St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-08-19
M'D0NALD'S VIEWS.
The Hoosier Democrat Indorses Cleveland
Wise Rule, and Declares for Civil
Service Reform.
Postmaster General Villas, Attended by a
Prominent Physician, Reported to
be Seriously III.
A Jeffersonian Club Working UP
Charges of Offensive Partfsanship
Against Clerks.
SAhce-Seekers Still Knocking at the
Department Doors--TarinT Talk
--Indfan Troubles.
An Indiana Statesman Talks.

An Indiana Statesman Talks.
Special to the Globe.
CHICAGO. Aug. 1S.-The Hon. Joseph
E. Mcdonald of Indiana was found by
DAILY GLOBE reporter in one of the Pal
ner house parlors this morning. The rug
red ex-senator from the Hoosier state said
ie was not enjoying pleasure trip, but
,ere on business, and that his health was
good.
''How are political affairs in your state,
Ienator?" he was asked.
''Very quiet at present. There is no
movement to attract attention. suppose
because there is no occasion for any. We
lave no election until next year. Mr.. Hen
Sricks was here a week ago and he thought
come of the politicians were beginning
90 move early in the preliminarieS bearing
OH the next election for United States sena-
tor. Have you observed any such move
ment?" Il have been away from home
good deal of late, and if any such move
mentS have taken place l am unaware of
them. 1t is too early to move in the sena-
torShip. We have got to re-elect a majority
In the Legislature year from November be-
fore anybOdy's chances become more than
4 DISTANT POSSIBILITY.
''I do not see how anymOve of consequence
tiOns come on"
''IIow are the Indiana Democrats salts
fed with the attitude and policy of the ad-
ministratiOn of President Cleveland?"
LAS near as l can Judge they admire the
presidents firm attitude and consider him a
sincere man in all that he undertakes. AS
for any well-deiined policy, putting the adj
ministratiOn on record in given political
direction, four months is barely time
enough in which to outline such policy, to
say nothing of introducing it. This has got
to be so big q country that big reforms or
general changes are unWieldly things to
handle, and they take good deal of time.
/ have great admiration for bIr. Cleveland
end believe him to be honest and well-in-
tentioned in the conduct of his administra-
ton. There will always be disappointed
men, and any executive will meet with op-
position"
CIVIT SERVICE REFORM.
''DO you believe, senator, that civil serv-
ice reform has become political fXture?"
''Yes. think it has come to stay. 1t is
a good thing. There is no reason why any
purely ministerial officer should be removed
every time an administration changes The
principle OF civil service reforms meets
with the appreciation of good citizens.
There may be efforts to make it a political
issue, but it is now so far advanced as to
be almost beyond this. The feasibility of
the system is another matter. Our present
rules are capable of vast improve
ment. Under any system, however. the
tendency would be for a party long in
power to absorb the offices. We can see
how it is done under the present rules.
1t works from the foundation up through
every stage. For instance when the Demo-
cratic party is in power the vast majority of
applicants for examination are Democratic
and a large percentage Of Democrats are
consequently selected. If any favoritism
is shown by local boards of examiners they
would naturally favor applicants of their
own political faith"
''It was stated SENATOR shat in speech
prior to his election Mr.. Cleveland said
that if elected he would not be a candidate
for reelection. Do you think he will stand
by it?"
81 do not recOllect what the record
was. 1t is a long time until 1883. The
people generally settle such questions them
selves. They have a way of doing it, and
one mans views or inclinatiOns cut no fig
ure. He is compelled to bow to the popu-
lar Will"
Are your relations with the present adj
mmistration of friendly character?"
Il was very agreeably treated while in
Washington"
at has been stated from time to time
that your relations with Mr.. Hendricks
were not Of the most friendly character.
and that some division exists among your
friends in Indiana"
THAT is matter do not care to discuss.
[ think the Democrats of Indiana are in a
fairly healthy condition"