The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-04
ANTE-ELECT1oN VIEWS.
What Governor Cleveland Told Reporter
More Than Year Ago. n,

What Governor Cleveland Told Reporter
More Than a Year Ago. ~
Letter in New York World.
One year ago last September visited Albany
for the purpose of gathering material to write
sketch of Mr.. Cleveland as possible presiden-
tial candidate He received me with good
natured smile of amusement when he
learned that l had come from Washing
ton for the sole purpose of writing a
sketch of him. He appeared to regard
the whole thing ecceLtricity of an over
enterprising newspaper. He said it was the first
time that any one had visited him for the pur-
pose of writing him up as presidential candi-
date. You sometimes get a very good test of a
mans character by calling upon him for the
purpose of gathering material for biography.
An extremely vain man generally assumes an
air of great modesty, and processes great de-
sire to avoid the notoriety attendant upon the
publication of such a sketch. Mr.. Cleveland
considered the proposition in very simple, mat
ter-offact way. He answered all of my ques
tions with frankness not generally met with
among possible presidential candidates. This
was all the more exceptional because it was un-
derstood that what he said was for publication
After answering general questions he referred
me, at the closesof the conversation, TO his pri-
vate secretary, Col Lamont. for the details of
his personal history. In looking over the report
of the conversation had with Gov Cleveland
at that time, ten months before he was nom
mated, find that what he said is thoroughly in
accord with his public utterances during the
campaign and since the election
In answer to the question of what he thought
would be the issue between the parties in the
next camprign, he said: ''The question of an
honest administration of public affairs. The re-
duction of public business transactions to the
simple common sense of every day lfe be-
fha onln }bafn in nriv "a
business should be made to apply to public bust
ness. This involves the cutting off of all need
less extravaganza and the employment of the
best men possible. have tried the experiment.
in the administration of the Office Of Governor,
and although have at times come in pretty act
i've conflict with some of the leading politicians
yet believe am generally sustained by the
people throughout the State"
In further explanation of his views in answer
to the question: "Would you then retain Repub-
licans in office where they have performed faith
fnl servicel" he said: Certainly, do not be-
lieve in turning out good nen because their
views may differ from mine. Why, the best proof
of my belief in this is to have you look at the
records in the State offices here. There are Re-
pubcans Immediately about me who were ap-
pointd by Cornell, my predecessor. The Adju-
tant- generals office is full of Republicans, but
they are all good clerks, trained and efficient.
Why should turn them outl'
Here is a question and answer that may inter-
est some of the party workers. @ What did
you say to the mon who worked hard for your
election, when they came to ask for the usual
rewards for party servicesF A. II have very
little of that sort of thing TO bother me- My
nomination came to me In such way that am
under no obligations to any of the so-caed
party leaders. By some of them am called the
accidental Governor. / try to serve the true
interests of my party, and in so doing ! may be
obliged at times to ignore the pressing claims of
individuals There were great many vaean.
cies to fill when came in. This gave mo n
chance to make many new appointments