The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-04

In upon them" When these things are published,
the reader notes them with sense OF Ian
guild amusement, as the vagares Of spois-lov-
ing, patronage-giving, plunder-seeking old Dem
ocrat But how often does it occur to thought
full observer that but single life stands be-
tween this embodiment of rankest Bourbon
Democracy and the presidency of tho United
Statesl Yet that is the fact BY the deliberate
choice of the Democratic national convention,
and by the favor Of the mugwump allies of the
Democracy, Mr.. Hendricks is Vice president,
and the death or disability Of his superior would
transform him, IN !. moment, from much
iausned-at and meddlesome person, with an ex-
aageratet sense of his own Importance into as
active an agent Of Generalization and evil as
ever sat in the Presidents chair
Ihis Is rather solemnizing thought The
consideration of it emphasizes the Importance to
the country of President Clevelands life. When
we hear that the President is making long days,
is carrying the work Of the day into the night,
and is diminishing his usual amount Of daily ex-
ercise, we reflect upon the consequences of any
possible breakdown in his health. The pressure
upon the President is peculiarly severe. He has
to meet the exactions of party which has been
for twenty-four years deprived of opportunity
for official patronage. He comes to the duties
OF his Office embarrassed by lack of
acquaintance with public men, and an
imperfect familiarity with national ques.
further by the very conflicting expecta-
tions which are entertained of him. Under
these circumstances it would not be singular if
he should yield to the first temptation of mex
perience, that of attempting an impossible mas
terry of details. Flooding and phlegmatic
though he be by nature, the strongest constitu-
ton would succumb under such a pressure un-
less reasonable caution were exercised.
We scarcely need to say that we regard the
return OF the Democratic party to power as a
misfortune 1t is that with Mr.. Cleveland in
the presidency. 1t would be that even if he
were both able and willing to meet all the ex-
pectations of his most sanguine mugwump sup
porters But with Mr.. Hendricks in Mr.. Cleve-
lands place the last barrier to the triumph of
the worst and most INSCRIPTIONS elements in
the Democratic party would be gone. Mr.. Hen
bricks would personate and embody those ele-
ments. The consequence would be such shak-
ing of public confidence, such weakening of
the national credit, such confusion and compli-
cation in the public business that the transfer of
authority would assume the proportions of a
national disaster. From partisan point Of view
these results might be accepted with satisfaction,
for they would certainly induce such reaction
as to drive the Democracy from power at the
first opportunity. But there is something at
stake in the national welfare and good name
which transcends party considerations. We
shall exercise the right of protest and criticism
when Mr. Cleveland makes grave mistakes. or
when his acts are in conflict with his promises.
But we yield to no one in the estimate which we
place upon the value of his life, and hope that
his friends will be urgent in their circumstances
when they detect in him the signs of overwork.