The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-14
How the Politicians view the Decision.

Democratic manipulators who support the
wishes of Green Smith were chary in their ex-
pressions regarding the decision. They were
not inclined to introduce the topic themselves,
but when they could not avoid saying some
thing they were content with letting it go by
with the generality, But one branch Of the
question was decided. TIE merits of the case
did not come up and the court simply holds that
it has no jurisdiction
But is not that the very essence of the ques-
tons' was asked of friend of Smith, and who
shares, to some degree, his confidence.
mo. True, the refusal of an injunction en-
dangers the rights of Smith to the Office greatly
but there are merits in his claim that have not
been passed upon A decision adversely to him
from the Supreme Court may settle the oues-
ton. can't say, as that has not been talked
over, but one thing is certain: Smith will pur
sue his claim to the last tribunal" In marked
contrast with this suggestion of bitter pursuit of
an alleged right, even to the use of revolution
AIRY methods, is the expression of a Democratic
lawyer, one who has suffered more for his party
than the aspiring Senator from Jennings has
done or is willing to do. He said: ''Since Judge
Ayres has decided that an injunction cannot be
issued am beginning to change my mind about
Greene Smiths title to the Office if he ever had
any. Judge Ayres is a very coasceptious man.
He is always exceptionally fair and careful in
making decisions, whether in large small
cases. l believe he is right"
That it is not all one way of thinking among
Democrats. even by Jealous partisans, is shown
by the remark of colleague of Smiths, who
said, 1T has always appeared to me that Smith
had weak case simply for one reason. | do
not doubt that if Governor Gray had died be-
fore the election Smith would have been acting
Governor but he could hold it no longer at
most than the duration of his term as Senator.
He holds over, but, in my opinion, if he has any
right at all to the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS it
would cease with his term as Senator. He
would then be succeeded by the new president
of the Senate as acting Lieutenant governor
This appears TO be absurdty." A friend of
the ambitious Senator from Jennings did not
admit anything of the kind To him Smith Sc
curing the office of Lieutenant governor by being
President of the Senate meant not only the i'm
possibility of anybody else acquiring title to it
by the same means. but Smiths continuation in
the Office after his term of Senator expired.
While the suit was only prospective, a matter of
consideration by all the leading Democratic at
torneys. it was given the injunction idea
came from Mr.. Mcdonald and that he fully in
dorsed it. Said one of the party yesterday
when the lawyers were talking about this case
Mr.. Mcdonald took decided stand against it in
any shape For two hours they piled him with
question after question in their efforts to trip
him. They failed and he left the consultation
room as firmly opposed as ever against any liti-
RdtlOu his opinion was Lnab the question Do
longed solely to the General Assembly, and the
Constitution provided means for its settlement"
Some speculation is current as to what the
Democrats will doif they miss their wishes on
appea. to the Supreme Court The general
opinion looks towards result that was sug-
gested as probability in the speech of one of
the lawyers for the complainant. He told the
court that injunction would perhaps save
grave difficulties. for he in his lifetime had seen
two presidents Of the Senate. addressed at the
ina hu thair fOll -
he continued, sit might avert assault and bat
terry