The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-26
IT Is A POLITICAL FARCE.
Such, the Democratic Editors Virtually
Declare, Is the Administration.
The Civl-Seryice Law Denounced in Vigorous
and Picturesque Language. and President
Cleveland Given Back-Handed Blow.

The sixth annual meeting of the Democratic
Editorial Association of Indiana, at the Grand
Hotel, yesterday, resulted in marked difference
of opinion relative to the party worth of Cleve-
lands administration. About thirty of the gen.
tlemen of the country press were present. with
Scott Ray. of the Shelbyville Democrat, presid-
ing, and Lucien Short of the Franklin Demo
crat fulfilling the duties Of. secretary. 1t was
President Rays address that shaped the interest
of the morning session. Among the salient
paragraphs was this one
1.-THE Democratic party should come into COM
plete control and possession of the governments.
Ii offensive and odious barriers prevent con-
summation of these hopes and desires, then it
becomes the duty, as it should be the pleasure,
of the Democratic press to lift its voice. and in
friendly but positive agitation demand the re-
moyal of Instructions which tend to thwart the
expressed will of the people So long as the of
ices are filled by men of both parties, the ma
jority adverse to the executive, if such be true.
SO long Is there government without defnl-
ton, policy without principle, child without
a father, pledge without a responsibility, a
great wind without drop of reign picture
without background. political farce, blum
derbus of inconsistencies, monument of depict
ed fidelity, and reflection upon the intelligence
OF the American people,"
Mr.. Ray offered no line of compromise on civil
service reform, except that he favored an honest
one which, according to his view. meant the
BUSTING of Republicans and putting Democrats
in their places Virtually, he did not think the
Republicans had any right in this government
since his party had accidentally come into power.
Although the address bore hard on the Demo-
cratic President, its expressions met with hearty
approval from decisive majority, although
there was discussion as to its fitness. A mo-
ton to have copies of it sent to Mr.. Cleveland
and the Democratic members of Congress was
adopted, but an hour afterward John B. Stoll, of
the South Bend Times, moved a reconsideration.
Mr. Stoll explained the situation very neatly in
saying:
'There have been three conflicting opinions
enunciated here to-day. Our president delivered
address which, in the light of Mr.. Shanklns
views, subsequently presented, might be called
inappropriate; and Mr.. Apologize has eulogized
that which the president condemned. In a spirit
of exuberance the association adopted resolu-
ton to transmit a copy of Mr.. Rays address to
the President Does not that request constitute
this address the expressed sentiments Of the as
sociation? Is it not fair that this convention
render an intelligent opinion respecting their
views on this subiecta have no particular fault
to find with Mr.. Rays theory, but, if we sit in
judgment on high officials, it becomes necessary
to render verdict impartially. want to know
whether Cleveland is responsible for the reten-
ton of socalled rascals If so. the arraignment
of Cleveland may be just but understand that
President Cleveland has made scarcely q
removal that did not incur opposition from
Democratic Senators and REPRESENTATIVES
If Cleveland has deferred to these. our
Represen tativeS, not for the discharge, but the
retention of Republicans, is it just that we hurl
this implied condemnation at the head of the
President of the United States2 The President
has indicated In many instances an intention to
GUST Republicans from Office, but has been de-
TERED by Democrats 1t is not just for us to as
sail him. He is engaged now in q controversy
with Republican Senate, and the Republicans
will hail with glee any manifestation of factional
opposition with his administration.
''We are not always in position to investigate
the cause of retantions. When talk of a
clean sweep, we lose sight of the law upon the
books, securing fouryears' tenure of Office in
the federal government A voice, damn the
law Is the President to be censured for obey
ing the law? Some one says damn the law; but
l don't think you could go before the people
with that inscribed as motto upon banners If
this law is wrong, and / think it is, our repre-
sentatives in Congress should bring about its
repeal, and not ask the President to violate the
law which he solemnly swore he would defend
and execute"
After spirited interchange of views suggested
by Mr. Stoll's position the motion prevailed and
the address was referred to the committee on
resolutions
The remainder of the morning session was
utilized in hearing addresses from James B.
Applegate, of the New Albany Ledger, on "a
Saving and It's Author" Col /. B. Mcdonald,
of the Fort Wayne Journal. on 1.-THE State
Press" Colonel Maynard. of this city, on the
labor question, and J. G.Shanklin. of the Evans
vile Courier, who favored the agitation of ques-
Sions that relate to the prosperity of the people
j. B. MAYNARD. Josiah Gwin, j. G. Shoe
maker, W. r. knight and DIR. T. I'll. Harrison
were appointed committee on resolutions,
In the afternoon Secretary of State Myers
read an eloquent eulogy on Thomas A. Hen
bricks. It dealt with the distinguished Demo
cratic leaders career from early boyhood to the
time of his death. The Grafton had many fine
passages of rhetorical tribute to the honored
dead 1t was expected that Mrs Hendricks
would be present, but she sent her regrets, say
ing that i'll health only kept her away.
Following the eulogy the committee on resolu-
tons submitted this report.
Resolved, That the address of w. Scott Ray.
president of the Democratic Editorial Association Of
Indiana delivered before the association to-day fairly
represents the views of this association upon the inn
portant topics discussed as also the views of the
great majority of the Democratic party of Indiana.
Resolved That the Democratic Editorial Associa-
ton fully comprehends the requirements of what is
known the civiservice act which went into opera
ton in July 1888 and that while concedng that the
President is endeavoring conscientiously to obey
the law this association believes that the law as It
stands is not calculated to reform the civil service of
the country and should be in many particulars amend
ed. or if it were repealed it would be in consonance
with Democratic principles of government.
Resolved That this association tenders to Mrs Hen
bricks the widow of Thomas A. Hendricks late Vice.
president of the United States, its profound SYM
pathy. Mr.. Hendricks, the leader of the Indiana
Democracy, venerated by the Democrats of the
State and by none more than by the Democratic ed
itors of the State who have often marched to VIC
tory while following his leadership and who now real
ze the great loss the party and the country have
tanned.
Resolved, That this association deprecates the
practice of certain Democratic Senator'S Representa-
tives in Congress and prominent politicians, in their
endeavors to retain in Office Republicans to the exclu-
sion of worthy Democrats, and that it denounces
such intercession hindrance to the purposes of
the President in Kidding the public service of the bene
fciaries of the Republican spoils system.
Resolved, That this association urges upon the at