The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-18
A TALK WITH HENDRICKS.
Ihere Are Differences Between Himself and
the President, but They Are Not Serious.

A TALK WITH HENDRICKS.
There Are Differences Between Himself and
the President, but They Are Not Serious.
"aukesha tWis.) Special to New York sun
This evening a representative of the Sun
called upon Vicepresident Hendricks who 10
spending few days at the Fountain Springs
hOtei' TOT the purpose of obtaining his views
reiatlve TO the conduct of national affairs but
inore especially regarding recent Washington
olspatcn TO the Philadelphia Times. which i'm
puteo 10 MN sentiments that threatened the
unity OF the Democratic party land would nre-
cpltate a conflict between the President and n
c con portion OF his party in Congress
The dispatch. in brief. alleged that there isB
scheme on foot to widen the breach that ia
presumed to exist between the President and
Vicepresident relative to the disposition of tha
federal offices; that Mr. Hendricks was openly.
as we'll as in private, at war with the President:
that Mr.. Hendricks takes no stock in civil-serv-
ice reform as represented by Mr.. Cleveland
and does not conceal his contempt for
the general policy of the administration;
that there is already on foot an organized move
ment among the Democratic senators and mem
bers of the House of Representatives, with tho
purpose of antagonizing President Cleveland.
and that these malcontents firdin Vlcepresident
Hendricks a powerful and earnest ally. Mr.
Hendricks listened to the reading of the article.
and replied to its charges substantially as fol-
lows:
The charge that ] am not on terms of per-
sonal friendship with the President is pure
hcton, the idle gossip of irresponsible CORE
spondents. AS to our political relations there
may be some differences, but only such as may
exist between equally sincere men striving for
the same end AS to the charge that am
openly or secretly concerned in a movement
having for its purpose the antagonizing of the
Presidents policy, nothing could be more fc-
ttious. | know Of no such organization, have
heard of none, and do not believe any such ex-
lists"
but you do not agree entirely with the Presi-
dent in regard to his construction Of The civil
service law as to the distribution of oficesl
That fact is generally accepted throughout the
country?'
We'll" replied Mr.. Hendricks, 'there are
points OF difference between us, but not such
difference as would warrant the statements you
have read. / havesnot been in Washington for
several months, and have only seen the Presi-
dent once of late, at General Grants funeral
from which have just returned, nor have had
any communications with senators or represent
atives that would afford opportunity for such a
combination as that to which reference is made"
May ask what you regard as the proper
policy for the administration to pursue"
II am a Democrat" said Mr. Hendricks, with
emphasis. II believe the Democratic party ia
right, and believing this, want to do what T
may to promote its progress and subserve its
ends l believe the welfare Of the people will
be promoted by the continuance of the party in
power"
But in the event of serious disagreement
between yourself and the President, where would
you be foundp
That is not the question we are discussing.
It shall be my aim to preserve the unity and
harmony of the Democratic party That is the
first consideration. 1t is essential to success and
to the maintenance of democratic institutions.
That is the duty of every citizen, and shall do
my part"
But might not circumstances arise which
would precipitate radical disagreement between
the President and yourself|
Il have nothing to say about that. l can only
reassert that shall strive to secure harmony
and unity in the Democratic party"
In response to series of inquiries Mr.. Hen
bricks said: You may place at rest the silly
and irresponsible rumcrs of a conspiracy against
the administration in which l have a part. 4
know absolutely nothing Of them" Further he
said that some differences Of opinion exist be-
tween himself and the President, such differ
ences as may be reasonably expected to- exist
between men Of independent views, but not such
as must result in disturbance of the harmony
of the party to which they may belong. Such
construction of the differences was wholly I'M
warranted by the facts.
Referring to the ado about the Indianapolis
postofice, Mr.. Hendricks sad 'The talk over
the affair is absurd The truth of the matter ia
simply this: After Mr.. Jones was appointed
through my influence he employed such subor-
dinates as he saw fit, without any solicitation or
suggestion from me. In fact, from the date OF
his appointment UP to two days ago have been
L
some postage stamps ! know Mr. Jones to be
an honest and honorable man, who will admins
ter the affairs Of the Office efficiently honestly,
and according to law. From what knew OF
his character, was prepared for the report Of
the examining committee generating him FROM
blame"
A desultory conversation ensued in which MIR
Hendricks took pains to assert that he had not
undertaken to criticise Mr.. Clevelands policy in
any respect. He occupied, he said subordinate
nd nt for fhaf
might be committed by the President. He had
his own private views, but they were his own,
and he did not propose to discuss them through
the newspapers, for neither the public nor the
newspapers had a right to them. He spoke Of
Mr.. Cleveland as man anxious to obey the law
as he foundit.
When asked his views on the civil-servce
rules he refused to commit himself. saying SIM
ply that they are part of the law. but he was
not called upon to discuss them. Mr.. Hendricks
did not deny that he differed materially from
Mr.. Cleveland matters Of governmental
policy, but freely admitted the fact. while
refusing to specify any instances of such disa-
greement. He appeared throughout like man
conscious of being right in his opinions, and
willing to wait for vindication Of their correct
ness. Though loath at first to speak upon the
somewhat delicate subject of the interview, Mr..
Hendricks manifested little reserve in asserting
his right to his opinions but was careful to avoid
by either word or tone Of voice, anything that
would imply disrespect or criticism of the Presi-
dent He was content with the admission OF
political disagreement. but not of snch serious
nature as had been represented Much had been
said in the newspapers about his relations with
the President, but little of it had the essential
basis Of fact. 1t was, for the most part, idle
gossip, originating in the brains of those who
would like to see the Democratic party divided
and weakened-a result that was happily far
distant.
MIR. Blaine Never Puryey0r of Offices.
Boston Journal.