The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-08
VICE-PRESIDENT HENDRICKS,


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VICE-PRESIDENT HENDRICKS.
He Talks Upon Various Topics Concerning
the administrations Coming Elections.
Chicago Inter-
Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice president of the
United States, was in Chicago few hours yes
| terday stopping at the Palmer House. He has
| been a trip around the Lake Superior region
| arriving here from Duluth yesterday morning
He left Chicago at $3.50 o'clock in the afternoon
for New York, where he goes to attend the fu-
| neral of General Grant. Mr.. Hendricks was
| interviewed by reporter on variety of topics
| of national interest.
| "What is your opinion Of the coming elections
| in New York. Virginia. and OhioW
| I'm New York, although l have not taken
| that interest in the condition of affairs there
| that did during the presidential campaign last
| fall, am led from such advices as can get to
| think that the election will be close The Tam
many faction are said to feel aggrieved over GER
tain New York appointments, and the Demo
cratic party as whole in the State are far from
harmonious. and have been i'll that condition for
some time"
"Wi the result whatever it may be,sbe con-
sdered as an Endorsement or rebuke of the ad.
nnistration9"
The cepresident's answer was, eyes, I
think it will"
Mr. Hendricks explained his equivocal reply
by saying that the defeat of the Democracy in
New York this fall would be considered as a
rebuke to the administration, and a victory for
the party would be considered as an indorse-
ment of it.
''As to Virginia" went on Mr. Hendricks, II
afraid the election in that State will be close
The old issue over the State debt will cut con-
siderable of figure in the campaign. The
| Readjusters are still power, and readjust-
| ment of the debt is considered by some as o
reputation, or at least the easiest way of paying
| a debt. However, this may be, the issue has to
| be met, and it cannot be otherwise than dis
turbing element, and one that will mar the solid
ranks of both parties"
"As to Ohio?"
The Vice-president smiled. and, after a mo-
ment's reflection, said: well, don't know as
ought to say it in an interview, but Ohio will
so Republican Ohio is Republican State. OF
course, am not sure about this, but give it as
my impression | hope the pending constitu-
tional amendment will carry. and Ohio will be
no longer an October State We,have abolished
it in Indiana, and it has been found beneficial
step On this point believe it would be wise to
lessen the time for conducting a national cam
paign. The nominating convention should be
nearer the time for holding the election. Six
weeks is long enough to do campaign work in;
that is, about the period resorted to in England.
Congress has the power to bring about this
change, and l think something Of the kind will
be done"
what do you think of Attorney general Gar
lands opinion concerning the government con-
tracts with John Roachl'
II would not like to pass judgment upon that
opinion as to it's correctness in conformity with
law, because | have not examined. certainly not
studied it. There is no doubt in my mind that
Mr.. Roach should be held liable to perform his
work in accordance with the terms of his con-
tract. You have called my attention to the
reports that the decision in question has been
the means of Gripping industry, throwing
thousands OF men out of employment, aud that
this will be made a political issue, and one that
will injure the administration Very we'll. liz
this be true. then the people lose sight of the
| e
help along the party the government should be
lax in holding its servants to rigid accountable
itv in their performances Of duty"
"What are your views upon the Presidents
order removing the cattle men from Indian
lands?'
II believe that the Indians have no right to
lease their lands. The cattle owners have no
right on any land other than that which they
own. If cattle owner has more stock than he
owns land to put it on for grazing purposes that
is his misfortune. Indian lands not set aside
for the use or cattle-growers. and the Presdents
order was we'll timed"
Civilservce reform was then touched upon,
and Mr.. Hendricks remarked smilingly, II am
told the IroquOis Club approved of Clevelands
course, but did not indorse civil-service reform.
Such policy was built up by the Republicans in
order to build a hedge around their offceholders
so thatthey could not get out, and when reform is
really set in motion they protest and say that
1t IS all wrong. / believe in that civil-serv
reform which gives to the heads of bureaus in
the different departments of the government the
right to employ mon whom they believe to be
competent to do the work. If they believe a
man is good copyist they should have the
right to set him at such work, and when they
desire good accountant, give them liberty to
select such one"
"You have noticed the report of the Civil
service Commission upon the charges against
Aquia Jones?'
Eyes, | have just been reading the report Mr.
Jones is a very good man / am much gratifed
at the Endorsement the commission has given
him, for it sets at rest great deal of ill-feeng
for which there never has been any cause"
The Flce-presldent then INDUCED ip some
"reminiscences while in the Senate during the
war, abiding to Conkling's entrance into the
Senate, and remarked: II don't care about his
quarrel with his party. like ConkIing; he is
great man"
Mr.. Hendricks paid high tribute to Grant1
lie regarded him as the greatest man OF his tnes
great as soldier and a statesman. equal 10 the
highest responsibility. His terse sayings were
full of wisdom. His book and magazine articles
would be considered authorities on the subjects
treated of, and their value would be lncalculable.
IL was with deep sorrow that he heard OF the
Generals DEATH and ne abandoned his proposed
visit to the Northwest in order TO join the dem
onstration of a. event over which the Nation
wept
Speaking of the reports to the effect that he
would retire from public iife at the close of his
term as Vice president, Mr.. Hendricks said he
had no desire to hold office again, but he was a
Democrat and would never cease - take an
interest in and work for the Democrats party,
for he loved Democracy and intended to shout
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