The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-11
LAW OR LAWLESSNESS,

To be put into perfectly proper frame of
mind for the enjoyment of a Christian Sab
oath, the citizen of indianapolis should first
settle distinctly in his mind that the pending
sontest in municipal affairs demands the ex-
ertion of all his influence in favor Of law and
order and against the domination Of the law
less liquor element in the city administration.
There never was more distinct duty before
svery respectable man than that of using his
almost powers to rebuke the inso-
lent and defiant attempt of the
worst elements Of society to capture the
control of the city government. We desire
to make it as clear as possible, that the con-
test to be decided on Tuesday next is not one
between the Republican and Democratic par
ties, as partisans; but it is simply and solely
struggle between the salutary and democrat
izing influences of society. Look at the facts:
Mr.. Cottrell was appointed police commits
sioner. He was appointed by the officers of
State, after they had made an Intellectual at
man who had resigned because
he could not harmonize his views
with those of Mr. John w. Murphy, who has,
with commendable honor, adhered to his ef-
forts to secure a reasonable enforcement Of
the law regulating the liquor traffic. AS the
successor of Mr.. Frenzel, Mr.. Cottrell soon
improved upon his predecessors career. He
identified himself, in every possible way, with
the interests of the awdefying saloons. He
their duty, and turned the Police Board
room into a bear-garden, attempting to
bully and drive Mr.. Murphy into
resignation. 1t is not too much to say that
Mr.. Cottrell disgraced his Office as no similar
Office has ever been disgraced in the history
Of indianapolis. When the disgrace was the
deepest, and when feeling was the most pro-
found, Mr.. Cottrell began his canvass for the
nayoralty nomination. He was especially
the favorite of the law breakers and the bum
.ners. ''Sim" Coy and Sam" Dinnin, and their
like, were his hackers. Respectable Democrats
made the best fight they could against the
deep damnation of prostituting their party to
the behests of the characterless and lawless
gang. Hon. Cas-. Byfeld and Mr.. Gabriel
SShmuck, honorable men and law-abiding
citizens, consented to become candidates in
the hope of stemming the tide Of 'Cottrell-
ism." But in vain. The current ran too
strong for them, and Mr.. Cottrell became the
nominal candidate of the Democratic party,
really the candidate of the saloon-keepers and
the worst classes, who, under the lead of men
like, .'Sim" Coy. had captured the convention.
Every man in Indianapolis knows this to 10
true statement of the facts regarding Mr.
Cottrells nomination. He was made candi-
date expressly to defy the sentiment in favor Of
men. His candidacy has no other meaning.
1t is not Democratic, it is exclusively and
entirely saloonocratic. No Democrat violates
his party fealty in voting against him, for
the party lines are not drawn. and Mr. Caleb
s. Denny, who is opposed to Mr. Cottrell, was
nominated upon platform which distinctly
disaVows partisanship, but asks the co-opera-
ton and support of all citizens who favor the
enforcement of law and the overthrow of the
domination of the Liquor League in the
politics of the city and State.
Who is there who will not be glad if such
domination is overthrown by the result of
next Tuesdays electionf What man of re-
spectability and ordinary decency but