The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-06
EX-SENATOR MCDONALD.
He Thinks Dakota VIII BE Admitted; Also,
Montana and Washington.


Interview in st. Louis Republican.
Senator Joseph E. Mcdonald, of Indiana
arrived in the city yesterday evening and took
apartments at the Southern
Mr.. Mcdonald said he was not averse to an
swering any questions in regard to the important
matters before Congress, but was of opinion that
none of the questions at present before Congress
were of very great Importance.
There is great deal of discussion going on at
present-especially on the outsde--in regard to
the admission of Dakota, but l myself have
heard it discussed in the Senate very little. NY
opinion in regard to the outcome of the matter
is that Dakota will be admitted during the COM
ing session of Congress-. / don't think the House
will decide against this measure when it comes
to the test But it will be likely to do so by
means of an enabling act; that is, allowing it to
come in upon complying with certain conditions.
1t is not at all unlikely that it will be insisted
upon that Montana and Washington territories
shall be included in the same enabling act. So
far the political phase of the question is con-
cerned, that would about even up matters, as
Montana is pretty reliably Democratic, while
Washington Territory is doubtful, and affords
an equally fair field for both parties. For my
self, think Montana should be admitted. The
most practical course in such occasions think
demands it. Our territorial governments are
anomalies and some settled action should be de-
termined on in regard to them. / think it moth
ing but fair that when territory becomes sufi
GENTLY advanced in population and development
tended that we shall have government of States,
and not one of States and territories. 1t is a
general proposition that territorial governments
are but transition States. l think, however, that
Montana has as much right to be admitted now
as Dakota"
Mr.. Mcdonald said that although there seems
to have gone out considerable complaint against
President Cleveland's policy, he himself saw no
reason why the President should not fully re-
ceive the support of the party. AS to the oppo-
stion by the Republicans in the Senate to the
Presidents appointments he said II have seen
no defined policy among the Republicans in re-
gard to them. ] shall be very much surprised if
they undertake anything further than to see that
such appointments as he has made are judicious
In regard to the presidential succession, he said:
For myself am in favor of Hoars bill. with
probably the principal feature of Randall's bill
added to it, which provides that electors shall
serve term of four years. l think that the
matter of succession, so long as it is controlled
by an &C. of Congress, ought to be vested in the
executive department. 1t is not in harmony with
our system of government that the Vlce-presi-
dent or Speaker Of the House shall fill the
vacancy, as is the law at present"
AS the reporter was about to leave. Mr.. Nc
Donald poiLted to his roll of manuscript and
said II am just writing toast to be delivered
10 Andrew Jackson at the Columbus banquet on