The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-26
THE QUESTION AT ISSUE.


The action Of the Nationals of this city in
putting up a city ticket, and formulating a
platform of principles, though it can scarcely
affect the result was, we think, very foolish
thing. Their platform, with the exception of
two paragraphs, has no more to do with the
questions at stake in the approaching election
than would have discussion of the inspira-
ton of the Zendavesta. When man employs
another to build cistern he doesn't care any
thing about his views on foreordination
nor whether he can play lawn tennis.
The same is true about the selection
Of man for mayor and of men who make the
laws of Indianapolis The men elected will
have no more to do with regulating the mat
ters set forth in the National platform, with
the two exceptions noted, than will any pri-
vate citizen. 1t is not pertinent to here dis
cuss the the questions touched upon by these
gentlemen. They may or may not be the
best that could be undertaken and maintained
by the general government. They are not up
for discussion, and even should every voter in
Indianapolis favor their adoption they would
not be advanced by voting that way in this
election. 1t were matter Of small Importance
usually; but it is to be presumed that the
thirty men who constitute the National party
are good citizens, and anxious to promote the
vital, moral and business interests of the city
There is so much at stake in the election now
near at hand that no one should be distracted
from his duty by irrelevant questions. The
difference between the two tickets that must
receive principal support is radical One is
the exponent of lawlessness, and of such as
desire to escape their just share of the burden
of taxation. The other antagonizes
these ideas, and insists on the
saloons submitting to reasonable tax
alton and obeying the laws Men who
have the courage to break away from old
parties to found another should have like
courage to come boldly out in favor of such
principles as strike Immediately at their we'll
being The Nationals and all other good
citizens who believe in the impartial enforce
ment of law and the equal distribution of
taxation, should be quick to condemn by their
votes the attempt to subvert law and to per-
petuate the injustice of compelling one portion
of citizens to pay taxes caused by the peculiar
business of another. There is an opportunity
- AZ III
the one pledged to good government and the
impartial enforcement of the laws and the
other as unequivocs lily pledged to render them
nugatory. 1t is an issue squarely drawn be-
tween arrogant and aggressive lawlessness and
a decent enforcement of legal enactments
upon all alike One Of these tickets will be
elected. There is not man in Indianapolis
but knows that Mr. Cottrell, the champion of
lawlessness, or Mr.. Denny, pledged to enforce
the laws in their spirit, will be elected. It is
the same with the nominees for councimen
and aldermen. The legislative bodies of the
city will be composed of men belonging
to these parties. The Republican party, con-
fident in the knowledge that it represents the
best interests of the city, calls upon all law
abiding citizens to come to its aid, without
regard to partisan bias. Questions of national
import should not be allowed to interfere with
the present business of providing good gov
eminent for this city for the next two years.
The defeat of the Republican nominees would