The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-24
EX-SENATOR MCDONALD.

The Cabinet RumOrs-The Administration,
the Civil Service, and the Campaign.
Interview in Chicago Times.
Ex-senator Joseph E. Mcdonald, of Indiana,
is at The Palmer House. He was asked by re-
porter last evening as to the probability of his
entering President Cleveland's Crbinet.
"Well." said ne, !aughingly, II see nv name
mentioned one day as Secretary of the Treasury,
and the next l the slate for Attorney
general. Now regard all this talk about any
changes in the Cabinet as mere rumor. see
the President every time / am in Washington,
and that is not infrequently / have never had
any conversation with him concerning any
| changes in the Cabinet know. however, that
he eutertains strong hopes that Secretary Man
ming will return to his post as soon as he is
physically able. The prospects for his speedy
recovery are now very promising. / have no
thought that Attorney general Garland will re-
sign. or that the President has any desire that
he should do So I do not believe, therefore,
that any changes will occur
81 think the administration is gaining in
strength" continued the ex-senator, ''and as it
grows stronger it will correspondingly strengthen
the party. AS the country becomes better ac-
ouainted with Mr.. Cleveland and his methods
they find them based upon an earnest and honest
desire his part to give the country an econom-
ical and honest administration of its affairs"
Ills that not Offset in some degree by the ac-
ton and sentiment of some of his suhordin ates
and others of the party at Washington who do
not fully agree with his policy2'
II think not He is the master spirit of the
administration. l think that any member of his
official family. from the Cabinet down, who
would entertain or be governed in his actions by
any opposition to the policy of the President
would be very soon called upon to resign.
know OF no case where any prominent member
of the party has ever been accused of endeavor-
ing to carry out any policy adverse to that of the
President"
How do the Democrats in your State regard
the civil serviceW
"The Democrats of Indiana are not in favor
of the civil service law as it now stands, al
though they find no fault with the President for
honestly and faithfully executing the law which
is there before him. That reform of the civil
service in some degree is necessary is recognized
By ALL But that form of civil service which be-
comes law which perDetuates men in Office and
creates virtually an official class is not favored
by the Democrats of Indiana or those of any
other State that am aware OF"
What figure will the Prohibitionists cut in
the coming campagn2'
I'm our State it is too early to say They are
strongly ORGANIZED and will make vigorous
campaign The number of votes they can
cure, however, will be influenced largely by cir
cumstances yet to occur, especially in a State
likRwours where the two national parties are
pretty evenly divided and well matched. The
prohibition movement in some sections is grow
ing rapidly. while in others it is dying out In
Indiana it is not so strong as IL was four years
ago. In the South and Southwest it is for the
time being powerful political element Prohi-
bitlon. however, will become an accomplished
fact with the millennium, but not before. As a
distinguished Presbyterian divine in our State
said once: Where it can be enforced it isn't
needed where it is needed it can't be enforced. !"
us it too soon to speculate upon the coming
presidential campaignp
"Well, yes, / think it is Still believe that
II the national conventions were TO meet this year
Cleveland would be renominated with us and
Blaine would head the Republican ticket. 1t
would be the old race. But two years may make
a great change. ! think that Cleveland will