The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-27
TIE yICE-PRESIDENT.
Mr.. Hendricks Unable to Adjust Himself to
the Obscurity of His Position.

Mr. Hendricks Unable to Adjust Himself to
the Obscurity of His Position.
Washington Letter in Philadelphia Times.
There has been n great deal of talk about tho
strained relations existing between the Presi-
dent and Vice-president The fact that Mr..
Hendricks has lot figured prominently in the
distribution of patronage is regarded as an in3
dication that the President is not on the best
terms with his second on the ticket There
seems to be no grounds for this conclusion.
The Vice president has had the delicacy to keep
in the background in all matters concerning ap.
pointments, except in his own State. where,
like any other Democrat, he can with pro-
priety urge the selection of this or that
applicant The appointment of his candi-
date to the postmastership of Indianapolis,
notwithstanding the active opposition of
many leading Democrats, proves that he
has his due share of influence with the
administration and will have as much power
in matters of this kind as usually falls to the
lot of Vicepresident. There is certainly
nothing like personal friendship between the
first two men in the Republic, nor will there ever
be- for no two men could be more unlike in nri-
vate habits and public views. Still tne cordiality
which should exist between inen in their posi-
lions Is uHurOkeu, anu all Tue thlk OF INC hepuD-
lican organs about strained relations and snub-
bing the Vice president is only imaginative bbsh.
Mr., Hendricks chief source of trouble just now
is his inability to discover what the Office of
Vicepresident was instituted for His prede-
cessors found.the same difficulty. Mr.. Wheeler
solved the problem TO his own satisfaction by
concluding that it was established for the pur-
pose of training antiquated statesmen to handle
the fshing-rod skillfully. Arthur was falling
into the same opinion and becoming devoted
disciple of Izaak Walton. when his accession to
the presidency saved Gim from Wheelers fate.
Mr.. Hendricks has higher aspirations, and hopes
to find a nobler work for the Office. That he has
not been successful so far is evident
his face as he wanders about the lobby
at Willards. Here he can be seen nearly every
night moving about restlessly, as if he were ex-
pecting some one. or didn't just know what 70
do with himself. The truth is that he cannot
bring himself to sink into the obscurity which
becomes his position. Ho has been for tho last
twenty or thirty years accustomed to the OBJ
sequiousness and hattery which attend the
career OF men with influence and fayors to be-
stow, and now he finds himself a nonentity.
Office seekers have no use for man who has
nothing to give. and whose influence with the
head Of the government is quoted below par.
Rising politicians can see profit in cultivating
the favor of an official whose very Office is q
political grave Even the interviewer passes the
yiee.president by with scarcely glance, know
ing that his OPINIONS arc no longer Of interest to
the public.
Mr.. Hendricks feels all this deeply. and no
doubt wishes that he were in less elevated,
though more substantial Office. / am quite sure
t.tat be would at any time exchange his prAsAnt