The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-07-09
Who Shall Head Our State Ticket:

In the selection of Gen. Ben Harrison by
the Chicago convention as the Republican can
didate for President, the great aim was to pre-
sent q candidate who. while fully as acceptable
to the entire country. was stronger shan any
other candidate in the doubtful State Of In
diana 1t was a recognized fact that to succeed
in this contest we must carry the Hoosier State
and Harrison's ability to do this was the con-
sideration that tipped the balance In his favor.
He was ia full accord with the Republican
party and was platform within himself. The
Same good judgment should govern the delbera-
tons of our State convention aud selection
should be made which, being acceptable on gen.
eral principles. is the strongest possible to be
chosen, at all critical points. Our candidate
should be q man whose life and character are
above reproach. and who stands squarely upon
the fundamental principles Of the party and
VINO has the ability to present the Republican
cause in an aggressive and forcible manner to
the people.
In Indiana at this particular time thsre 10
demand for an outspoken and clearly defined
advance position on The temperance question.
The Republican party demands this and the
State convention will respond to this demand;
this done. tho only thing remaining to give US
an unprecedented victory 10 to put . man
that platform for Governor who is in himself,
by his life work. guarantee of good faith, a
man who will empha size the party position up
on the question sufficiently to hold the Repub-
lican temperance vote. without which the fight
is lost.
number of good names have been mentioned
in connaction with thu race. there were in
the national contest Who among all these,
like Ben Harrison. is the strongest where
strength is most needed. where the greatest
strength is prerequisite to SUGGEST Governor
Porter occupies the position before the people of
Indiana that Mr. Blaine did before the country
after his Florence letter. He has declared his
upon the acceptance of this declar-
alton in good faith candidates
have been presented who otherwise would not
have been 10 the field. To our mind the caudi-
as was that Of Blaine, and while there is dis
position in many quarters to place him in the
race, as there was to force Mr.. Blaine upon the
Chicago convention, we doubt in his case, as We
did in that Of the Plumed knight. the wisdom
of such q course. The Standard desires the
strongest man available for this campaign and.
knowing that only with united party can we
succeed and that the temperance people must be
fully satisfied with the sincerity OF our party If
we hope to secure their hearty cooperation, il
maintains now. as it has for MANY months. that
Hon. Will Cumbsck is the key TO the situation;
that he is, by reason Of years of devotion to the
cause of temperance and by the relation he sus-
tains to the radical temperance people OF the
State, fully FIVE thousand votes stronger than
any other man for this race.
Some months ago. In presenting Governor
Cumback's name for the consideration of the
people in connection with the nomination for
Governor. the Standard stated that he was not
a candidate in the sense of seeking the nomina-
ton, and the same is true at this date. He has
done nothing and will do nothing to influence
the convention 10 bis favor. He will accept the
nomination and make the best possible canvass
If il is the judgement Of the party that he 10 the
strongest man. The race to him would only be
desirable in the event of the nomination coming
with degree of unanimity which wonld be an
earnest of vigorous and enthusiastic support.
We did well at Chicago; let rs make no mis-
take at indianapolis.