The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-14
A REPUBLICAN TRIUMPH.

The reelection of John Sherman to the
United States Senate was a signal and most
gratifying victory Of right over wrong, of an
open, manly fight over fraud and conspiracy.
All fair-minded men must admit that John
Sherman, while among the ablest, is one of
the purest men in American politics. His
public and private record is without flaw.
National politics must ever stand in need of
just such men to assist in shaping and direct
ing public affairs. A man of decided convic-
tons, his conspicuous abilities have enabled
him to do i~ncalculable good throughout his
long experience as a national legislator. In
whatever capacity he has served he has
always carried the conviction that affairs
were safe in his hands, and no
one has ever seriously sought to question his
political or personal honor. During the time
that he has represented his State in the SEN
ate, and, while at the head Of the Nations
finances, he has done p~rodigious service for
the people, and can look back upon all of it
with manly pride, built on the consciousness
of duty faithfully performed.
With characteristic honesty Of purpose, and
confidence in the justice of the position he
assumed, he entered upon the campaign Of
1885 with no mincing of words, no masking
Of principles. It was remarkable as one of
the manifest fights ever made in any State,
and succeeded largely because it de-
served success. A power among his
people, his influence was felt everywhere.
A fighter by instinct, he was present every
where. A statesman by natural inclination,
he was quick to discover the key to success,
and had the courage to possess it when the
fearful pressure was brought to bear upon
him by men less able and less courageous.
John Sherman conspicuously led the fight in
Ohio, wearing no shield, asking no favors and
taking no undue advantage. There were no
masked batteries in the Republican line, no
strategy, no deception. There was not a voter
in that State but knew exactly what it meant
to cast a Republican ballot. 1t undoubtedly
meant that it was an unqualified Endorsement
of Republican principles, and devel-
oped the fact that the Republicans
Of that State . were only too glad to
attest their fealty to them. It was one Of the
finest victories the party has won in years,
and will serve to arouse Republican enthusi-
asm everywhere, and to restore confidence in
the party that has done more for the country,
in its quarter of a century of control, than
any and ali other parties ever did, from the
beginning down.
Senator Sherman shines in an unusually
favorable light because of the juxtaposition in
which he is placed. The exposed corruption
of Democrats in Ohio and the alleged bribery
Of a Democratic Legislature to further the
personal ambition of a millionaire are matters
before the people to-day. AS these facts are
read and acted upon will the public profit
or suffer. The situation in Ohio is
an illustration of the character of
the two great political organizations.
Ohio Democracy hesitated at no crime, how
ever contemplate, that gave any promise of
capturing the Legislature. 1t is needless to
recount even those that were exposed and
proved to the satisfaction of all fair-minded
men. No villainy could deter certain men
intent on forging and stealing their way to
office. The credit of defeating these schemes
is due to the men who had the courage to lay
bare these frauds and to expel their would-be
benefciaries from the seats into which they
sought to steal. The lesson of all this is
plain. Republicans of other States, like those
Of Ohio, believe in Republican principles. It
remains for the leaders to give them opportun-
ity to march to victory under the old banner.