evansville
Courier. While we do not indorse the Evans
vile paper in its position regarding Hendricks
and Mcdonald it is the public judgment that it's
point favoring the retirement of Senator Voor-
hees from public life is worthy of popular con-
sideration and action. In his letter, Voorhees,
| says: 'Ingratitude to friends is not among my
faults" To one who has heard him curse
Hendricks behind his back, in the bitterness of
his heart this language sounds strange, and yet
stranger still when consider his broken
promises and bad faith toward a
worthy of his friend and benefactor, ex-Gov-
ernor Willard, who outlined his speech for him
at Harpers Ferry and gave him his first notoriety
in this breathing world" But louder than the
hypocrisy of the Pharisee's yell upon the street
corner does that sentence become, when you
know the number of positive promises he has
made to different men seeking the same Office
and then at last making choice of some of the
most immoral and unworthy of them ALL No re-
gard for the public service; concern for the
good of the State; no anxiety for the peoples
welfare. All for Voorhees, and those that will
do his mental bidding and dirty work Out of
his own mouth, in this letter, he condemns him
self as an unworthy public servant He says
1.-The Shanklins are base metal, counterfeit coin,
false presentments of gentlemen" Voorhees,.
l believe in 1878, was candidate for United
States Senator; Gilbert Shanklin the same year,
was a candidate for Secretary of State
they worked together and canvassed
the State in each others interest that
year; were we'll acquainted with each
other personally, and each knew well the others
habits and character. Yet, Voorhees, tells the
people Of Indiana, in his letter, that he
cated with the Shanklins many weeks in Wash
ington last spring and summer-bestowed upon
them more personal courteses, gave them more of
his time and labor than any other two men who
had ever been there from Indiana: that be did so
cheerfully and in no stinted way; that they had
the confidence of my his political thoughts,
methods and purposes; that they were familiar
with all his ways that he earnestly and warmly
recommended Mr.. Gilbert Shanklin in person
and by letter to 60 to Switzerland in official
capacity" Now, in open lett r, he publishes
his own shame, treachery and perfdy to his con
stituents by telling them that these men
for whom he did so much "are base metal
counterfeit coin, false presentnents of gentle
men," Great God! can self abasement
and self-stultifying further 60 Honor and
honesty where have we fed2 1t may be to
british beasts. Senator Voorhees, unwittingly
confesses in the foregoing what he is now being
generally charged with all over the State. Muir
der and sin will out. He has heen forcing upon
the people too much base metal, counterfeit,
coin. ETC., in his appointments to Office, and
hence the growing demand that he shall be
tired to private life as one weighed in the bal
ance and found wanting"
Again, the verbose Senator says: "Those who
think they can destroy his name and reputation
for fidelity to party, principles and friends, will
not find it an idle work" Alas! Give
moment please, to breathe easier. His fidelity
to friends has become a by-word a Kissing,
reproach and scorn to his name and fame all
over Indiana. His fidelity to party and princi-
pies has been long established by his acrobatc
feats in the Greeley campaign, in 1872; his
Atlanta tariff speech, and his position since
on that question; his salary-grab; his
position and feelings toward all soldiers dur
ing the war, and his wonderful kindness and fa
vortism towards the same class in ''these piping
times of peace"-hs position a few years ago
on the money question and his position now. That
he never was a safe leader is known of all men,
His head always was filled with vagaries and
went whoring after the worship of strange po-
ltical gods. 1t has always been perplexing to
others to apologize for his blunders and hold
him steady by the tail in his party. Fidelity is
not in your vocabulary, sir. Exit Voorhees,.
A DEMOCRAT.
CLAY COUNTY, Nov. 13, A. D., 1885,