The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-04
LAST NIGHTS MOB.

The city was both honored and disgraced
by the mob meeting last night, called in the
interests of the Trust. for the purpose of
arousing a sentiment in opposition to the
present introduction of natural gas. The
assemblags was disowned by the men inter
ested in it, when they found it was a fzzle in
point of attendance and recognized that
possibly a majority of those present were in
favor OF the prompt introduction of gas; and
so it fell under the control of parcel Of
fools, who foamed and frothed in approved
Style The principal fool wanted all the stock
holders and directors of the Indianapolis and
Capital City companies tarred and feathered
and thrown into White river, and the Indian
apolis Journal with them. This is fair
sample of the spirit of those who spoke
in the alleged interests of an organiza-
ton which Extensively assumes to be "the
people" of the people. by the people and for
the people. To paraphrase the remark of
General Bragg about Grover Cleveland, in
the Chicago convention, the Journal is quite
in love with itself for the enemies it has
made.
The Journal calls attention to the fact that
1t has studiously avoided calling names and
has treated everybody with the utmost cour-
tesy. Only once has this rule been hitherto
broken, and that was when the Journal was
charged with being "bought" to advocate
change in the ordinance by which rotten
he TO he ;v;,, IS
property and the destruction of life. Then
we broke reserve and characterized the
infamous charge in language somewhat
BETTING the provocation. Last night, in the
public meeting, Mr.. A. F. Potts got up and
attempted to explain its failure By saying that
the Journal had called it, and therefore the
people were chary about it. We desire to
say, in words that may not be misunderstood,
and so are all and singular those who, during
the progress of the disgraceful performance,
repeated Mr.. Potts's statement. The Journal
has stood about enough abuse from self
malicious slanderers of people better than
themselves, and serves notice now that from
henceforth it must stop, or there will be some
very plain talk used. The Journal did not
call the meeting, and had nothing to do with
it. The first public notice Of it was in the
News of Wednesday evening, and paragraph
embracing the information the News
gave was printed in the Journal of
60, ~
of shutting the mouths of those who would
say the Journal was responsible for the posi-
BILE failure of the meeting by failing to notice
it. No other allusion to the meeting ever
lowed the matter up and gave it another
notice and Endorsement last night We hope
the anti-gas organ Is satisfied with its
indignation meeting" and with the company
in which it finds itself.
So far as the Journal is concerned, we have
been moved solely by an earnest desire for the
best interests of the city from the beginning
of this controversy. We have had no pet
projects or opinions; have been liable to error
in judgment. as all others may have been;
but we have been constant and sincere in
the advocacy of that which seemed to be the
best thing for the purpose of securing
natural gas promptly, without danger of
monopoly. at the lowest possible rates and
under proper safeguards for the protection
and safety of the city and the people, We
are quite satisfied with the record, and abund-
antly satisfied with the present prospect of
interest that is selfshly opposed to the imme-
diate incoming of gas, and therefore, as we