The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-01
Of the temperance problem 1t only adver-
tises the writer's inability to consider the
question candidly and fairly.

HE day and the occasion estaolisn more
than ever before the peoples high estimate of
a popular government and its official repre-
sentatives. There is more in to-day's demon
STATIONS than mere respect for the memory of
Mr.. Hendricks as a man. It is no disparage-
ment of his character to say that, had he died
two years ago, or at any other time than
while occupying the second Office in the
Nation, his demise would not have been
awarded anything'ike the great and patriotic
tribute so generously and SO spontaneously
poured out in his honor. He was
a distinguished citizen even before
his election to the Vice-presidency,
but that would not have been sufficient to
have halted the entire American people
even for an hour to contemplate his death.
For Mr.. Hendricks personally, hundreds and
thousands mourn his loss as the loss of a
friend. For him as a statesman it may be
that even thousands or tens of thousands
would very deeply regret his sudden death.
But for him as Vice-president, one of the few
near the center and head Of the organic af-
fairs of this country, it has been demonstrated
that millions are quick to feel and to express
the profoundest interest and sympathy. l. is
inspiriting to feel on this day that the Ameri-
can people are patriotic; that they love their
country far above all partisan prejudice, and
that when one of it's chosen men falls the eff
feet is felt all over the land.
He is a dull observer who does not see in
all this very much more than a personal trib-
ute. That is simply one flower in the grand
and beautiful bouquet Of hearty patriotism.
The people everywhere realize that there is
more in the death of Hendricks, Vice-presi-
dent, than Of Hendricks as a private citizen,
or even as a member of the Senate. The
people may not all be conscious of it; but dur
ing demonstration of the fact that they regard
the President and Vice-president as more, by
virtue of their exalted position, than mere
men who could as easily be spared as any
other men. 1t would, indeed, be folly to say
that the death of either or both
would endanger the integrity of the
government, for it certainly would
not. The display Of feeling over the sudden
death of Mr.. Hendricks goes to establish more
firmly than ever that the people are welded
to the government and glad to honor and
cherish its visible head. 1t was this scnti-
ment that so promptly moved the people to
ask that the President would not needlessly
expose himself by risking a long and hurried
journey to attend the funeral of his no less
illustrious colleague. The millions who
worked against and voted against the election
OF the present administration have demon
strated that they regard it as the visible ex-
ponent of the government Of all the people,
and as such to be shielded against alleanger,
real or imagined.
So, while the people this day attend in sor-
row upon the sad duty of giving sepulture to
the body of their Vice-president, there is
enough in the feeling displayed over his loss
to give renewed assurance to the confidence
that the people are loyal and patriotic, and
that this Nation shall abide through all the
shocks and rancor Of partisan campaigns, aud
ride over all ordinary vicissitudes incident to
a government made up from atoms Of mortal
ity. May the lesson of this hour go before
the American people, a pillar of cloud in days
of peace, of fire in hours Of doubt, to guide
all i'll paths of wisdom and ways of unbounded
charity and good will.